Our People

Since graduating from university, Elizabeth has now found her true calling “New Zealand Tourism” Born in the central South Island she has an understandable love for the great outdoors and a true passion when it comes to helping people discover our wonderful Country. Elizabeth takes great pride in ensuring our team has the latest information to showcase the very best New Zealand has to offer and fits in perfectly to run First Light Travel’s Customer Services.   

Marcella was destined for a bright future in travel, having both Italian and Samoan Heritage, and a love of learning about the different cultures around the world. Her parents fostered her love of travel with family holidays throughout Australia and the South Pacific. After studying, Marcella became Air New Zealand's youngest ever Flight Attendant, a dream of Marcella's as a 9 year old. Her time as a flight attendant came to an end, and she moved to Europe to take on new adventures. Marcela explains how these travel experiences have shaped her as a Travel Designer.

Gina was born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau and simply loves the North Island life. Her top spots to visit are Paihia, The Coromandel and Lake Taupō. Gina graduated from The International Travel College of New Zealand and just knew that she wanted a career helping people have the best adventures here. When she is not sharing tips on how to maximise your trip you will find her on a paddle board or meandering through a vineyard.

Growing up in the USA, Danielle’s passion for travel began at a young age. After a year of studying abroad during university the travel bug was fully engrained, inspiring Danielle to spend years exploring and living on a variety of continents whilst earning her Master’s degree in Tourism Management. She was drawn to New Zealand for the awesome hiking opportunities and Middle Earth landscapes. When Danielle is not crafting seamless and unique itineraries for others, you will find her eagerly exploring our backcountry.

Upon completion of her degree in the UK, Narissa embarked on a round the world trip landing in New Zealand for the first time in 2014. Falling in love with the endless natural beauty and kiwi culture she now proudly calls New Zealand home. Using her unique experience as both a tourist and a local, Narissa now dedicates her time to personally curate the dream itinerary guaranteed to create memories of a lifetime.  

Born and raised in Auckland, I have travelled all around the North Island. Nothing beats a Kiwi Summer and the best way to spend it for me is a roadie to the Coromandel or a day trip to Piha either boogie boarding at the beach, or going for a long walk around the Mercer Bay Loop overlooking the beautiful West Coast. If not at the beach, I love visiting the snow, and that’s why Queenstown in Winter is another one of my favourite destinations, I love that our little NZ offers a bit of everything from Mountain to Coastal scenery. 

Nigel has also been involved in tourism for over twenty years. Working as a tour guide in Africa, Nigel literally enjoyed it so much that he decided to run the company - becoming the London based Operations Manager. After completing his MBA and spending three years as a Management Consultant, Nigel felt it was time to get back to the good life - travel!

Natalie is a born and bred Kiwi who grew up on the tropical island of Waiheke. From a young age she loved exploring New Zealand so a career dedicated to helping others discover Aotearoa’s amazing beauty was a natural progression. With over 20 years in the industry, you can be sure Natalie will take excellent care of your travel arrangements in her Guest Services role. When she is not at work, you can find her sipping on the family wine at their relaxing beach bach.

After 4 years running other peoples trucks, Steve established his own successful African overland safari company, overseeing operations and logistics between London and some of the most challenging terrain in travel that there is. In 2003, twenty one years later, Stephen returned to New Zealand and is now using his expertise as First Light Travel's Transport Specialist.

Bitten by the travel bug at a young age, Nicole made it her goal to study tourism in New Zealand. She is especially interested in accessible tourism and experience design. Originally from Malaysia, she is excited to be helping international clients make that once-in-a-lifetime trip to this amazing country. In her spare time, Nicole loves discovering New Zealand’s hidden gems, trying local brews, and hiking the country’s beautiful trails. 

A seasoned travel professional originating from Germany, Anne loves New Zealand’s fascinating landscapes and can’t decide which area has impressed her the most (so far) – Abel Tasman and the West Coast are definitely on the top list as well as Cape Reinga. Loving city life and the great outdoors  she can be found all over the place  when she is not in the office. Her biggest adventure here in New Zealand so far was learning how to dive and caving the “Lost World”. 

Brent has been involved in tourism for over twenty years. He owned an agency in London for 7 years (Global Connect Travel) running `high end' adventure tours in East Africa and diving holidays in the Red Sea, along with other activities and destinations around the world. Currently attempting to mountain bike all the back country tracks he can find and living to tell the tale!

Originally from the USA, Anna has travelled the globe fairly extensively. She graduated university with a degree in Tourism Management and has since gained experience working in many facets of the industry, including the luxury space. She is passionate about implementing her love and knowledge of New Zealand to tailor make your dream holiday. When not creating your perfect trip, she can probably be found dreaming up her own next adventure or in the great outdoors.

