About us
Our Story
We care deeply about delivering memorable experiences that will exceed your expectations.
meet our teamHow it all started…
Altitude Tours began in 2017 with one simple idea: to create the best wine tour in the world.
Armed with a vision (and a glass of Pinot in hand), a few friends set out to design a premium wine-touring experience that combined deep local knowledge with incredible hospitality.
We obsessed over the details personalising the ordinary and systemising the extraordinary. After some trial and error, we launched what quickly became Queenstown’s top-rated wine tour, and in 2021, we were awarded the title of World’s Best Wine Tour. We knew we were onto something
From there, things snowballed. We expanded our offerings to include scenic tours to Glenorchy and Paradise, private charters, and premium sightseeing experiences around Queenstown. The concept of ‘small group, big adventure’ was born.
In 2019, we acquired the legendary Milford Sound BBQ Bus – a cult favourite that had been delighting guests for 25+ years. This opened the door to one of Aotearoa’s most iconic destinations and allowed us to bring our style of touring to the stunning Fiordland region.
As our team, fleet, and product range grew, so did our commitment to excellence. We invested heavily in guide training and even developed our own Altitude wine and beer accreditation, ensuring that every wine guide is certified and every experience delivered to the highest standard.
Today, Altitude Tours offers unforgettable small group day trips across the Queenstown Lakes and Fiordland regions, with premium vehicles, passionate local guides, and consistently exceptional reviews. In 2025, our Milford Sound Experience was ranked one of Tripadvisor’s Top 20 Experiences in the World — a proud moment for our whole team.
We are also proud to be part of the Tourism Innovation Group, embodying their values of customer experience, sustainability, and innovation raising the bar for premium travel experiences in New Zealand.
We believe tourism can be a force for good. We’re committed to sustainable practices, deep local partnerships, and creating meaningful connections between visitors and the places they explore. From the vineyards of Gibbston to the peaks of our national parks, we’ll keep crafting experiences that are as unforgettable as the landscapes themselves.
Our Vision
To create and operate the world’s best day tours.
Our Mission
To provide unforgettable, sustainable, and unique small group premium New Zealand experiences, connecting visitors and the local community in a harmonious way.
Our Values
Keep It Real / Kia Pono, Kia Tūturu
We show up with integrity, honesty, and openness — always real, always authentic.
Sweat the Small Stuff / He Hua Iti, He Hua Nui
It’s the little things done brilliantly that create extraordinary experiences.
Love Our Place / Manaakitia i Tō Tātou Taiao
We care for our environment, communities, and future generations.
Make It Personal / Whakawhanaungatanga
We personalise the ordinary and systemise the extraordinary.
Brave the Future / Kia Māia, Kia Auaha
We push boundaries, embrace change, and lead with innovation.
Better Together / Kotahitanga
We support each other, celebrate together, and create space where everyone belongs.
Our Founders
Nigel Hobbs – [email protected]
Heidi Farren – [email protected]
HUMBLE BRAGS
Multi-award winning tour operator.
We are proud to be a Qualmark Gold awarded company with many of our tours being rated and awarded top within their categories.
WE CARE MORE
Sustainably conscious experiences.
It’s important to us Altitude Tours is an environmental and economic sustainability business.
READ OUR ETHOS
The Altitude Team.
ALTITUDE CO-FOUNDER
NIGEL
Nigel is a born and bred southern man who has travelled all over the world for the last 20 years exploring and working in locations such as Russia, China, Indonesia, France, Singapore and Australia. He has a huge passion for all things tourism and is focussed on creating world class travel experiences.
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ALTITUDE CO-FOUNDER
HEIDI
Heidi is a born and bred kiwi girl who hails from the North Island. After finishing school, she moved to Queenstown where she studied Tourism Management and has called this beautiful region home ever since. Having worked in tourism for her entire career in various guiding and management roles, Heidi was looking for a new challenge and after a few months of planning and discussions Altitude Tours was born!
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GENERAL MANAGER
GRAHAM
Graham grew up in Ireland but has been calling New Zealand home since 2011. Ever since his first travel experiences around Europe through to a six month stint around South East Asia he has loved everything about travel and tourism. Through this he has spent the last 12 years working in tourism in New Zealand where he has always been focused on delivering excellent customer experiences.
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OPERATIONS MANAGER
TIM
Originally from the North Island, Tim made the move south in 2011 and never looked back. After studying Adventure Tourism Management at Queenstown Resort College, he launched his career on the water with Mitre Peak Cruises, Shotover Jet and KJet before heading to Australia, where he held senior roles in operations, training, and business optimisation.
