LET OUR GUIDES TAKE YOU ON A WHOLE NEW ADVENTURE
Andy
Guide
A long time Queenstown local Andy has a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm with over 40 years of outdoor experience in the tourism industry. He’s passionate about providing outstanding guided experiences to each and every guest he meets. When he’s not guiding with BLACKZQN you can find Andy skiing, hiking, biking, boating, playing golf or fishing. His perfect day is getting outdoors and being active, followed by a glass of local pinot noir.
David
Guide
David came to Queenstown 40 years ago as a ski instructor and has loved it ever since. To this day he is still first on the Coronet Peak chairlift at the beginning of the season! Restaurant Maître di and Sommelier at many fine establishments, he has an amazing knowledge of food and wine along with an intimate understanding of the beautiful locations, experiences and interesting people who live in this region. David lived in the Cayman Islands for 5 years and has visited 38 countries. He is a great communicator and understands what it means to provide a caring and reliable service. His other loves are his wife and son, surfing and art for which he has quite an eye.
Maria
Guide
Maria is a local tour guide in Queenstown, renowned for her deep love for the outdoors and engaging conversation. Having resided in Queenstown since 1988, Maria's passion for outdoor activities has led her to explore nearly every adventure the area has to offer. This extensive firsthand experience has granted her an exceptional knowledge of the region's natural beauty and thrilling opportunities. Maria possesses a natural ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, fostering meaningful interactions with individuals of all ages and nationalities. Her conversational skills are effortless and authentic, making her the perfect companion for an enjoyable and engaging tour. Maria's personal interests include being a proud mum and wife, biking, hiking, golfing, water sports, skiing or snowboarding, tennis, yoga, nutrition, cooking, and travel. These passions enable her to provide well-rounded and immersive experiences for her guests. With Maria, you can anticipate an exceptional journey that combines local knowledge, genuine connections, and a shared love for the outdoors.
Margie
Guide
Margie has returned to her guiding roots with Black. She originally came to Queenstown in 1989 as a Ski Guide guiding skiers around Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Treble Cone, Cardrona & Mt Hutt and organising their apres ski & local excursions. As a professional ski instructor she worked mainly as a ski guide completing 10 years of back to back winters between Australia & New Zealand and Canada, France and Austria. In later years she worked in senior management roles in Queenstown for some of NZ’s leading corporations and more recently representing New Zealand boutique wines & craft beer to the trade. Passionate about customer service and meeting and hosting people from around the world she started her own business in 2010, a luxury Bed & Breakfast in rural Queenstown, which remained in the top 3 B & B’s in Queenstown on Trip Advisor right up to selling it in 2016. Along with her husband (& Black Labrador) they now run a small B & B in a rural area between Arrowtown & Queenstown. Hiking, biking and skiing remain her favourite activities in Queenstown along with tasting some of Central Otago’s award winning Pinot Noir. She looks forward to meeting you and introducing you to some of her favourites.
Frank
Guide
Frank was born in Queenstown, a fourth generation local whose great grandfather was the early runholder on Coronet Peak Station. After spending time teaching in Otago and Southland, he went on to serve in the Royal New Zealand Navy. Frank is a keen skier and cyclist, enjoying the many local trails. He is also a huge fan of our local food and wine and has his Private Pilot’s Licence. Frank enjoys nothing more than sharing his local knowledge with visitors to this absolutely stunning part of the world.
Henrik
Guide
Henrik is originally from Sweden, but has lived in New Zealand half his life - the last ten years in Queenstown. He worked as a scuba diving instructor/guide both in Sweden and the Maldives before opening his own dive school in Stockholm. Henrik and his then girlfriend, now wife, also travelled extensively before coming across the beautiful country of New Zealand. On moving to NZ Henrik became a flight attendant on Air New Zealand’s international services, primarily looking after premium customers during his 26 year long career. By being a guide for Black, he continues to provide a first class experience to visitors from around the world. In his spare time Henrik enjoys the outdoors with hiking, skiing, biking, classic cars and to sample the many fine wines in the region.
