Our Team
Your dedicated team of outstanding professionals.
Our staff are passionate, experienced and dedicated to providing you with a successful, fun and safe hunting experience.
Each of them is highly trained on animal species, safety, and hunting approach. You will learn something hunting with any of our guys, and you will surely enjoy your time with them.
Our guides and staff are mindful to provide the hunter and angler with an experience that meets their physical abilities and expectations.
Meet our Team
Shane Johnston
Outfitter/Guide
Shane is filled with passion and love of the outdoors. At home on the banks of the rivers, high up on the edge of a ridge or flying around in helicopters, Shane is living his dream. Driven and fun to be around Shane loves to share his adventures with family and friends, going the extra mile to excel in everything he does. Scuba diving, skiing around the globe and pearl diving have been highlights for him over the years. He’s also partial to a cold beer and a whiskey and thoroughly enjoys a good game of rugby. Shane is 100% committed to the success and enjoyment of every client.
Vanessa Johnston
Operations Assistant and Host:
Friendly, fun loving and enthusiastic, Vanessa is the one behind the scenes. Entertaining, cuisine and assisting non hunters are her strengths along with enjoying a glass of Champagne. Loving being a mum of son Sam she enjoys socializing with friends and family, hiking, traveling to tropical locations, big game fishing, photography, shopping particularly for shoes, coffee and wine. The perfect person to look after wives, families and non hunters. Vanessa is happy to assist with all your non hunting and touring requirements.
Safari Sam
Guide in Training
Son of Shane & Vanessa, Sam has been on more hunts than most adults. He LOVES to hunt, fish, ski and travel to different countries. His greatest passion is helicopters and hopes one day to be a pilot. Sam would love to be home schooled so he can go out on every hunt and he’ll tell you all the reasons why he should! He loves chasing pigs around the hills with his Uncle and friends. Sam wants to hunt the world!
Kyle Windquist
Guide/Communications Lead
College wrestler, raised in Michigan and newly wed, Kyle and his lovely wife Hannah moved to New Zealand from the USA for a New Zealand experience on their way to fulfilling their dreams. Adventurous and athletic, Kyle loves to hike, mountain bike, fish, bow hunt and listen to ‘good ole’ country music. His charismatic personality and keen hunting senses will guide you to success.
Keith Heselwood
Guide
Keith is a true ‘Kiwi’ family man that is passionate about hunting, particularly for wild boar. Running a pack of dogs Keith loves the excitement and adrenaline of chasing these feral animals. Married with adult children, Keith has a calming presence when in the room and a sharp eye in the field. His ‘peaceful’ personality will calm any situation, a true gentlemen. Keith will try his hand at anything and is known as “No Hassles Heslewood”!
Gregory Maw
Guide
Long time member of the team, Greg’s energy and wit keeps everyone entertained. A strong, caring bloke with a heart of gold. Often called a mountain goat for his endurance, courage and skill at climbing to those often daunting peaks. Greg is at home in the mountains. A keen gun enthusiast, reloading and ballistics guru. When Greg isn’t hunting he is working on the family farm and spending time with his partner and son.
Luke Feast
Helicopter Pilot
Luke, brings a smile to everyones face, his laugh is infectious. He started flying at an early age and has now over 5,000 hours flying experience. A technical pilot with a wealth of mountain flying and hunting experience. You are in the hands of a very capable, safe pilot. Luke loves to have fun, when he isn’t flying he spends his time hunting, fishing, and spending time with his partner and twin daughters.
Christine Koller
Lodge Host
Christine, the wife of Robbie is fun loving, with England charm & wit. Christine is a warm friendly host who enjoys sharing stories around the fire with a glass of wine. She has a love of art leaving Robbie in the kitchen while she picks up a brush and easel.
Robert Koller
Chef
Swiss born, Robbie has been awarded many National and International accolades for his outstanding gourmet cuisine along with winning the global vegetarian cookbook award in 2017. Robbie’s passion and knowledge of food, wine and whiskey is second to none. He loves using fresh local produce including wild game meat and specializes in the final course, dessert.
Chopper
Lead Tracker
Chopper, a handsome German Shorthaired Pointer. Named by Sam for his love of helicopters. Chopper is as enthusiastic as the rest of the team. Loved by all his companionship and hunting ability is sure to please. Chopper has a tendency to sneak up on the bunks in the cabin and park up for the night!