About Us
Meet Tom
I am the Director, Primary Travel Guide and ‘Chief 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 make it one heck of a big change!
From 2016 to 2020 I have been a part time contract Tour Guide for two other companies and have absolutely loved doing this. Over this time I have got to meet all sorts of people from around the world and of course our own fabulous country. Meeting new people and talking about our common love of travel, experiencing new cultures and countries is something me and Jill absolutely love.
My key travel highlights have been 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. And in 2024, we had the immense privilige of touring India for 3 weeks. Visting the Taj Mahal for the first time has made an indelible impact on me. Witnessing the Taj Mahal and many other sights through India will fondly remain with me for ever.
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 on The Voice (Of the Ocean) onboard the cruise ship Ruby Princess in 2017. By the way I didn’t win The Voice!
Meet Jill
I operate my own business which I have owned since 2010.
My involvement with Kaewa Tours is to ensure the ‘behind the scenes’ work such as the financials, 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 Kapiti Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of the Kāpiti Kindness Trust, BNI Kapiti 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.
meet the team
Tom
Name: Tom Collier
How long have you been Tour Guiding?
Since 2016. I established Kaewa Tours in December 2020.
What did you do before Tour Guiding:
Most of my working life I worked for ANZ followed by 3 other IT companies doing Account Management, Sales and Service Delivery type roles.
Corporate world sucks! I now get paid to have fun!
What do you specifically like about Tour Guiding?
Meeting amazing people from all around the world. My customers are in constant awe of the beauty of my country. It’s an honour and privilege to showcase my own backyard to first time international visitors. Seeing my own backyard through other peoples eyes is very special.
Favourite country you’ve visited and why?
Tough question as I can’t separate my favourites. I’d have to say Kenya, Tanzania, Italy, India and Japan. If I was forced to make a decision it would probably be India.
I love how diverse the culture is. The people are so warm, genuine and truly delightful.
Favourite city you’ve visited and why?
Without a doubt it’s Prague, Czechia.
An incredibly beautiful, enchanting city with a very rich history. Oh, and the Czech Pilsener is very good too!
What is the one food item that a visitor to Aotearoa New Zealand must try?
I can’t name only one! Hokey Pokey ice cream and a Whittaker’s Peanut Slab!
What is your pet hate?
Inconsiderate people who are devoid of manners and common courtesy. People that can’t say thank you really annoys me!
Dean
Name: Dean Compton
How long have you been Tour Guiding?
I started Tour Guiding for Kaewa tours in November 2024. This is my first foray into guiding and I’m loving it.
What did you do before Tour Guiding:
I spent many years with National Bank of New Zealand/ANZ covering a range of senior roles in Treasury, Product Management, Integration and Technology before having a career break for a couple of years in 2016. In late 2018 I joined ACC, a Government Agency for 6 years before I finished with them in July 2024 to start another career break.
It’s been a great transition to move away from a ‘Corporate environment’ to work with Tom and Jill at Kaewa Tours.
What do you specifically like about Tour Guiding?
I’m an avid traveller myself and have had some wonderful experiences travelling across many different countries with tours, some private, and really love it when you connect with local people hearing about their way of living and learning a lot about their country, culture and what makes them tick. I’ve experienced some great tours and some not so great tours, and I use this as my own benchmark, to, hopefully give visitors to New Zealand an experience that they will remember. It is fantastic to play this forward and host visitors to Wellington and New Zealand and reciprocate the hospitality that I have been shown through my travels. Showcasing New Zealand and sharing my local region with overseas guests is just fantastic.
Favourite country you’ve visited and why?
Wow – that’s a hard question, when pressed I need to give an answer – the country that nudges ahead for me is Spain. The people, the history, the culture and the food are all stand outs. When asked about my favourite place – I usually stay it the next place that I’m visiting!!!!!
Favourite city you’ve visited and why?
Istanbul, Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon ……… hard to choose but for me Lisbon is the stand out as the Portuguese have a rich history with an incredible multicultural blend of Asia, Europe and Africa all integrated into their beautiful and historic city.
Ask me after my next trip and it might be a different answer ……..
What is the one food item that a visitor to Aotearoa New Zealand must try?