Mike
Guide
Mike has lived in Queenstown since 2006, in 2013 he helped out BLACK with some summer guiding, and has never left! In his time off he enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, biking and sampling the Central Otago Pinot Noirs. He is an excellent communicator and has a great knowledge and appreciation of the Queenstown area. He likes to understand the needs of each guest to ensure that they have a memorable experience and he can exceed their expectations every time.
Graeme
Guide
Graeme is South Island born and bred, having lived in Queenstown since 1993 and is very passionate about the Southern Region. Graeme was previously a farmer and has been involved in the tourism industry for 23 years and is renowned for his wealth of knowledge of the area and 4WDriving. His interests are varied and include golf, back country skiing, ice hockey, bagpiping, family and grandchildren. Graeme has traveled extensively and has a great ability to interact with clients from around the world and all walks of life.
Maggie
Guide
Maggie spent the majority of her life living at the beautiful beach of Mount Maunganui but a few years ago decided along with her husband to have another adventure and moved to Queenstown - a move they have thoroughly loved and embraced. Maggie is a very keen skier and is lucky enough to ski with her daughter, husband and 2 Grandboys on both the local ski fields. She is also a keen walker and biker and enjoys the many local bike tracks here and around New Zealand. Maggie loves the outdoors and the different climate the Wakatipu region has from the North Island. She enjoys meeting people from all walks of life and in particular, as a Guide for Black - showing them our magnificent part of the world.
Kim
Guide
Kim grew up in the country and has always enjoyed the outdoor life and adventure. Her family’s love for the outdoors brought them to Queenstown over 12 years ago and they now have a country home near Arrowtown where along with her husband run a very successful luxury Airbnb business. Hospitality has always been a passion and she now enjoys having people come and stay from all over the world to enjoy their piece of paradise. As a guide, with extensive knowledge of the local area and its history, Kim loves to give her guests a lasting memory of this special place and it’s amazing people. A fun person to be around making people feel instantly at ease with her warm and welcoming personality. She is an avid skier, hiker, and mountain biker who takes advantage of the stunning alpine landscapes that surround the Wakatipu region. When she's not working, Kim loves nothing more than exploring the great outdoors, spending time with her family, entertaining friends and enjoining a cheeky Pinot the area is renowned for.
Adam
Guide
Adam inspires, educates and leads in an authentic and charismatic way. He is passionate about offering visitors to Queenstown experiences that are unique, fun, luxurious and local. Adams' family connection to the area is generational and he was fortunate to grow up in this amazing outdoor playground. Adam enjoys conversation, nature, spectacular views, hiking in the mountains, cycling, skiing, art, fresh food, craft beer and Pinot Noir. Come on an adventure with this enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide.
John
Guide
John is a keen skier, hiker, biker, and wine collector and Queenstown is the perfect place for all those activities. With a background in business management, he has travelled widely but now loves living and working in Central Otago. Showing guests all this region has to offer when they visit is a privilege and he focuses on the best whether hiking, wine tasting or sightseeing.
Mick
Guide
A self confessed ’wine geek’, Mick has been a part of the local wine industry here in Queenstown for over 15 years. Originally from across the Tasman, Mick’s background as a sommelier at Australia’s top restaurants was perfect grooming for his role as a wine guide. His extensive knowledge of the local region and it’s wine has earned Mick the reputation as the guide for the rich and famous, and former clients include some of the world’s hottest celebrities! Mick’s easy going nature and cheeky sense of humour provides a relaxed and friendly tour experience for all involved. He loves to chat and he’s great at tailoring the dialogue to benefit all comers, irrespective of wine knowledge. Mick loves golf!
Grant
Guide
Grant has an extensive knowledge of New Zealand having lived from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island throughout his life. He has spent his life exploring New Zealand and in particular the South Island as a free diver, commercial diver, hiker, mountain biker, hunter and fisherman. He has also travelled extensively around the world, but has now been happily settled in Queenstown for the past 20 years. Grant’s passion for our region has led him to a career with BLACK as a professional guide. For over ten years he has had the pleasure of meeting people from all over the world and sharing uniquely kiwi experiences with them.
Liane
Guide
Liane is originally from Brazil, and came to Queenstown for New Years in 2007 and never left. She swapped the busy city life of Curitiba and the corporate world for the beauty and tranquillity of the Southern Lakes. She fell in love with a farmer and now lives on a small sheep farm. When she is not showcasing the region, she can be found in her accounting office. In her spare time, you will find her hanging out with her family, helping around the farm, gardening, and in winter, snowboarding.
