About Tekapo Adventures, our people and our story
We are a small family-owned business with a deep passion for Nature and remote backcountry experiences. Founded by a Kiwi Canadian adventure couple who have spent over 15+ years together, living and breathing wilderness adventures between New Zealand’s Southern Alps & Canada’s remote Coast Mountains of British Columbia.
Ben & Cristina, Lily & Toby have formed their dreams and passion of sharing with people from around the globe the beneficial experience of accessing truly remote and breathtaking wilderness areas to enhance people’s lives.
Driven with a passion to share the simple naturalness and breathtaking scenery found in The Mackenzie backcountry, Tekapo Adventures was born. Offering inspiring gateways for people to access and explore the wonders of the beautiful Mackenzie Country Wilderness.
BEN & CRISTINA, OFFICIAL AMBASSADORS FOR NEW ZEALAND’S LEADING OUTDOOR BRAND
Living in The Mackenzie Country has instilled in us a deep connection with the land here. Simultaneously, we’ve developed strong partnerships with some of the most beautiful High Country stations near Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki & Mt Cook.
As a result, our exclusive partnerships offer us private access with more than 70,000 acres to New Zealand’s most impressive and pristine High-Country wilderness. Our small team of guides are also legendary hosts within The Mackenzie Country. You’ll be sure to leave with a world of local knowledge and full belly laughs.
Ben & Cristina, Lily & Toby have formed their dreams and passion of sharing with people from around the globe the beneficial experience of accessing truly remote and breathtaking wilderness areas to enhance people’s lives.
Driven with a passion to share the simple naturalness and breathtaking scenery found in The Mackenzie backcountry, Tekapo Adventures was born. Offering inspiring gateways for people to access and explore the wonders of the beautiful Mackenzie Country Wilderness.
“Our years of experience guiding people by wilderness hiking, mountain biking and 4WD have given us a deep understanding of how to create & execute some of the finest wilderness experiences that inspire and enhance people’s lives.”
See more about us through our sister adventure company:
Our Mackenzie Country Experiences range from memorable scenic 4WD tours or hut to hut backcountry hiking trips.
We wholeheartedly believe there is a lot of good that comes from getting more people out into nature, allowing them to connect with the natural environment on many different levels.
Whether you enjoy beautiful scenery, embark on sunday drives or are an avid backcountry hiker and explorer; Our Mackenzie Country Experiences range from memorable scenic 4WD tours or hut to hut backcountry hiking trips, offering remote access into the heart of The Mackenzie Country’s outstanding natural landscapes.
Meet Our Guides
Ben
Founder & Guide
Ben
As kiwi as it gets, hails from a long history of guiding throughout New Zealand and overseas. From The Milford Track, driving jet boats on the Hollyford track, or multi day hiking tours and enduro mountain bike expeditions, he is a man of many talents! Filled with a rich and passionate knowledge of geology and history, and wild places. Ben is the co founder of Tekapo Adventures and enjoys sharing his passion with people from around the globe. On his down time you can find him riding bikes with the kids, hunting and tramping and fixing vehicles!
Cristina
Founder & Guide
Cristina
A Can- Iwi as we call her, shes born in Canada and lives in New Zealand alongside Ben and their little two monkeys. You’ll enjoy her local knowledge and passion for nature and wild places, alongside her rich experience in guiding throughout the southern alps by hiking and Mountain biking for over 16+years. She looks after alot of the admin and marketing and sales and you can also find her behind the driver’s seat too! On her down time you can find her exploring nature with the kids, or doing yoga.
Paul
Guide
Paul
A Tekapo local ( Content To come !) On his down time you can find Paul planting native trees for the community, or spending time with his grandkids. He’s a devoted Lake Tekapo community man, always ready for a an adventure.
Chris
Guide
Chris
A legendary Tekapo local who you can find helping a hand to anyone or likely spinning a good yarn with his wonderful and hilarious story telling. A jack of all trades and to us we call him “grandad” you will enjoy his local spirit as much as the wonderful tours he runs.
Why Choose Tekapo Adventures
Choosing Tekapo Adventures means opting for a uniquely immersive experience in the Mackenzie Backcountry. Our intimate knowledge of the land, family roots, and commitment to sustainability make every journey with us not just a trip, but a foray into the heart of New Zealand's natural majesty. Join us to discover why our exclusive access, expert guidance, and diverse, educational adventures set us apart as the preferred choice for discerning explorers.
FAMILY HERITAGE
Join our family. Experience the warmth and personalized service that can only come from a family-run venture. We actively explore and share wonderful experiences with people from around the globe and our small family in The Mackenzie Backcountry. A part of our hearts lies in the landscapes found here.
DIVERSE EXPERIENCES
Whether it’s a peaceful 4WD tour or a challenging Alpine hike, our diverse offerings cater to all adventure spirits. 4Wd day tours to remote mutli day hiking experiences, we enjoy the diversity of exploring the Mackenize Backcountry in many ways.
EDUCATIONAL JOURNEYS
Expand your horizons. Our trips are infused with insightful narratives about the local ecology, geology, and history.
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS
Unveil the hidden corners of the Mackenzie Country with our unparalleled access to private lands. We hold exclusive access to some of New Zealand's most incredible high country stations.
EXPERT GUIDES
Learn from the best. Our guides are not only wilderness experts but also storytellers of the land.
SUSTAINABLE ADVENTURES
Journey with a clear conscience. Our eco-friendly approach ensures the preservation of these landscapes for years to come.
