Adrift: Our Story
We are an outdoor adventure guiding company, based out of Taupo and Ruapehu located in the centre of the North Island.
We specialize in trekking, hiking and canoeing adventures throughout the Whanganui and Tongariro National Parks, including New Zealand’s best day one-day walk, The Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the famous Whanganui River. We operate all year, summer and winter and whether you’re a novice or keen adventurer we have a tour to suit.
Professionally we have had 21 years of experience and personally far more with qualified instructors. Adrift is qualified and is registered with NZ Worksafe DoC Qualmak and has yearly 3rd party external safety audits. Our guides will ensure your safety whilst explaining the geography, history, culture and flora and fauna of the Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks, and New Zealand.
We guide every day with wind, rain, snow and even brilliant sunshine. All tours depart from the Adrift Tongariro base, 53 Carroll St, National Park Village. Our base – on the border of both National Parks, has its own shop, bathrooms and retail.
Meet Our Guides
Get to Know the People Behind the Adventure
Our guides are the heart of everything we do here at Adrift Tongariro. They’re passionate about the outdoors, have rich local knowledge, and love sharing their favourite tracks and stories. Get to know the people who lead the way — what they enjoy most about guiding, their connection to this incredible landscape, and a few things you might not expect.
Stew
Mountain Man & Chief of the Pack
Known locally as “The Mountain Man,” Stew has completed the Tongariro Crossing over 3,000 times. “I can’t imagine ever tiring of walking the Crossing and see it through new eyes every time we guide a group of trekkers.”
He had a life-changing moment on a 20,000-foot peak in the Andes and, soon after, moved to National Park to turn his passion into a way of life. Since founding Adrift, he’s built a team of passionate guides who share his love for the outdoors. Stew is known for his love of the wild and admits, “I’ve always had a reputation of going down ‘no exit’ roads to see what’s around the corner.”
When he’s not guiding, he’s out cycling, drinking coffee, spending time with family, or relaxing at home with a view of three mountain peaks. Stew loves the quieter seasons, snow-covered trails, and seeing people of all ages experience the magic of Tongariro. His go-to snack? Carbs — the carrot diet doesn’t make it up the mountain.
Quickfire Q&A
- What made you fall in love with Tongariro / the outdoors?
It gave me the chance to start a new career that combined my love for the outdoors, fitness, and earning a living doing what I enjoy. - Favourite part of the Crossing?
From the top of the staircase to the northern side of Blue Lake — right in the heart of the maunga, away from all the trappings of humanity. - Most memorable guest or tour?
An 82-year-old Japanese gentleman who completed both Tongariro and Ruapehu without a word of English — just an incredible smile. On Ruapehu, he out-slid the young ones in the snow! - Top tip for first-timers?
Slow and steady wins the race.
Ant
The Friendly Pathfinder
Originally from the south coast of England, Ant joined Adrift Tongariro in 2024 after, in his words, “answering an ad and getting handed an ice axe.” With a childhood spent roaming wild, guiding felt like a natural step.
He loves the ever-changing nature of the maunga — weather, colours, people — and is especially drawn to the Mangatepopo Valley, where the shifting light reminds him of a Turner painting. A highlight was guiding a visually impaired guest across the Crossing, an experience he found humbling and inspiring: “She showed so much courage and trust all the way over. Kia kaha to her.”
Off the track, Ant sells houses, trail runs with his dog, adventures in a van with his wife, and paints landscapes. His go-to snack? Homemade energy balls. One word for guiding in Tongariro: privileged.
Quickfire Q&A
- Wish every visitor knew:
Completing the Crossing isn’t a given — many factors come into play. - Top advice:
You have to earn this. Train beforehand and you’ll enjoy it far more. - Always in his pack:
A flip-out Stanley knife. - First-timer tips:
Layer clothing, bring plenty of food, water and a way to communicate – better to have it and not need it.
Kenny
Tiaki of The Tongariro
Ko Tongariro te maunga
Ko Taupo-nui-atea te moana
Kia Ora I’m Kenny
From Kakahi / Taumarunui, Kenny brings true local knowledge to his guiding. He has been guiding with Adrift Tongariro since 2017, following 12 years as a Tiaki Ranger in both Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks. “I love sharing the Ketetahi side of the Crossing and believe in taking it slow and steady — safety always comes first, take no risks.”
One of his most memorable experiences was guiding an 89-year-old woman and her 85-year-old brother across a winter Crossing.
When he is not on the track, you’ll find him camping with whānau, hitting the gym, running, mountain biking, and celebrating Māori culture. His go-to snack? Four boiled eggs. One word to describe Tongariro: magical.
Tai
Trail whisperer extraordinaire
Mai I Maketu ki Tongariro, mai I ngā kuri a wharei ki Tihirau, Te Kaokaoroa o Pātetere. Ko Taihakoa Colbert tōku ingoa. A descendant of Te Arawa, Tai was born in Rotorua and raised between there and Ruatoki in the Urewera. A true bushman at heart, he joined Adrift after a call from whānau — his first day on the Crossing was also his interview. “Shook the boss’s hand at the summit and I’ve been loving it ever since.”
For Tai, guiding is about sharing Tongariro as a living ancestor and helping manuhiri connect with the maunga respectfully. His favourite spots include the summit on a bluebird day and the Rangipo Valley views at the 10km mark.
Off the track, Tai spends time outdoors with his whānau, hunting, walking, and caring for his dogs and horse. His go-to snack? Wild meat, plus a stash of chocolate and lollies. One word for guiding Tongariro: humbling.
Quickfire Q&A
- If Tongariro were a person:
A mighty warrior maunga — strong, calm, respected, and a loving husband to Pihanga. - Top advice:
Respect the environment and tikanga — use toilets, carry out waste, bring the right gear, and listen to guides and rangers.