Bush and Beyond is the original guiding company in Kahurangi National Park.

We are the only company who 'specialise' in Kahurangi, and we are very passionate about it! We have been guiding walkers throughout the park for the past 17 years.

Owner/operators Bill Rooke and Maryann Ewers are committed conservationists. The firm has built a sound reputation as an ecologically based operation, with a concern for the Park's natural values. (See our conservation statement.)

Maryann is a descendent of two of the early pioneer families of the district. Both she and Bill have had years of experience tramping and exploring in the area, and have a vast knowledge of flora, fauna and history to pass on to clients.

Both Bill and Maryann are experienced members of the Tasman land based Search and Rescue team.

Our other guides have similar knowledge and experience, are registered with the business, and the Department of Conservation.

 

 

Our team is a wonderful blend of youth, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm.

Bill - Bill is co-owner/operator of Bush and Beyond. He is passionate about our natural biodiversity, and loves to impart his knowledge with all who will listen! Along with Maryann, they are co-founders of two conservation projects in Kahurangi NP.

 

Maryann – Maryann is also co-owner/operator, and Bill’s partner in life as well as Bush and Beyond. She also has a passion for NZ’s natural biodiversity, and is a self confessed ‘bird nerd’ and can be heard confusing clients as she whistles (or talks) to the birds throughout the walk. Her ancestry goes back to the first German settlers in the district, in the mid 1800’s.

 

Andy – Andy is a very popular Bush and Beyond guide. His stories of his life’s adventures keeps people entertained throughout their time with us. He is world famous in Kahurangi, for his homemade black current jam – a must on every trip! He is also a volunteer in our conservation projects.

 

Nick – Nick is our ‘goffer’ – go for this, go for that! He is our driver, as well as our food deliverer. Another man with wonderful life stories to impart. He’s renowned for cooking up a storm with our fish dish at the Heaphy Mouth Hut. To watch the interaction between these 3 men is hilarious! Nick’s local history also goes back to the early European settlers in this area.

 

Cindy – Cindy is our ‘day walks’ guide, and also guides on our Cobb Comfort trip. She also operates a vegetarian catering service, ‘Food for Thought’. So if you have Cindy on one of your trips, you can be assured of top class cooking, along with her fantastic knowledge of our flora and fauna. Like Nick, Cindy is another local, dating back to the early European settlers.

 

Steve – ‘Enthusiastic and Energetic’ would have to be the words to describe Steve! Tall enough to have his head in the clouds, but feet large enough to keep him firmly planted on terra firma – unless he can find something to climb! Always good for a laugh, and a helping hand if needed. Steve is a graduate of Whenua-iti Outdoor Pursuits course and the NMIT’s Adventure Tourism course. Steve is also a volunteer in our conservation projects.

 

Cliff – We are so pleased to have Cliff back with us. ‘Gentle Giant’ is an apt name for him. He first guided with Bush and Beyond about 8 years ago, but for the past few years he has been an ice guide on Franz Josef Glacier, and also worked for the Department of Conservation on their kiwi programme. He is also a graduate of the Whenua-iti Outdoor Pursuits course. He has returned with his lovely wife Tash, and their gorgeous 3-year old daughter, Rowi.

 

Sam – Unlike many of our staff, Sam is a new immigrant here from the UK, with her husband Dan and two sons. She has jumped into NZ bush life with a vengeance!