Pacific Trip Leader
Tony McCutcheon
Languages Spoken: English & German
When asked what he likes most about guiding Wilderness Travel trips, Tony said, “I like the changes I see in people from the start of the trip when we first meet up and then how they are at the end, but mostly I like the friendships that develop during the trip with myself and between the group members.” After meeting Tony, it isn't hard to see why he has even more friends than his many talents. Tony was born and raised in Dunedin, New Zealand, and grew up with a love of nature. He spent his youth skiing in winter and catching waves around the coasts of the South Island in summer, and later became a professional skier turned ski guide to lead trips in the Swiss Alps, when he learned to speak German fluently (with a Kiwi accent). Those experiences led him back to the South Island of New Zealand, where he leads trip for us during the summer and continues to make more friends year after year. When he is not guiding our trips, you can find him chasing wind and waves, traveling locally and overseas, and being a ski guide in the winter months in Wanaka, New Zealand, where he lives with his wife and two children.
Our Team
Client Testimonials
It's really hard to imagine a better leader for this trip than Tony. He was outstanding.
Anne H.
Washington, DC
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Tony was a ‘spectacular’ guide (he used this word often to enthusiastically introduce us to his country!). His people management skills were superb, and he was organized, thorough, and a lot of fun. He has a great sense of humor and we did a lot of laughing on this trip.
Cheryl N.
Fort Bragg, CA
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Tony was absolutely an excellent guide with an over-abundance of patience. Keeping 12 people happy and satisfied is not an easy task!
Connie A.
Bayside, NY
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Tony McCutcheon was an excellent guide whose effort contributed to the success of the trip. I appreciated the fact that he was able to customize some of the hikes for our group.
David B.
Houston, TX
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Tony was a great part of why our trip was so much fun! Very informed, concerned for everyone's enjoyment and safety and totally personable.
Dee S.
Okauchee, WI
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Tony was fabulous—extremely enthusiastic with a great love for his country. He has a great personality and a delightful sense of humor. Having him as a guide definitely added to the experience.
Deena S.
Jupiter, FL
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Tony is a friendly, personable, and knowledgable guide who clearly loves New Zealand. He brought the trip to life and made it exceptionally enjoyable.
Diane H.
Waban, MA
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Tony helped to create an atmosphere of fun and appreciation for the beautiful country we were exploring. It was clear how much he loves New Zealand and that helped all of us to appreciate the country and its people.
Jayne A.
Corvallis, OR
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Tony was fantastic, very engaging, knowledgeable, and professional.
Jim M.
Spring, TX
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Tony did it all with outstanding professionalism, fun, attention to detail, and interaction with clients. Tea at his home with his wife and children was a nice touch. Would travel with him anytime!
Judi M.
Snoqualmie, WA
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
How wonderful to experience New Zealand with Tony! His enthusiasm, humor, energy, flexibility, knowledge, and love of his homeland made this an exceptional experience. He is a GEM! He truly wanted us to love NZ the way he does and we did.
June S.
San Anselmo, CA
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Tony was fantastic. His knowledge of the country as well as the trip was outstanding. Add in his great personality and humor and it made for a wonderful experience.
Lorraine S.
Fremont, CA
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Tony was an amazing guide—knowledgeable, efficient, capable, enthusiastic, and patient.
Markeeta B.
Dallas, TX
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Tony was great—enthusiastic, personable, fun, and kept the whole show on track!
Michael J.
Reno, NV
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Tony is such a fun leader; he entertained us so much with stories and knowledge of the people, flora, and fauna of New Zealand. He loves what he does and it shows how expertly he lead this trip.
Monica L.
San Rafael, CA
Tony was a superb guide in every aspect of the guiding process; I feel like I made a new friend.
Neil N.
Fort Bragg, CA
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Tony is extraordinary and we'd now go anywhere with him that he wanted to take us! Not only knowledgeable but flexible, ineffably good-humored, sensitive to how each member of our diverse group was feeling and handling the trip. Smart, funny, so aware of the environment, including us. <br />
Pam K.
West Dennis, MA
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Tony was the ideal guide—very knowledgeable, professional in all aspects, with a delightful sense of humor.
Richard G.
Des Moines, IA
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Absolutely terrific guide—fun, informative, funny, warm, and hard working.
Ruth G.
Arlington, VA
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
You have a gem in Tony. He made it the fun adventure it was and personified the friendly Kiwi spirit. He went above and beyond in many, many ways.
Sandy R.
Reno, NV
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Tony is a fabulous trip leader and one of the kindest and funniest people that I know! He made every effort to keep us on schedule, having fun, and constantly learning new things about beautiful New Zealand. He entertained us with stories and kept us laughing and talking all along the way.
Virginia K.
Seattle, WA
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Book Your Trip Today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our adventures around the world. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!