Craig Wilson - Lodge Manager, Chef
Son of company founders, John and Lynnette Wilson, Craig did his share of guiding in the park and building the Lodges he now manages. He trained with renowned chef, Ruth Pretty, in Wellington before heading to London where he helped set up Freedom bar/café, still operating on Wardour St, Soho. His journey includes being 'chef to the stars' and operating his own restaurant at Cederman House, Riwaka, before taking the helm at the family's lodges in the park. Read his story published in Hospitality Magazine.
Shannon Trimble - Assistant Lodge Manager
With adventure tourism qualifications from Otago Polytechnic, Shannon was part of our guiding team for six seasons from 2013. After guiding in Norway and competing in multi-sport endurance races, she was back on our team for the 2020-1 season, to learn cooking and lodge management. She took time out to learn construction skills, then came back to assist our lodge manager, Craig Wilson, in 2023.
Cat (Catherine) Taylor - Chef
You could call Cat a Southland girl, working in Tourism and Hospitality in Fiordland and Wanaka. After joining our boat hosts in 2017-18, she went travelling, following her passion for cooking, then returned to work in our lodges in 2019. When Covid hit, she took up a baking apprenticeship in Dunedin, coming back to work with us in 2023. This year she is assisting our lodge managers to design menus serving the best available fresh ingredients.
Amber - Cook
Being a local from Motueka, Amber loves the outdoor life, and beaches in our region. She loves to travel and any spare time is spent exercising in the open air.
Ranui (Ra) - Cook
As a mother of four, Ra is ideally qualified to work as a cook at our lodges but her background shows a preference for outdoor adventuring. She trained as a DOC ranger and has worked in forestry, landscaping and as an outdoor instructor for adventure-based learning. Joining our lodge team in 2023 was her first venture into hospitality.
Kellan (Kell) - Cook
Originally from Portland, Oregon, Kell now calls Riwaka home. She draws on years of experience working on luxury super yachts to provide exceptional service and a love of cooking to provide tasty meals to Wilsons' adventurers. When she is not cooking, you'll find her in her in her garden or at one of the region's lovely beaches.
Cristian
Originally from Chile, Cristian first came to New Zealand seven years ago on a working holiday visa. He travelled the country taking a variety of jobs, then settled in Nelson to work as land-based deck hand in the fishing industry. He received citizenship following the Covid pandemic and has worked in our lodges since 2024. Next year, he will apply for permanent residency in New Zealand.
Kadeisha
I love working out, cooking, my family, dancing, and the outdoors.
Tegan
Born in the Uk and raised in Nelson, Tegan comes from a hospitality family with experience in everything from hotels, to restaurants and bars. She has a degree in Education and Sociology from Victoria University of Wellington. In her spare time she loves to travel and spend as much time as possible having adventures of all sorts.
Piero
Originally from Chile, Peiro has been living in New Zealand for seven years. He loves practicing sports. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is his favourite. He also enjoys working on cars. With a National Park so close to a really nice, quiet town, Motueka is his chosen place to live.
Hannah
Born and raised in the Top of the South, between Motueka and Havelock, Hannah has grown up exploring the many beautiful places our region has to offer, and working on her adventuring skills. She loves mountain biking, tramping, rock climbing, swimming and snorkeling, as well as anything else that gets her outside in the sun. Sheâs very excited to be working with Wilsons for the first time this summer.
Bailey
Baileyâs strong understanding of people and hospitality comes from her experience as a barista, housekeeper, waitress, and bar attendant. A nature lover and adventure enthusiast, she enjoys helping guests connect with the outdoors and make the most of their experiences.
Jade
Raised on Banks Peninsula, Jade later moved to Dunedin to study Neuroscience and Psychology. Every summer, she worked in fruit orchards, which deepened her love for nature. She enjoys being around people and has always loved living close to the sea so is super excited to be working in the Abel Tasman region this summer.
Izzy
Born in Åtautahi, Christchurch, Izzy studied at University of Canterbury, graduating with a degree in Psychology, minoring in Sociology. Moana (ocean), Maunga (mountain), and NgÄhere (forest) are held close to her heart, so she is grateful to be working surrounded by them in one of Aotearoaâs most beautiful National Parks.