Our Guides
The most important asset of Canterbury Trails are the people who work for the company. All our guides are well travelled with a good understanding of cultures, world issues and current affairs. They take pride in surpassing the standards that have been set; in terms of passenger comfort & safety, their driving skills, route knowledge and tour management. All are passionate and knowledgeable about New Zealand, are considerate and display a high level of service and integrity. Our guides provide a full commentary in the vehicle as well as interpretation when on guided walks.
Current Guides:
John
John was born in the UK and brought up in the Lake District and Northumberland. As a result he has always preferred the outdoors. He spent 20 years in education involved in sports, expeditions and teaching Geography and Biology in the UK, Argentina and New Zealand. He was even Principal of an English Language School for a short time. He arrived in New Zealand with Sally in 2003 and since arriving has spent time in the hospitality industry and guiding on the South Island. John enjoys travelling, trekking, sports and keeping fit.
Gavin
Gavin was born and schooled in the UK. He has a degree in photography and spent 15 years as a professional photographer mainly in travel and advertising. He is well travelled with his favourite places being Barcelona and Santorini for their architecture and cultures However, he prefers quiet remote areas such as Dartmoor and the South Island of New Zealand which is why, at the age of 35 when he found out he was a citizen of New Zealand he moved here. He claims to be the country's best teller of feeble jokes and bits of useless information. Fortunately, he makes up for this by having some rather amusing stories and being very knowledgeable. He is into films and lives with his partner Bronwyn, a scatty dog and a couple of cats who all wonder when his house renovations will be completed!
Allan
Allan was born and spent the early years of his life in the jungle of South India where his father was serving in the Royal Navy. Tired of 'conflict' his father moved the family to New Zealand - a choice made because, of all the his Empire colleagues he got on with Kiwis best! Allan started training in medicine but changed to Business and Administration and having been an International Trader and Systems Analyst realised the future was in computing, He set up and managed his own company for 20 years writing computer systems for international trade. Having retired, Allan has kept busy teaching English to Japanese Students, computing to prison inmates, doing technical writing, some accounting and business consulting. And also guiding! He has an amazing array of stories and is married to Carol. They live in a beautiful house that does not need renovating so he has time for fishing and bird watching. Allan does, however, have to chop logs for the wood burner!
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