Bay Of Islands, New Zealand
Tours Delivered,
Since Dec 12, 2022
14.0
Hours, Avg. response time
Guide #55697
Greetings and hello from NZ. Or as we say Kia Ora ! My name is Michael, I am a New Zealander of Maori heritage. Northland is my home where I was raised and where I live with my family. I have travelled for 10 years in Europe mainly before returning to NZ in 2006. I have been involved in tourism and hospitality for over 30 years. I began my early working life at a young age starting as an apprentice chef in a fine dining kitchen. This is where I learnt about the world and fell in love with food, and the creative arts. I enjoyed several further careers which encouraged me to travel and explore the world. I studied whilst travelling attaining a Bsc (hon) in Anthropology and Tourism. This furthered my curiosity in ancient history, the arts, new science and music . All are passions which I have followed throughout my life. I have been a private guide and client host for 10 years in Northland. With a particular focus on the Bay of Islands, Waitangi, Kerikeri, Paihia, Russell areas. Meeting people, sharing ideas and experiences is what I enjoy most. Each day brings new opportunity to discover more, I learn something new from everyone I meet. Maori culture and New Zealand history are my fields of special interest. I have a general knowledge on most topics, and always welcome questions. Over the last decade the Bay of Islands area has attracted many families and migrants to settle in the region. The Bay of Islands and Kerikeri regions are considered to be prosperous due to a warm climate year round, vibrant communities and good access to facilities and services. With a favourable climate means everything grows well, with good rainfall all year, lush tropical conditions create diverse scenery, with rolling green farmland, native forests, fruit orchards which flow onto beautiful coastal beaches. Being located on the rural east coast several towns and villages form hubs that provide all of services required for a thriving community. Acknowledged as an area of significant historical and cultural importance this is a special place, and a must see experience for all who visit New Zealand. So I invite you to join me soon and see for yourself. 'Nau mai haere mai' (Welcome) to the east coast of Northland, it is a wonderful place to visit and discover New Zealand. Bsc (Hon) Anthropology and Tourism Licensed Professional NZ Guide Accredited DOC Guide Licence I am able to host a maximum of 6 guests total. I am unable to host small children under the age 10 years old. I am fully insured, qualified and certified passenger service driver. I am licenced to guide and tour all Department of Conservation sites.
Bay Of Islands

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4 reviews
Michael was a fantastic guide. He showed us all of the sites we hoped to see in the area. His greatest asset, though, is his knowledge of the culture and history of the Māori people and New Zealand more generally. We had a wonderful day.

Replied from Michael V.
Dear Lance, Thank you for your generous comments, delightful company, and fine conversation on our Kerikeri adventure. A pleasure to spend time with you both. I wish you and family health and every happiness. Mauri Ora Michael
We had a very nice day with Mike, he is an informed, and also interesting guide, with a very attaching personality. All the group loved him. If you want to know about the Māori culture he is the right guide to get, he loves his area and it shows.

Replied from Michael V.
Dear Michel Lovely to have meet you all. Such a pleasure to have spent a beautiful day together. Thank you so much. Wish you all the very best. Michael
Our tour with Michael was perfect! We saw amazing places we would have never discovered on our own and we loved being part of our own group of 6, rather than being part of a big tour bus. That allowed us to fully customize our tour, which included Michael making a lunch reservation for us at a wonderful winery.

Replied from Michael V.
Cindy, Kia ora for your kind words. Had such a fun day with you all exploring the area. Hope you can visit Northland again soon. Mauri ora
I can't say enough about Michael. We toured with him for one day and he left a lifetime's impression on us. He is knowledgable, intuitive and a pleasure to be with. His passion shined through his professional presentation of New Zealand. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Replied from Michael V.
Hello Robyn, Wonderful to have met you all. Thank you for joining me. We had a fun day, exploring together. Great effort to get up to the lookout point to see those spectacular views of the Whangaroa harbour. It was a joy to be in your company. All the best. Michael