Suzie is a proud Kiwi who has travelled the length and breadth of New Zealand and is still awestruck by the beauty and range of activities on offer. With fifteen years previously in the wine industry, and a ‘foodie’ by nature, she has a wealth of insider hot tips on how best to savour New Zealand. Is happiest sitting in a hot tub with a spectacular view following an epic hike, and sipping on a craft beer.

Born and bred in New Zealand Michelle loves to travel and believes in the saying, “Don't leave home until you've seen the country”.  She has travelled the length and breadth of NZ, in the early years by motorbike but more recently has traded her bike for a Campervan.  Her favourite holiday involves meeting the locals and finding a beach or bush walk to enjoy the joys of nature and then discussing all of the above over a wine at the end of the day.  After having worked in the IT industry for 30 years Michelle now focuses on making First Light Travel's systems even better.

Judith comes from Amsterdam in the Netherlands. In 2004 she set out on a world trip, visiting all continents and finally arriving in New Zealand. After an 8 month road trip, claiming to have travelled every road at least once, she decided to stay in what she believes is the most beautiful country in the world. Judith says living here still feels like one continuous holiday - as soon as she steps outside, or even glances out a window!

Meli, born in New Zealand with proud Fijian roots, has an unwavering passion for his homeland. Having studied tourism and extensively travelled  around the country, Meli’s love for New Zealand shines through in everything he does. He’s captivated by New Zealand’s unique beauty and seizes every opportunity to explore its diverse landscapes. Outside of work, you’ll likely find Meli on the golf course or relaxing with a craft beer by the beach.

Emma was born and raised on a farm in Taranaki on the North Island of New Zealand and caught the travel bug on her first trip to the Northern Hemisphere! Upon her return home in 2017, she just knew she had to share her new passion for those wanting to visit the South Pacific. She started her tourism career as a Travel Designer before moving into the Product space as an assistant and now a Product Manager. Emma’s favourite place in New Zealand is Wellington as it ticks all the boxes that every foodie desires!

Gabriella grew up in California with frequent trips to the UK to visit extended family and that is where her love for travel began. After spending some time in Europe a friend convinced her to travel for a few months in New Zealand where she fell in love with the beautiful landscapes and relaxed lifestyle. Five years later she has settled in Queenstown and is excited to be an integral part of the Accounts team. When she is not working you can find Gabriella out paddle boarding on the lake or finding the best day hike.

 Growing up in New Zealand with the awesome culture and spectacular scenery has always made Jaydene a very proud Kiwi. From a young age Jaydene knew that she wanted to be able to share her beautiful country with people across the world and have them experience this little slice of heaven for themselves. Whether you enjoy riding the slopes of a ski field in Queenstown or sunbathing on a beach in crystal blue water up in the Bay of Islands – New Zealand has it all and Jaydene will design the perfect trip for you!

Tatyana knew that she wanted a career in tourism from a young age and this is what inspired her to graduate from the International Travel College of New Zealand. Tatyana is very grateful to be able to call New Zealand home and create memorable trips for her treasured customers. She is very passionate about helping others to maximise their travel time and enhance their experience here. When Tatyana is not dedicating her time to “work”, you can find her relaxing at the beach or exploring nature through the wonderful bush walks of the North Island.

Having travelled to over 40 countries (so far), Katrina has a wealth of travel knowledge to share! Growing up in Canada, she graduated in Tourism and Hotel Management and has over 16 years of hospitality experience from working in hotels, cruises and living abroad. Passionate about experiencing new cultures and learning new things about the world she is now living in Auckland and is doing an exceptional job as our Business Development Manager. On her weekends you can find her exploring all of the natural beauty that New Zealand has to offer.

Gail grew up in Scotland and began exploring the world with family from an early age. After travelling Australia for 2 years on her first solo trip and working her way through the travel and tourism industry, she decided to give New Zealand a try. Drawn by the natural beauty and the adventure activities, New Zealand stole her heart and she has now chosen to make Aotearoa her home. Gail is a fantastic asset to First Light Travel, excelling in her role as Organisational Development Manager. When not “working”, you will find her by the water, on a mountain or exploring somewhere new.

Katarina was born in Slovakia and first came to New Zealand in 2018 with the intention of completing a one year trip. Thanks to the natural beauty and Kiwi culture, she now never wants to leave! Katarina has a Masters in Environmental Geography and a huge passion for travel. Her favourite part of New Zealand is Arthur's Pass with an abundance of beautiful hikes and cheeky Kea birds everywhere. Katarina is an integral part of our Guest Services team and when she is not in the office you can find her hiking in nature.

