Our Guides
Beau Rapley - head guide & owner
Beau Rapley
My name is Beau Rapley and I am a native to the Southern Lakes - I was born in the now Gibbston Valley wine region. I am passionate about the South Island, especially my local region of the Southern Lakes.
I was active in the rafting industry for over 20 years and was appointed one of five senior river guide positions in New Zealand, responsible for developing safety guidelines in the late 80’s. During that time, I was a member of the New Zealand White Water Team, traveling to compete in Russia 1989 and the USA in 1990. Thereafter, I was a commercial jet boat driver on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, and have been heavily involved in adventure tourism for many years.
My interests are wine, skiing, biking, hunting, fishing and travel. Most winters comprise of 2-3 months of jumping a plane to Europe with my bike to ride, with a late winter return to catch the best of skiing.
My real passion lies with where I live however, and I enjoy showing off our region to visitors. With local knowledge I can access many areas unknown to most, or privately owned.
If it's a wine tour you like, I will introduce you to the finest Pinot Noir found in Central Otago, or a family day out catering to everyone's needs - from fun and frivolity to fine dining.
I pride myself on delivering world class experiences to my guests. Guided biking and hiking is a specialty, with great knowledge of the native flora and fauna, adding to a well-rounded experience.
I invite you to join me on a South Island Odyssey and build some memories to take home, ones you'll never forget.
I was active in the rafting industry for over 20 years and was appointed one of five senior river guide positions in New Zealand, responsible for developing safety guidelines in the late 80’s. During that time, I was a member of the New Zealand White Water Team, traveling to compete in Russia 1989 and the USA in 1990. Thereafter, I was a commercial jet boat driver on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, and have been heavily involved in adventure tourism for many years.
My interests are wine, skiing, biking, hunting, fishing and travel. Most winters comprise of 2-3 months of jumping a plane to Europe with my bike to ride, with a late winter return to catch the best of skiing.
My real passion lies with where I live however, and I enjoy showing off our region to visitors. With local knowledge I can access many areas unknown to most, or privately owned.
If it's a wine tour you like, I will introduce you to the finest Pinot Noir found in Central Otago, or a family day out catering to everyone's needs - from fun and frivolity to fine dining.
I pride myself on delivering world class experiences to my guests. Guided biking and hiking is a specialty, with great knowledge of the native flora and fauna, adding to a well-rounded experience.
I invite you to join me on a South Island Odyssey and build some memories to take home, ones you'll never forget.
Harriet Brinsley
Harriet Brinsley
Hi, I’m Harriet Brinsley, raised in Dunedin and rural Arrowtown. I grew up in a 100 year old stone cottage with no electricity. My childhood was spent exploring our hills, lakes and rivers , which I continue to do now.
I’m passionate about our landscape, what it teaches us and how we can learn from it . Connecting to my country's roots, I have as an adult studied Te Reo Maori including Tikanga ( customary practices , traditions and protocols) and studying and collecting New Zealand art since I was in High School .
When bungy jumping was introduced to the world in 1988, I was one of the founding members launching the iconic A J Hackett Bungy brand. In 1995 I was selected as one of the four team members to represent New Zealand at the inaugural ESPN Xtreme Games in Rhode Island.
Looking for something closer to the earth , I had the privilege of guiding hundreds of people through the Routeburn track and up the Greenstone Valley for three seasons , extending my knowledge of the flora and fauna in our region. The seasons here are dramatic and I love them all; in winter I love to ski our terrain either by lift or by independent touring, biking our kilometres of tracks in autumn I’m an open water lover. (I hold the title of swimming across Lake Whakatipu 5 x and was a member of the only team to swim the entire 80 km length of our Lake).
My greatest achievement and challenge has been raising my daughter! She too lives here which I put down to the fact that it’s a magnificent, magical place that draws you in. I very much look forward to meeting you and perhaps sharing a bit of our "magic".
I’m passionate about our landscape, what it teaches us and how we can learn from it . Connecting to my country's roots, I have as an adult studied Te Reo Maori including Tikanga ( customary practices , traditions and protocols) and studying and collecting New Zealand art since I was in High School .
When bungy jumping was introduced to the world in 1988, I was one of the founding members launching the iconic A J Hackett Bungy brand. In 1995 I was selected as one of the four team members to represent New Zealand at the inaugural ESPN Xtreme Games in Rhode Island.
Looking for something closer to the earth , I had the privilege of guiding hundreds of people through the Routeburn track and up the Greenstone Valley for three seasons , extending my knowledge of the flora and fauna in our region. The seasons here are dramatic and I love them all; in winter I love to ski our terrain either by lift or by independent touring, biking our kilometres of tracks in autumn I’m an open water lover. (I hold the title of swimming across Lake Whakatipu 5 x and was a member of the only team to swim the entire 80 km length of our Lake).
My greatest achievement and challenge has been raising my daughter! She too lives here which I put down to the fact that it’s a magnificent, magical place that draws you in. I very much look forward to meeting you and perhaps sharing a bit of our "magic".
About Jock
Beau's right hand man Jock can always be requested to join your tour for dog / animal lovers. Jock is a well-trained young labrador who loves people.