Hokey Pokey Ice Cream – there’s something unique and quintessential about this amazing Ice Cream flavour that is really only found in New Zealand and something that we’ve grown up with. When asked about what’s the flavour it almost too hard to describe!!!!
What is your pet hate?
Impatient people – ideally we all need to slow down a touch and show courtesy to each other. Pushing in really won’t make that much of a difference and, honestly are you really that rushed.
Janice
Name: Janice Hill
How long have you been Tour Guiding?
Since 2024. I’ve just completed my first season with Kaewa Tours, combining that with cycle/hiking tour guiding.
But, I’ve been organising tours for friends and my cycling club for many years…
What did you do before Tour Guiding:
I’m a marketer by trade, mostly in the hospitality and events industries. Therefore, I’m really passionate about customer experiences!!
What do you specifically like about Tour Guiding?
I particularly love the cultural exchange – sharing my homeland, it’s landscapes and stories with international guests, and learning about their country and culture in return.
Favourite country you’ve visited and why?
Hard question….possibly Italy, because of their passion to make the simplest food taste absolutely delicious (like tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella) and they are so proud of it (rightly so). Also, the history, the mountains (Alps and Dolomites especially). And the under-stated elegance.
Favourite city you’ve visited and why?
TBH I’m an outdoors person at heart more than a city person. But the answer above reminded me of Lake Como in northern Italy.
What is the one food item that a visitor to Aotearoa New Zealand must try?
Just one!!? Impossible. But don’t leave town without trying a crispy cheese scone, a custard square, Anzac biscuits, ginger crunch, jet planes, fig and honey ice cream, and a bakery-made hot mince pie with tomato sauce.
What is your pet hate?
Indifferent service / bad food.
Bryce
Name: Bryce Bridge
How long have you been Tour Guiding?
Since 2024.
What did you do before Tour Guiding:
Uber driving.
What do you specifically like about Tour Guiding?
Meeting people from different countries.
Favourite country you’ve visited and why?
Monaco. Very expensive cars and hype!
Favourite city you’ve visited and why?
Paris. Landmarks and the history.
What is the one food item that a visitor to Aotearoa New Zealand must try?
A Steak and Cheese Pie!
What is your pet hate?
Inconsiderate drivers.
Corran
Name: Corran Crispe
How long have you been Tour Guiding?
Since October 2025!
What did you do before Tour Guiding:
Actor, Radio Personality, Sales Manager, Radio Station Owner.
What do you specifically like about Tour Guiding?
The People , the people, the people.
Favourite country you’ve visited and why?
Sweden, the scenery, the skiing and The People , The People, The People.
Favourite city you’ve visited and why?
Paris, and Stockholm, because of the incredible architecture and the depth of the history.
What is the one food item that a visitor to Aotearoa New Zealand must try?
Lamb Shanks with Pavlova to finish
What is your pet hate?
Slow drivers.
EWEN
Name: Ewen Ritchie
How long have you been Tour Guiding?
2 years prior to Covid and now Kaewa Tours.
What did you do before Tour Guiding:
I worked in IT for most of my corporate working life.
What do you specifically like about Tour Guiding?
I enjoy meeting and interacting with people. Great to be able to share some experiences of seeing and learning about New Zealand.
Favourite country you’ve visited and why?
That’s hard as too many. Asia and Europe including the UK.
Favourite city you’ve visited and why?
Really hard! London, Paris, Shanghai, history and vibrancy.
What is the one food item that a visitor to Aotearoa New Zealand must try?
Whitebait fritter.
What is your pet hate?
Southerly winds in Winter!
DAVE
Name: Dave Scott
How long have you been Tour Guiding?
Coming soon!
What did you do before Tour Guiding:
Coming soon!
What do you specifically like about Tour Guiding?
Coming soon!
Favourite country you’ve visited and why?
Coming soon!
Favourite city you’ve visited and why?
Coming soon!
What is the one food item that a visitor to Aotearoa New Zealand must try?
Coming soon!
What is your pet hate?
Coming soon!
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, sponsor of Youth and Community Fishing and proud Board Member of the Kāpiti Kindness Trust.
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.