Now back in Queenstown, Tim brings over a decade of hands-on experience across tourism, sales, and retail to his role as Group Operations Manager for Tourism Innovation Group. Calm under pressure and passionate about delivering world-class experiences, he ensures our operations at Altitude Tours run seamlessly. On his days off, you’ll catch Tim hunting, fishing, biking, or skiing - making the most of the epic backyard Queenstown has to offer.
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FLEET MANAGER
BEN
Ben is originally from the UK but has called Queenstown home for well over a decade after falling in love with a gorgeous Kiwi gal… His energetic zest for life and a love for the outdoors is evident through his own local business Paddle Queenstown! When he’s not out on the lake you’ll find him guiding one of our amazing tours with his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm that can’t be matched!
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ACCOUNTS MANAGER
AMANDA
Amanda is originally from Scotland, but after travelling the world found her home here in Queenstown and almost 10years later is still as in awe of the beauty of the region as she was on that first flight in. With a passion for travelling and the outdoors you will often find her out on the local trails or off on a new adventure. Coming from a background in social work Amanda has an eye for detail and a love of helping people which means she is perfectly suited to be working in tourism with Altitude.
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KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER
ALIA
Alia has joined the Altitude team from Mornington Peninsula, Australia. Having grown up in a prominent wine growing region of Australia and with experience working at multiple wineries, she is excited to share her knowledge and love of wine with our guests. After travelling North America, working in the outdoors, tourism, and recreation, Alia had found herself here in Queenstown. It’s the perfect location where she is surrounded by her favourite things; lots of wine, mountains to snowboard on, and lakes to float on in the summer!
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RESERVATIONS & PRODUCT MANAGER
SAMMY
Sammy is originally from Auckland, and after spending 5 years living overseas she decided to move back home and settle in beautiful Queenstown. She loves the outdoors and in her spare time you'll find her skiing or hiking on one of our local trails. She has spent most of her career working in tourism, planning itineraries for people around the world and throughout New Zealand. She has a passion for this region and for helping others get to experience it which made Altitude Tours the perfect fit!
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LOGISTICS MANAGER
TATIANA
Tatiana, a valued member of the Altitude team, originally comes from a small town in Canada. As a passionate adventurer, she has spent several years traveling and working around the world before choosing Queenstown as her perfect home. From hiking in Hawaii and basking in the sunshine of Australia to witnessing unforgettable sunrises on Mt Batur in Indonesia, Tatiana has explored some of the world’s most amazing places. When she's not working as our Reservations and Logistics Manager, you’ll find her snowboarding down the slopes or exploring the breathtaking Otago landscape.
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RESERVATIONS & LOGISTICS TEAM LEADER
GWEN
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Gwen’s journey began with backpacking through Europe and Australia before she made her way to New Zealand for a summer adventure. Years later, she’s still captivated by the beauty and lifestyle of Queenstown, the place she now calls home. As our Reservations and Logistics Team Leader, Gwen combines her love for the area with her passion for helping others discover all it has to offer. When she's not working, Gwen enjoys hiking, biking, and baking. Her travels have fuelled her dedication to the tourism industry, and she’s thrilled to be part of the Altitude team, helping others facilitate amazing experiences for our guests.
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ACCOUNTS & LOGISTICS SUPPORT
MARRIAH
Marriah was born and raised in a small town of Washington State where Mount Rainier was quite literally at her doorstep. She came to visit New Zealand back in 2017 where she fell in love, packed her bags and has now called Queenstown home for the last 5 years. She loves hiking and camping and in her free time you might see her out locally on Tobins Track, out in Paradise or just across the way at Moke lake. Being in the hospitality industry for most of her life she loves meeting new people from all over the world which inspired her to want to help people further explore the beauty that New Zealand, the place she loves has to offer which has landed her here with us at Altitude.
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RESERVATIONS & LOGISTICS
TAMARA
Originally from Scotland, Tamara came to New Zealand for a short visit but, like many who visit Queenstown, fell in love with the area and decided to make it her home. With her exceptional attention to detail and dedication, she plays an important role on our Reservations and Logistics team at Altitude Tours. When she’s not at work, Tamara enjoys combining her love for pasta bake with staying active through running.