Izabella's love for travel began during her childhood where she became a camping enthusiast, regularly exploring everything that the North Island has to offer. Her passion lead her to graduate in Tourism and work in hospitality before really kick-starting her career with First Light Travel. She loves experiencing new adventures and lives to help you feel the same when you visit New Zealand. Her favourite place to explore is the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua! Izabella enjoys spending her days supporting the team in her Guest Services role.

Tracy is very grateful to have had opportunities to travel with her family from a young age whilst growing up in Vietnam. Tracy was captured by New Zealand’s stunning nature so much so that she took the plunge to move in 2018. In her spare time, Tracy loves to get on the road to explore the untouched nature of Aotearoa. New Plymouth and Taupo are her favourite spots to become one with the landscapes. She believes hiking up the breath-taking (literally) Mount Taranaki is a must do. When Tracy is not on a road trip, you can find her hard at work in Guest Services.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Kimi grew to have a great appreciation for both nature and city life which sparked her passion to travel the world. Kimi is constantly mesmerized by New Zealand, the place she now calls home. She believes the natural beauty is like no other and advocates for everyone to experience it for themselves at least once in their lives. Kimi is an integral part of the Product team at First Light Travel, dedicated to ensuring that your dream trip can become a reality.

After visiting New Zealand a number of times and falling in love with its natural beauty and warm-hearted people, Aussie born and bred Cassandra took the giant step to move here in 2022! A keen photographer, hiker and adrenalin seeker at heart, Akaroa, Bay of Islands & Queenstown are amongst her many favourite places to visit. Chatham Islands, Abel Tasman and Stewart Island being top of her ever-expanding Bucket List. When she is not out and about exploring, you will find her meticulous working on our content as an integral part of our Product Team.

Kirsty chose a career in tourism to allow her to combine her work with her passion for travel. She moved from England to Queenstown in 2018 and has never looked back. Kirsty's natural flair for planning and designing road trips and itineraries has not been restricted to her professional life, during her weekends, she takes every opportunity to explore her own 'backyard' here in the South Island. In her spare time you can find her hiking or simply enjoying the peace and quiet from her hammock with a picture perfect backdrop.

Jessika is French by birth but Kiwi at heart. She initially arrived as a tourist in 2016, fell in love with the natural wonders after travelling New Zealand from top to bottom so now calls Queenstown home. With her travel experiences and love for Oceania, you can trust Jessika to help you design your dream trip. When not in the office, you can find her testing out the latest eatery or wandering along the water’s edge, taking in the breathtaking views. 

Originally from the UK, after graduating University in 2009, Heidi spent the next few years travelling the globe before settling in New Zealand in 2014. Heidi proudly calls Tāhuna Queenstown home and is the South Island’s biggest advocate. Having worked in Tourism since arriving in NZ, Heidi absolutely loves showcasing the variety of adventures that are on offer. When she is not at her desk you will find her out and about exploring, she cannot wait to fill you in on the best secret spots to make your trip one to remember.

Jasmin was raised amidst the tranquillity of her family's farm in South Australia. Despite originally being from across the ditch, Jasmin found herself captivated by the charm of New Zealand and now proudly calls Queenstown home. Planting her roots in this picturesque town, she has recently acquired her first home, marking a new chapter in her life. Jasmin relishes the opportunity to not only embrace the local lifestyle but also indulge her inner tourist, eagerly exploring the breath-taking landscapes of her adopted country every weekend and then passionately sharing her findings with you.

Originally from the "West Island", Australia, Renee now calls New Zealand home. If you love hiking then Renee is the Travel Designer for you as she has completed the 3000km hike from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island. Renee loves the unique wildlife of New Zealand and aims to design itineraries so you too can experience the joys of a cheeky Kea. Her favourite place to explore is Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park and an awesome place to spot a Takahae.

Originally from France, Jeff developed the “travel bug” from a young age and came to realise the beauty of travelling is all about encounters and experiences, especially meeting the locals. Having worked in hotels and resorts for years allowed Jeff to experience the world and when he landed in Auckland, he never looked back. You will find Jeff in the Coromandel in summer and South Island in winter when taking a break from being our Operations Manager, his favourite spot being the magnificent Mackenzie Country.

Wietske has always had her heart set on a career in tourism and has not looked back after more than 10 years in the industry. Her passion began with family trips exploring the hidden gems of New Zealand, with each experience inspiring her to travel and explore more. In her role as Marketing Manager she relishes the chance to showcase the South Pacific as a must-see destination. She is happiest out exploring one of New Zealand’s great walks and considers Fiordland to be her favourite holiday destination.