Meet the Heart Behind Great Kiwi Trips: Discover New Zealand Travel Experiences
- Great Kiwi Trips
- Nov 13
- 3 min read
Kia ora! 👋 I’m Luke. Born in the Waikato, schooled in Auckland, and spent my 20s and early 30s with Air New Zealand, first in Auckland and then down in Queenstown. Travel’s been in my DNA for as long as I can remember - starting as Dad’s chief map navigator on road trips often ending up at Mum’s favourite spot, Mount Maunganui.
I’ve been lucky enough to see over 40 countries, but there’s something about New Zealand that always pulls me home. After a few years in Wellington and my first crack at home ownership, I ended up in the Wairarapa - slower pace, big skies, good people. These days I’m based in Christchurch, still exploring and helping others see Aotearoa the way locals do.
That’s how Great Kiwi Trips came to be. I’ve lived all over this country, and every place has its own heartbeat. I wanted to build something that helps travellers feel that — not just tick boxes, but truly immerse themselves in the land, the people, and those small, magic moments in between.
In Māori, there are two words that capture the heart of what I do: kaitiaki and manaakitanga. Kaitiaki is a guardian, a caretaker - someone who looks after the land, the people, and the experiences entrusted to them. Manaakitanga is about generosity, kindness, and looking after others - ensuring everyone feels welcome, respected, and truly cared for.
That’s exactly how I see my role at Great Kiwi Trips: as a kaitiaki of the experiences I create, and guided by manaakitanga in the way I care for travellers — helping you connect with Aotearoa while feeling supported and looked after every step of the way.
I still remember my first time in the Marlborough Sounds. I thought I was ready — but the quiet coves and glassy bays got under my skin. Every turn felt like a secret the land wanted to share. That feeling — that real connection — is what I want you to experience too.
Who We Are
We’re a small, tight-knit team with a big love for this country. Between us, we’ve explored every corner - from the far north’s beaches to the deep south’s wild coastlines - and we bring that first-hand experience into every trip we design.
Luke – Founder & Chief Explorer: Chases that sweet spot between thrill and peace - the hidden trail, the tucked-away café, the view that stops you mid-sentence.
The Insider: Our local legend - knows which festivals are worth the detour and where to find the best fish and chips in town.
The Planner: – Keeps every detail sorted so you can focus on the fun stuff - not the logistics.
Our Story: Bringing Real New Zealand Travel Experiences to Life
Great Kiwi Trips started with a simple belief: travel should make you feel something. Not just tick boxes or fill an itinerary - but connect you with people, places, and moments that stay with you.
Every itinerary we design is shaped by real journeys we’ve taken. From the mist rolling over Fiordland to a sunny lunch in a Coromandel village, we craft authentic New Zealand travel experiences that connect you with the land, the people, and the moments that stay with you.
Why We Do What We Do
For us, travel isn’t about seeing more - it’s about feeling more. It’s the laughter over a shared meal, the quiet before sunrise, the unexpected detour that turns into a favourite story. These are the moments we build into every trip - the ones that sneak up on you and stay long after you’ve flown home.
Start Your Kiwi Adventure
Every traveller’s story is different - and that’s the fun part. We’ll help you design a journey that fits who you are, what you love, and how you like to travel.