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RESERVATIONS & LOGISTICS
HANNA
Born and raised in Finland, Hanna has always had a deep love for the outdoors. Passionate about hiking, rugby, and the world of Lord of the Rings, it's no surprise that New Zealand caught her heart. What began as a 9-month backpacking adventure has now turned into calling Queenstown home. With a background in tourism from living in popular destinations in Finland and France, Hanna is thrilled to bring that experience to Queenstown. As part of our Reservations and Logistics team, she’s dedicated to ensuring every guest has a seamless and unforgettable experience in this stunning part of the world.
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AMBUR
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RESERVATIONS & LOGISTICS
IVY
Originally from Bristol, UK, Ivy first came to New Zealand for what was meant to be just one ski season but quickly fell in love with the stunning scenery and vibrant lifestyle of Queenstown. Now a valued member of our Reservations and Logistics team, Ivy brings a calm, friendly approach to ensuring every guest’s experience runs smoothly. When not at work, you’ll most likely find her snowboarding at Cardrona, tackling a new climbing route, or exploring one of the region’s many scenic hiking trails.
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GUIDE
ANDY M
Andy is a born and bred kiwi whose greatest passion is the great outdoors and adventure sports. Andy has been tour guiding in and around Queenstown and NZ since the mid 80’s including 4WD, motorcycling, skiing, hiking, gold mining, nature tours and now adding wine tours to his repertoire. His extensive knowledge, fun personality and love of people makes Andy an amazing tour guide for the variety of tours Altitude Tours operate.
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GUIDE
JAMES
James is a proud Queenstown local of 15 years and still loving it. He has travelled around the world, but the beauty and adventure of Central Otago keeps drawing him back. On his days off you can find James hiking the local trails, playing sports such as cricket, golf & basketball, or enjoying a few drinks with friends & colleagues. As a guide with Altitude, James loves meeting people from all around the world and showing them the ‘majestical’ beauty of the most spectacular areas of our region.
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GUIDE
ANA
Ana, originally from Mexico, came to NZ 8 years ago with the WHV, and after doing some travelling around the world she has decided to come back and settle down in beautiful Queenstown.
Since she was little, she has been all into nature conservation and also an adventure seeker, she is a passionate rock climber and mountaineer. She likes to say that mother nature is her medicine and her temple.
Ana has an ecotourism background, she loves talking to people and sharing stories and places that will make their journey memorable, and while doing so, she keeps reminding herself to never stop being astonished at the beauty of this breathtaking landscapes that she now gets to call home.
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GUIDE
CHELSEA
After growing up in the small Fiordland town of Te Anau, Chelsea has always felt most at home in the mountains. From crewing boats along for coast, and guiding the Milford Track, Chelsea has made sharing some of New Zealand’s most iconic locations her day job for over 10years. In her spare time, Chelsea is often out hiking, running the local trails, or studying for her certification in Women’s Health Coaching.
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GUIDE
NEVILLE
Nev first came to Queenstown as a 16 year old when he won a ski holiday from Auckland, he then returned 2 years later cycling by himself on an old pedal bike, with his sleeping bag and great love of adventure. He instantly fell in love with the Southern Lakes District. Being a keen skier and mountain lover Nev worked at Coronet Peak Ski Resort driving Snow Groomers and driving tourists to Milford Sound.
After gaining his commercial helicopter pilots’ licence in New Zealand he moved to Australia to raise his family. He is now finally back in his “happy place” living in historical Arrowtown. With his lifelong love of skiing and (his new jetboat!), nothing makes Nev happier than to share this passion and the scenery he enjoys everyday when he drives Altitude guests through this paradise.
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GUIDE
DO
Do, originally from the Netherlands, came to NZ for the first time in 2016 as a backpacker. Having lived in 4 different countries and traveled around the world, she feels most at home in Queenstown.
The energy and magic that NZ contains makes it the perfect place for Do's imagination to run free and she will take you on an adventure filled with true stories and a touch of fantasy!
As a tour guide at Altitude Tours, Do can combine everything that she loves: Wine, Lord of the Rings facts, stunning views and storytelling. She loves to be part of a beautiful memory that her passengers will hopefully cherish for the rest of their lives and she may even pop up in a few photo albums of the trips to NZ!
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THOMAS
Born and raised on New Zealand’s North Island, Thomas has always chased adventure, whether it’s surfing, skateboarding, or snowboarding his way through the seasons. A keen trail runner and gym enthusiast, he finds balance in staying active and pushing his limits outdoors. Off the trails, you’ll find him deep in a textbook. Thomas is a PhD student majoring in neuroscience with a minor in psychology. Taking some time out from his studies as an Altitude Tours guide he brings energy, curiosity, and a genuine passion for sharing his country with others.
