Murray Black - Chief Skipper
Having paradise as an office, has kept Murray working in the Abel Tasman since 1999. He has worked on most of our boats, now a qualified Inshore Launch Master. Born in Nelson, his overseas travels give him a working knowledge of the German language. As a volunteer on the brigade assisting clean up after storm damage on the West Coast, he shows true kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the environment.
Alan Noble - Skipper
Brought up by a keen boating family in Motueka, what does a Boat Skipper do on his days off when he's been working on our boats for over 20 years in the Abel Tasman National Park? He takes his own boat into the National Park and beyond.
Jack Waddell - Skipper
As soon as Jack gained qualifications in Outdoor Leadership and Management at Otago Polytech, he left his hometown of Dunedin to spend the summer as a kayak guide in Abel Tasman National Park in 2016 and worked towards his Skipperâs ticket. Heâs worked as a kayak instructor in US summer camps, and on fishing boats out of Greymouth, joining us a Skipper in 2022.
Seb Kelliher - Skipper
Born in Aukland and raised in Motueka, Seb is John Wilsonâs grandson. Leaving school, he started an engineering apprenticeship then joined our team in 2015 and gained his Skipperâs qualification. After Covid disruptions he was employed on fishing boats on the West Coast, then spent 2 years as engineer on Cook Strait Ferries. He rerejoins us this season as Skipper.
Richard Escanilla - Skipper & Guide
Raised in Manila, Philippines, Richard joined a ship as a seafarer to see the world. On one particular sailing as a crew member of an expedition ship, he experienced sailing the seven seas. He has since voyaged throughout the Pacific, and now resides in New Zealand, where he pursues his love of the ocean as a Sea Kayak Guide / Skipper in Abel Tasman National Park.
Amanda Theriault - Boat Host
A childhood spent in Novia Scotia, sailing the rough seas of the North Atlantic with her family, set Amanda up for a lifetime of sailing adventures. She has travelled in every continent (except Antarctica) and landed in New Zealand in 2018, working as chef. After cave guiding at Ngarua Caves (Takaka Hill) she joined our boat crew in 2022. She was a chef at our lodges for one season, then returned from travelling overseas to work on our boats this season.
Nathan Downey - Boat Host
Local rugby and cricket legend, Nathan grew up in Nelson, fishing with has grandfather on the Tasman coast. There were also many hunting and fishing expeditions on the West Coast, Anatori region. He joined our team straight from school in 2023.
Anjelo Mascarenhas - Boat Host
Born and raised in Mumbai, I traded the city life for New Zealand's stunning landscapes. With a Diploma in Adventure Tourism Management from Queenstown Resort College, I've developed a passion for creating unforgettable experiences. Motueka's vibrant community and proximity to world-class outdoor adventures make it my perfect base. When I'm not out exploring the great outdoors or chasing the wind on my kitesurfing board, I'm immersed in the tourism industry, sharing my love for adventure with others.
Maiya Catling - Boat Host
Having grown up in a seaside town in England I've always found myself on and around the water. After moving to Nelson ten years ago I've spent many summers in Kaiteriteri and the Abel Tasman. For the last six years I've spent my time travelling and working in the hospitality industry. After completing a superyacht crewing course at NMIT in May, I'm excited to be out on the water in the Abel Tasman this summer.
Jared Williams - Boat Host
Iâm a Kiwi, born and raised in Tauranga New Zealand. Ever since I did the rockslide at Cleopatra's pool I fell in love with the Abel Tasman. When my older sister Chelsi moved here I've always had a sweet spot for it. Growing up near the beach meant I was into water activities, from representing New Zealand in Canoe slalom to biscuiting behind the boat. Iâm really looking forward to my first season working in the park.
Eli Sweeting - Boat Host
Born in England, after countless hours working and adventuring in the outdoors, Eli studied for a degree in Outdoor Leadership and Management. He has worked in many fields, including climbing and watersports, and gained boating experience with the Harbour Master. Most recently, he worked in Milford Sound on the day cruises. He is now expanding his horizons in the Abel Tasman.
Ben Holyoake - Boat Host
A ârealâ local, Ben attended Riwaka Primary and Motueka High School. After a season guiding in Ngarua Caves (Takaka Hill), in 2018-19 he did a Dept. of Conservation Ranger certificate at NMIT, with a placement on the Chatham Islands, then a season guiding in Te Anau glow worm caves. He returned home to work for Nelmac conservation programmes, and joined our boat crew in 2022.
Graham Wilson - Driver & Mechanic
Cousin to John Wilson (company co-founder), Graham was one of the first hosts at Torrent Bay Lodge (late 1970s). Working in the motor industry since then, he was New Zealand Rally Champion 1979. This year, he retired from working in Rangiora to settle with his wife in Motueka.