About TAIAO
Join us as we explore the beauty of New Zealand's outdoors while preserving its natural wonders for future generations.
We are Taiao Adventures
We are an activity operator who offers accessible fun outdoor tours. We lead by example creating strong connections, positive contribution, and thoughtfulness to the environments we explore.
At Taiao Adventures, we're not about cookie-cutter experiences. We're here to provide authentic, personalised adventures that reflect the unique spirit of our team and the stunning landscapes we explore.
Join us, and discover why we're more than just a tour company – we're a community of friends dedicated to making your time with us truly unforgettable.
Sustainability Commitment
Taiao Adventures provides authentic, eco-friendly outdoor tours led by grassroots leaders. Our tours explore lakes, glow worm caves, and the Waimangu Valley while prioritising environmental conservation.
We take extra care to preserve the glow worm habitats, consulting with a renowned expert to ensure they are not disturbed by our tours in any way.
Meet the team
Kia ora friends! At Taiao Adventures, our team is at the heart of everything we do. We're not just guides – we're passionate individuals dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for you. Our close-knit team fosters a fun and vibrant culture, ensuring that every adventure with us is filled with joy and excitement.
Nev
Owner/Manager/Guide
About Nev
Nev is an experienced outdoorsman with a lot of love and respect for the local lakes of Rotorua. With his grassroots leadership he ensures our valves thrive, keeping connection, contribution, and care for the conservation at the forefront of our business efforts.
Nev's love for the outdoors is shared by his beautiful family, you will regularly find Nev, his wife, and their 4 children living that true kiwi lifestyle. Kayaking and SUP is just the start, add surfing, beaches, skateparks, hiking, if you’re looking for a good time they are experts.
Alongside always being ready to help you plan your next adventure or teach you about the amazing culture Taiao Adventures is creating. Nevs time and energy is dedicated to elevating every aspect of the business, taking it to the next level, setting us up as leaders in the community.
Tom
Owner/Operations Manager/Guide
About Tom
Tom has a great love for the outdoors and makes sure to always follow his passions and dreams. After sitting down for a cup of tea with Nev 5 years ago Tom knew he had found a place where his visions and positivity could shine.
Tom may not be a kiwi but you wouldn't know it, he’s one of the most relaxed, coolest, barefooted guys you’ll meet. Creating his own path Tom loves getting outdoors, hiking, mountain biking, and exploring New Zealand. From all of his travel and backpacking days it’s true testament to how amazing our Rotorua Lakes and tours are for him to now call us home. Tom said “it's that moment when people see a geyser or glow-worms for the first time and the absolute captivation that follows... you just can't beat it”!
Behind the scenes Tom works tirelessly to ensure our operations are exceptional. He’s on the ground, on the phones, and everywhere else you can imagine the business may need him. We are very lucky to have Tom making sure the days run smoothly!
Jannel
Communications Marketing & Sales
About Jannel
Jannel immediately fit into our team bringing her passion for adventure and Rotorua tourism with her. You might not see her out guiding your tours but that is because she is busy creating our new and exciting connections.
Jannel loves getting outdoors and taking her young family to explore new environments, having New Zealand as our backyard is the dream. She will always be happy doing anything water related - hanging out at the lakes and beaches, swimming, kayaking, boating, and most importantly spa days!
She has been busy putting many hours into Taiao Adventures and ensuring the business is built around our visions & values. Helping create a space where we can educate, connect more, contribute more, put more time and energy into our conservation, and of course have more awesome activities available!
Jess
Tour Guide & Education Program Executive
About Jess
Some people turn into family, and that’s Jess! She’s been with us since the beginning, after joining in on one of the first ever tours she loved it so much she asked for a job. We have been lucky enough to have her as part of our team ever since.
Jess is a true local and loves being immersed in nature and seeing the untouched beauty of Rotorua's surroundings. She loves hiking, swimming, foraging for plant life, trying to surf (her words haha) and the occasional sup yoga session.
Alongside being a fantastic tour guide, Jess has put a lot of time and love into developing our Educational Tours which we are very proud to be introducing to our Tamariki. Bringing young people into the outdoors to explore the rich history of Rotorua, Geothermal Landscapes, Geysers, Bioluminescent Glow Worms and also provide the excitement of kayaking and Paddle Boarding is an extremely rewarding position for Taiao Adventures.
Zita
Tour Guide
About Zita
Zita has been with us for many years now and we LOVE having her here in Aotearoa guiding our tours. She brings her bright energy and enthusiasm to work everyday, creating fun for everyone!
Zita is a massive fan of watersports, whether it's white water kayaking or paddling on the lake, she is in her element. Constantly joking and enjoying each day as it comes, if you have had the honor of Zita taking your tour then you will be among the countless people who adore her.
We stand out from the crowd because of our guides and the experiences they take you on, we are so lucky to have Zita as part of our team!
Jacob
Tour Guide
About Jacob
Jacob first came to Rotorua because of the incredible access to adventure sports and our diverse community. While out Kayaking on the Kaituna River he bumped into some of our guides who brought him out to participate in our tours, he loved it and has been a part of our team ever since! Every tour with Jacob is fun, professional, and educational, you’re in for a real treat if you land him as your guide!
Jacob says “I was overwhelmed with the beauty of the tour and knew I'd be so happy spending my evenings in such a serene place. I love meeting new people from around the world and engaging in the natural wonders together. There's real magic out there on the lake at night and sharing the sense of awe and beauty with folks from all over is pretty special”.
Forrest
Tour Guide
About Forrest
Forrest heard about us through friends and already having a love for kayaking everything just fell into place, he’s been a dedicated member ever since! Forrest said “we have fun everyday getting to introduce people to kayaking, helping them explore our environment, and sending them away with memories that last a lifetime!”. We are so proud to offer a space where our community who travel from all over the world can share experiences and spend invaluable time with epic guides like Forrest!
When he’s not on the lakes you will find him on the fields, with a passion for football Forrest is a devoted player. He’s also fond of getting out for a game of disc golf and if those activities haven't tried him out, he and his flatmates have just gotten a trampoline!
Ellen
Tour Guide
About Ellen
While camping at Okareka enjoying the evening and looking over the beautiful lake, some little red lights appeared and glided along in the distance. Curious to what they were, an investigation began, leading Ellen to our doorstep! Immersing herself into our world Ellen has become an awesome member of our team, bringing her love of adventure with her!
Having moved from Auckland to Rotorua it was important for Ellen to find somewhere with the opportunity to have fun, be among people with similar passions and values, and explore the outdoors daily. We are so glad Ellen saw us that night and now gets to live her best life while connecting with people from all over the world. Ellen embodies our happy culture and it reflects through every tour, always creating a special connection and experience for all.
We believe that the connection we share with our staff is what sets us apart. It's this bond that infuses every aspect of our business, from the moment you book your tour to the memories you take home with you.
When you join us, you're not just another guest – you're part of our adventure-loving community.
Adventure awaits...
Grassroots leadership, natural and authentic guided tours exploring the outdoors.
We proudly adventure through the lakes, glow worm caves, and Waimangu Valley while being very mindful of preserving the environment.
Experiences
Hours
9am - 5pm, 7 days
Contact Details
Taiao Adventures
Rotorua, New Zealand
0224279136
info@taiaoadventures.com