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GUIDE
LEONIE
After 28 years running a successful design business in Auckland, Lee followed her heart to Central Otago, a place she’d long loved from countless family holidays. Now based among world-class mountain bike trails and hiking tracks, she embraces life outdoors- finding balance and inspiration in the region’s forests, rivers, and lakes (with a well-earned local gin or Pinot Noir to finish the day). Through her guiding, Lee shares her creative flair, deep local knowledge, and genuine passion, crafting unforgettable experiences that capture the true spirit of Central Otago.
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SHANAY
Shanay was born in Brazil and spent over a decade in the Amazon region. After finishing her studies she decided it was time to see more of the world. She travelled the world but in 2016 when she came to New Zealand she immediately fell in love with it and decided to call NZ home. Shanay is a skydiver and loves the outdoors but also allows herself some chill Netflix time or a nice dinner out with friends. Holding a masters degree in Linguistics and a passion for nature makes the perfect combo for her to host people from all over the world in Queenstown and our amazing surroundings!
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GUIDE
ASHLEIGH
Ash is original from a beautiful area at the top of the South Island called Golden bay/Mohua, surrounded by the mountains of Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks.
She has a big soft spot for the outdoors and came to Queenstown on holiday a few years ago and it was love at first sight as soon as she drove down the Crown Range!
Her passions are in foraging, natural medicine our ancestors used and hiking!
Ash loves sharing the beauty of Aotearoa with people from all around the world whilst on tour.
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GUIDE
KEVIN
Originally from China, Kevin has been calling New Zealand home for over 10 years, with most of this time spent in the stunning Queenstown region. He came to Queenstown initially for a photography job, but quickly fell in love with the breathtaking landscapes and the vibrant, welcoming community. Kevin appreciates the friendly atmosphere and the rich diversity of cultures that make the area so unique. In his spare time, Kevin loves exploring the region’s beautiful tracks on foot or by bike, always seeking new ways to enjoy the outdoors. His passion for Queenstown and its surroundings makes him an ideal guide to show you the best this incredible place has to offer!
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GUIDE
BETH
Born and raised in Porirua, right behind the Whittaker’s chocolate factory, Beth’s journey has taken her across New Zealand and through a variety of exciting careers. She made a bold decision to leave her long career in the Police Force and retrain in Outdoor Adventure and Education. When Beths not guiding, Beth stays active by mountain bike trail riding, motorcycling, kayaking, and even diving into f powerboat racing. Her diverse experiences and adventurous spirit make her the perfect guide for Altitude Tours!
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GUIDE
ASH
Originally from Wellington, Ash arrived in Queenstown in 2014 in search of adventure and quickly found it. With over a decade in the tourism industry, he’s worked across some of New Zealand’s most iconic experiences, from bungy jumping to guiding in hiking, skydiving, and ski adventures. His career has also taken him abroad, with work opportunities throughout Australia, Asia, and Europe. Now happily at home in Queenstown, Ash spends his spare time hiking, biking, kayaking, or enjoying a good craft beer or local wine. More recently, he’s discovered a love for motorbikes but his curiosity for new experiences doesn’t stop there.
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GUIDE
CHASE
Originally from Oregon, USA, Chase has always had a passion for the great outdoors. After first falling in love with Queenstown while on holiday in 2023, this year he decided to move back and make it his home. Chase loves sharing New Zealand's stunning scenery and natural beauty with guests from around the world. When he’s not guiding tours, you’ll find him hiking a new trail, testing his trivia knowledge at the local pub, or catching the latest movie in theatres.
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STU
Born and raised in The Netherlands, Stuart once spent his days behind a desk - but the best part of every day was biking to work. It didn’t take long for him to realise he needed a bit more adventure in his life. So, he packed his bags and moved to Crete, where he became a boat captain and led diving trips across the Mediterranean.
A few years later, his partner convinced him to head to New Zealand - and he’s been hooked ever since. These days, Stuart has traded the ocean for the mountains and loves guiding people on land just as much as he did at sea.
Whether it’s cruising through Milford Sound, exploring Mount Cook, or tasting wines in the Gibbston Valley, Stuart’s office views are some of the best in the world. Join him on tour and discover what makes this place so unforgettable!
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