SCOTT WEST (“WESTY”)

Owner , Chief Guide and “Fun Maximiser”

Scott or “Westy” as he is known locally has been skiing at Treble Cone, Wanaka’s local ski resort since he was 8 years old.  He was once called King of the Mountain when he was skiing up to 90 days per year.  That’s winter…. for the rest of the year, Westy guides clients on all the best mountain biking tracks in Wanaka or he’s travelling with his private tour guests to all the most unique and picturesque locations in New Zealand.  As a professional tour guide for over 20 years, Westy ensures that every trip is about maximising fun –  touring the NZ’s south island or ensuring their Cardrona Ski Resort holiday is hassle free.

RICHARD MEYLAN

Senior Guide and “The Busy Retiree”

“Well …..I’m retired when I’m not working!” quips our lead guide, Richard, when asked about what he does when he’s not busy working for us.  With a geography and communication background Richard is a keen hiker and biker with his passion for food and wine helped by a stint living in Paris.  Whether he’s guiding a fascinating bike track or introducing our guests to the unique wine varieties of our region, Richard makes every trip stimulating and informative. As he says “It’s really a priority for me that our guests not only enjoy the day but they also have the opportunity to understand and be inspired by the breathtaking landscape that is so integral to the wine they’re tasting.”  His only limitation?  His rugby team loyalties still lie to the north…. but we’re working on him!

HEIDI MORRIS

Guide: “The fittest Granny in Wanaka”

Heidi has lived in Wanaka for over 40 years.  Growing up on a farm in South Canterbury, Heidi is what’s known in NZ as a “good keen lass”.   Originally trained as a nurse she has worked for many years as a voluntary ambulance officer and outdoor first aid instructor.

But Heidi is happiest when she’s outside.  She is a relentless biker and hiker and there are very few places in the South Island backcountry that Heidi hasn’t explored on foot, bike or by 4WD.   In more recent years, Heidi has also guided biking groups on long distance adventures in Australia, North America, Europe and Africa.   As a beloved Granny, Heidi has now added running after her five grandchildren to her busy activity schedule.

CALLUM GRANT

Guide: “Mountain Man and Movie Star”

Well it’s not everyday we get a genuine movie star working as your guide!   Callum appeared as “Alfred Gregory” in the 2013 movie, “Beyond the Edge” about Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary’s monumental and historical ascent of Mt. Everest in 1953.   In real-life, Callum is an NZMGA Climbing, Trekking and Glacier Guide. When not guiding clients in the high mountains of the NZ Southern Alps, he works part time at our local Mt Aspiring College running biking, rock climbing and tramping trips for students.

Callum is a passionate biker and skier having worked as first responder at Cardrona Bike Park and as a Ski Patroller at Treble Cone since 2005. He has also worked as a bike mechanic around the Wanaka region. He loves the local tracks and exploring new regions.  And he’ll also sign an autograph if you ask.

MARTIN ROWAN

Guide: Meet our “biking legend” – Martin!

Given the amount of biking both road and mountain that Martin does, we are surprised he hasn’t “sprouted” handle bars. Originally from central London, Martin started competitive cycling at age 12 and working as a bike mechanic from 17 to pay for “his addiction”. What followed was years of racing and working as a race mechanic with the British Cycling Federation mixed in with mountain biking racing and skiing over the winter months. In 1991 Martin travelled to Canada for a ski season with his MTB as his only means of transport. Meeting up with a group of “kiwis” he discovered Wanaka. A place where you can easily combine both his passions: biking and skiing. He’s never left!

“FLY”

Guide: “The Covert Organiser”

Most people who live in Wanaka will not be able to tell you “Fly’s” real name. Everyone will recognise his face, his cheeky sense of humour and energy giving enthusiasm for all of life’s adventures…but getting Fly’s real name will be a challenge.  Fly has been involved in the NZ Ski industry, as a guide and salesman for over 20 years.  Add to that, with endless back to back seasons in Revelstoke Canada will give you an idea that he has a bad case of “Ski OCD”. While he tries to minimise his time away from the snow, Spring and Autumn sees Fly biking, hiking and enjoying Wanaka’s stunning outdoor pursuits.

But beware, Fly is a “covert organiser”, you won’t realise that during your trip with him he has organised the rest of your holiday for you, planned your trip to Canada and made a dinner reservation for you at his favourite Wanaka restaurant.  You have been warned!