Phillip
Guide
Phil has close historical family connection to the area which complements his love of the physical components that make up the Whakatipu. Combined with 45 years working in professional services, bookended by involvement in the tourism industry guiding (both in New Zealand and overseas) equips Phil well to show people around an area he has a passion for.
Phil
Guide
Phil, originally from the UK, moved to the North Island of New Zealand in 1978. He visited Queenstown in 1993, and as is the story with many others, fell in love with Central Otago and never left. Phil has extensively worked in the ski industry and in tourism. He worked as a Jump Master for AJ Hackett Bungy for 25 years and that is where he met his future wife of 24 years - yes, she fell for him! Passionate about the outdoors, Phil likes to spend any spare time skiing, hiking, biking and fishing - when he’s not travelling, a passion he shares with his wife. He very much enjoys sharing his knowledge of the area he loves with visitors and guiding for Black allows the perfect opportunity to do this.
Gavin
Guide
Gavin moved with his wife to Queenstown in 2014 for a change in lifestyle. Having been a manager of a food processing company, slowing down and enjoying the food, wine and landscape of Queenstown and the surrounding area has been easy. While running a boutique bed and breakfast, connecting with travellers has been an enjoyable experience. The opportunity to show more people the amazing place he lives brought Gavin to Black and he loves that being a guide with Black enables him to share his take on the area.
Rupert
Guide
Rupert is a proud New Zealander who is passionate about the outdoor lifestyle that the Queenstown / Otago region offers and loves sharing his excitement, knowledge and experiences of this paradise with Black’s clients. Previously a 35-year career in sales and marketing in NZ and abroad and extensive travel has developed Rupert’s keen interest in engaging with people from all walks of life. Rupert is a keen skier, biker, golfer, hiker, aviator, sports all-rounder, family man and wine appreciator. He is ready, willing and able to deliver an extraordinary guiding experience.
John M
Guide
John is a Southland born and bred farmer who after his studies returned to the family farm and ran it until retiring to Queenstown a couple of years ago. The farm has been in his family for 100 years and whilst taking a break from farming, he travelled to England where he became a Contiki driver/guide for two years all over Europe. Upon returning to the farm he raised three children with his late wife and was very involved in the local community. John loves to travel, meet new people and believes we live in one of the most beautiful places on earth, which he gets to share with Black clients.
Ricky
Guide
Ricky is a born and bred “Southern man” having lived in the South of New Zealand for the majority of his life. He has owned a holiday home in Queenstown for over 30 years, before settling permanently in Queenstown 15 years ago. Ricky has spent his entire working career in the financial services sector, spending the last 25 years as owner and CEO for a local financial advisory firm which specialised in portfolio management for high nett worth individuals, trusts and overseas clients. A passionate ambassador for the Central Otago region he thoroughly enjoys highlighting the gems our district has to offer including our wonderful wine industry, stunning golf courses and scenic cycle trails, all off which he actively participates in.
Anne
Guide
Anne and her husband recently made Central Otago their full-time home, relishing the proximity to family and the great outdoors. They both cherish this move. Anne is passionate about activities like biking, tramping, skiing, and golfing, which she can now enjoy with ease. With a profound understanding of the region, having both holidayed and lived here, as well as running a successful Airbnb, Anne takes delight in sharing the beauty of Central Otago with visitors. Her background in teaching and physical education equips her to connect with people warmly and naturally. Anne looks forward to introducing you to the region's breathtaking landscapes, exciting outdoor adventures, and renowned wines and food.
Kate
Guide
Kate first lived in Queenstown 20 years ago as a youngster and recently found her way back to the mountains. She's lived all over the world for 9 years working in hospitality and tourism then stewarding on superyachts in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Back in New Zealand Kate ended up on Waiheke Island for 9 years working in local wineries and is still involved in the wine industry in Queenstown. A fun and warm person, she loves meeting new people and swapping life stories while showing them the incredible sights of Queenstown and the surrounding area. Kate can be found on the stunning trails the region has to offer either skiing, mountain biking, hiking or running, likely followed by a cold dip in the lake.
