About Us

Wellington, Kāpiti & Wairarapa
Private Tours for the Discerning Traveller
Tom

I am the Director, Primary Travel Guide and your ‘Memory Creator’ at Kaewa Tours.

After having over 35 years in the Banking/Financial and IT sectors primarily in Account/Relationship Management roles it was time for a change.  So if you’re going to make a change you may as well make it one heck of a big change!

Since 2016 I have been a contract tour guide for two other tour companies and have absolutely loved doing this. In February 2021 we took the logical step to launch our own tour company – Kaewa Tours. Meeting new people and talking about our common love of travel, experiencing new cultures and countries is something Jill and I absolutely love.

My travel highlight was in 2015 where we went to Kenya and Tanzania on a 14 day safari. Witnessing lions, cheetahs and other spectacular wildlife within 3-5 metres is a memory that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

I am a member of BNI Kāpiti Coast, Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce, Skål Wellington and a very proud supporter/sponsor of the Kāpiti Kindness Trust.

A self confessed Foodie, lover of Fine Wine, Craft Beer, Test Cricket, Travel and everything about the greater Wellington region has to offer, I am well appointed to provide you with a fun filled day out leaving you with lasting memories.

Fun fact(s): I’ve appeared on TV in 1993 for 2 nights on the music game show ‘Face the Music’ hosted by Simon Barnett and was one of 8 finalists on The Voice (Of the Ocean) on board the cruise ship Ruby Princess, Mexico in 2017. By the way I didn’t win!

Jill

I operate my own business which I have owned since 2010.

My involvement with Kaewa Tours is to ensure your bookings and other administrative activities operates as smoothly as possible to ensure you have a great tour or homestay with Kaewa Tours.

Like Tom I have a genuine passion for travelling and meeting new people from New Zealand and around the world.

I am a member of the Kāpiti Chamber of Commerce, BNI Kāpiti Coast and a proud sponsor of Youth and Community Fishing.

You may also get to meet me doing one of your tours one day. I look forward to meeting you one day soon.

We can also plan wider, bespoke tours throughout New Zealand where you will have your personal driver/guide for the duration of your tour. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

We also offer combo tours (2-3 days) of Wellington-Kāpiti, Wairarapa-Kāpiti or Wellington-Kāpiti-Wairarapa with a homestay which includes a continental breakfast.

Lovely hosts with an exceptional property and excellent value for money.

Barry, NZ. November 2020. 
Barry, NZ. November 2020.

“Fantastic! I can’t recommend Quiet & Cosy highly enough. We had an awesome stay in a beautiful home. Our hosts Jill & Tom went above & beyond in looking after us and making sure we had a good stay. A big thank you to them both.”

 

If you really want a memorable, fun and informative guide to help you experience New Zealand – use Tom Collier! My wife and I have been on two trips with Tom, and thoroughly enjoyed his expertise, passion and…sense of humour! Tom loves New Zealand, his pride evident as he explains his country’s history, traditions and culture – as only a true Kiwi can! When these Canucks return to New Zealand (and we will) Tom will be the first Kiwi we call. The best.

Jean and Al – Whitby, Ontario, Canada 
Jean and Al – Whitby, Ontario, Canada

No problem to make use of the kitchen to make our own breakfast. Would highly recommend Quiet and Cosy, very, very hospitable people.

Brian, NZ. November 2020. 
Brian, NZ. November 2020.

“Excellent stopping point – lovely rooms and great value for money. We had a last minute addition with one of our children not being able to stay at her Grandma’s and our hosts were so accommodating. They were friendly and chatty and our rooms comfy, quiet and cosy – just as it says on the box. Would thoroughly recommend.”

 

“Quiet and thoughtful. Lovely hosts. The guest rooms are upstairs, away from the rest of the family. Excellent shower and thoughtful touches like flowers and toiletries. Great selection of coffee and hot chocolate in bedroom to use. Excellent recycling and composting.”

 

“Great stay, HIGHLY RECOMMEND. It was such a nice cosy stay, Tom and Jill were great hosts and made us feel very welcome. They went above and beyond to give us the best possible stay. Comfy beds and great little additions to the room like bathrobes, bottled water, chocolates etc. Highly recommended anyone to stay here.”

 

Very friendly and helpful hosts. Beautiful house in peaceful setting, perfect place to relax. Enjoyed watching the Tuis having breakfast.

Hanna, New Zealand. January 2020. 
Hanna, New Zealand. January 2020.

“Would definitely stay here again if I ever needed. Highly recommend. Was room only with tea coffee available. Great to have a balcony off the bedroom. Super clean, bed comfortable and bathroom more than adequate. The hosts were extremely welcoming and accommodating. Was a beautiful home. Location was very suitable for what I needed.:

 

“Exceptional. Jill and Tom were the most accommodating couple. Just makes the visit special. They have added little touches in the room and the bathroom which helps make it even more special.”

 
WANT A NIGHT AWAY?
Tom and Jill welcome you to their ‘Quiet and Cosy’ home in the ‘Garden Area’ of Waikanae.
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