Shelley Ryder
I am a true blue, jandal-wearing, BBQ-loving kiwi. My favourite spot in New Zealand (after the beautiful Wanaka where I live of course) would have to be the small coastal town of Akaroa. I grew up in the city of Christchurch and just one hour away was Akaroa. My family still has a good old kiwi summer house there and spending time with them in bare feet, enjoying BBQ dinners, wading in the sea, and soaking up the extraordinary landscapes is what life and New Zealand are all about for me. There are so many spots still like this in New Zealand - untouched pieces of paradise. Getting the chance to share these secret spots with visitors and hearing about them afterwards is what initially drew me to travel and still gives me a buzz today. I believe the best holidays are created together so I will spend time really understanding what you want our of your New Zealand adventure, how you like to travel, the sorts of experiences you are looking for and of course any places in New Zealand you have heard about and are on your wish list. Once I have a good handle on that and how long you plan to visit for I will draw on all my experience to craft an initial itinerary and then together we can evolve it until it is perfect. I firmly believe that New Zealand is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday and as such, I take great care in ensuring it is perfect and tailor-made just for you.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I am a New Zealand specialist and have in-depth knowledge of all activities, places to visit, points of interest, driving routes, etc in New Zealand. Touring holidays are the best way to really immerse yourself in an authentic New Zealand experience and I am an expert on both self-drive and independent coach touring (using the national bus network to tour around rather than a car). "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I became involved in travel very early on in my career with many years in hospitality working all over New Zealand and then overseas. After a while overseas it became clear to me that there really is just nowhere like home and it was time to return. We are spoilt with so much diversity on our backdoor step here that sharing my beautiful country with visitors and giving them an authentic “local experience” became my calling and I've been doing it ever since. There are so many hidden gems here and as a passionate kiwi, I just love to get my customers “off the beaten trail” and show them my New Zealand."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Seeing New Zealand through locals' eyes can lead to some unbelievable experiences and recently I had the pleasure of joining a small team of South Island locals and going on an unbelievable walk through the lush rain-forest of our West Coast. It is like stepping back in time with only our native birds as companions along the way. It was filled with extraordinary smells, beautiful colours, and a coolness that New Zealand rain forests cloak themselves in. It was strange but the silence was like nothing I have ever heard before. Reaching a windswept, desolate beach without a single footstep on it was magical. As was being collected by helicopter from that very same beach and experiencing a birds-eye view of the vast and majestic Southern Alp Mountains landing on one of the highest points for a beverage with a fantastic view! It is experiences like this that stay with me always. That to me is what travel is all about. "
Shelley's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
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