Evan
Guide
Evan moved to Queenstown in the early 1980s after completing his Engineering degree in Auckland. He soon became enmeshed in outdoor and adventure activities, climbing most of the peaks in the Whakatipu Basin, invariably flying off them in a paraglider. Evan played a star role in the seminal 1987 Kiwi movie, The Leading Edge, before beginning a career in tourism with AJ Hackett Bungy. Developing his own business, taking multi day guided walks to Stewart Island and Fiordland, Evan calls it a privilege to be able to delight visitors with the constantly evolving diversity of landscapes, flora and fauna found in Aotearoa. "I am always learning from customers and enjoy understanding their different perspectives" says Evan. Living in rural Queenstown, Evan helps his wife with their flower farm and menagerie of horse, chickens, dog and cat. He keenly follows the careers of three adult children and is a passionate skier, mountain biker and tennis player. Evan continues to enjoy and explore and welcomes the opportunity to share his passion and knowledge with BLACK customers.
Tania
Guide
Tania arrived in 1993 for a ski season, I never really left Queenstown. I quickly fell in love with the environment, the vibrant energy, and the incredible people here. What I adore most is the convenience of having everything at your fingertips – skiing, biking, hiking, tennis, water sports – it's all right here. One of the things that captivates me about Queenstown is its four distinct seasons. Each season is unique and brings its own charm. I can't decide which one I love the most; they're all so special. As a proud mother of three children, I'm delighted to say they represent the 6th generation born in the Wakatipu region. Thanks to them, I can proudly claim a local connection. While my iwi (tribe) isn't native to this area, I've been irresistibly drawn to the Wakatipu, and I hold a deep affection for it. This is my cherished home. I'm passionate about traveling, meeting people, and sharing stories. It's a pleasure to connect with others and explore the world, and I'm excited to welcome you to the wonders of Queenstown and its surroundings.
James
Guide
James grew up in on the North Shore in Auckland, surrounded by the sea and beaches. His career has been in accounting and as a professional director specialising in strengthening and developing business through strong financial management and leadership. James's love affair with Central Otago began when he, along with his family, started skiing, hiking and exploring the great diversity of the region. In 2020, James and Lynda decided to make Arrowtown their home and since then he has worked hard to embrace the lifestyle of a Southern Man. A great day for James is a bike ride along one of the many picturesque bike trails, hiking through the rugged and hilly terrain or teeing off on the golf course. James’s other great passion is exploring beyond New Zealand either to follow a sporting event, climbing mountains or cycle touring. Family holds a special place in James's heart and with three children each living in a different corner of the world, this provides a great excuse to travel. As a guide, James wants to share his knowledge of the region and ensure that every guest gets to experience the wonderful history, landscape and beauty of Central Otago.
Bruce
Guide
Bruce is an expert guide and angler who revels in every moment on the rivers and lakes of Central Otago. As a local for over four decades, over the years Bruce has owned 3 restaurants, managed ski teams at Coronet Peak, and was even one of the first people to jump off Skyline as a paraglider. Not only is Bruce versed in the history of the locale, Bruce has a wealth of knowledge on the region and shares his love and enthusiasm of the outdoors with his guests. In his spare time, you will find Bruce fishing for trout in the alpine rivers of Central Otago.
Ben
Guide
Ben is originally from the UK but has called Queenstown home since falling in love with both New Zealand and one of its local residents many years ago. His energetic zest for life and a love for the outdoors is evident through his own local business, Paddle Queenstown. When Ben is not enjoying the lakes you’ll find him guiding, sharing his extensive knowledge of the region and enthusiasm that cannot be matched.
Steve
Guide
Steve has been visiting the Southern Lakes since his earliest days. He purchased a house in Queenstown in the late '70s and made it his permanent home in the last 5 years. The Queenstown region has always held a special place in his heart. Steve's early career revolved around Central Otago and Fiordland, with a background in the aviation sector, followed by a rewarding stint in the bicycle industry. Not to mention his time spent as a ski instructor and bicycle tour guide, all right here in the best place in the world! Interacting with visitors to the region is something Steve is truly passionate about. He strives to ensure they get the most out of their time with BLACK and other local activities guests may choose to experience.