OUR STORY
OUR STORY
Xplor Tours is a family-owned business set up early in 2017 to fill a growing need to provide guided tour services of the Wellington and Wairarapa regions. We saw an opportunity to provide great tours to the ever-increasing number of visitors to Wellington and New Zealand.
Richard and Lynn are the business-owners and due to demand for their tours, they have built up a group of experienced guides with great personalities who enjoy sharing their city with visitors.
We mainly offer smaller tours with a minimum of 2 and up to maximum of 12 people, to ensure that we can cater for everyone on our tours in a personal manner. However if you have a larger group just contact us and we will arrange the appropriate transport, we have looked after groups of 50.
We have a range of standard tours for you to choose from, or for something really special, we can put together a custom tour to give your and your tour party exactly the Wellington and Wairarapa experience you want. Contact us if you would like to discuss your options for a private charter tour.
Our vehicles are modern minibuses with front and back multi-vent air-conditioning, comfortable seating offering good views from both sides, and your guide will provide a commentary on a microphone system.
Xplor guides all know the Wellington, Kapiti and Wairarapa regions well, and when taking you on a tour can provide a personalised take on the local sights and stories. Here at Xplor Tours we pride ourselves on giving you more than the usual tourist trip.
Our aim is for you to travel in comfort, feel welcomed to Wellington, and ensure you enjoy yourself with a tour that you will remember with a “Wow”! We believe your tour is all about what “you want” and having an enjoyable experience.
OUR TEAM
OUR TEAM
We are a team that loves meeting new people and showcasing our region, including Wellington, the Kapiti Coast and the Wairarapa. We have worked hard to ensure all our tours will include the best spots, sites and experiences of whichever area you choose for your sightseeing tour.
Xplor’s tour guides all strive to give you not just a factual tour but one that includes lots of interaction, laughs and fun, with a surprise or two along the way.
Each of our guides have got parts of our region that they like the best, and they all know a lot about the history of the region and some of the great stories that go along with different locations.
Here at Xplor Tours we are proud of the informative, entertaining and personalised tours that each of experienced tour guides can offer you as part of your visit to Wellington.
Below is a bit of an introduction to each of out tour guides here at Xplor Tours.
LESTER
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• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
I was born in North Hawkes Bay and have lived in Wellington for 24 years.
I have travelled and worked in USA, Singapore, East Timor, Antarctica, Australia• What do you most like about Wellington?
My family all live here.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
The Lord of the Rings tours, as it’s a good way to get to know people and spend the full day with them talking about a common interest.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
Meeting people, listening to their stories, and sharing my own Maori culture and language with them.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
Farm hand, Freezing worker, RNZAF (the NZ Air Force). I am currently a First Responder and Deputy Crew Chief Fire Officer at Wellington Airport.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
(It looks like Lester was too busy doing things outside work to answer this question).
DEAN
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
Born in Paramatta, Sydney, Australia, I’ve been in Wellington for 19 years.
I have travelled to USA, Canada, Indonesia, China, India, Vietnam, but never been to Europe.• What do you most like about Wellington?
My wife.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
The Wellington tours, as people come to the city to see it, and I have a captive audience for my sense of humour.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
It’s just fun. It’s about their holiday and treating people to something enjoyable.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
Mostly Corporate Procurement, and prior to covid I owned my own business transporting people in wheelchairs.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Time spent with my family and grandchildren. Winning Lotto, although I don’t know if I enjoy that or not, as I’m still waiting!
PETER
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
Born in Nelson, I have lived in Auckland in the past, and lived in Wellington since the 1960’s.• What do you most like about Wellington?
It’s diversity and the friendliness of the city. Transient workers are always befriended by Wellingtonians.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
The Wellington City tours as I prefer to show off the city.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
Wellington is such an interesting city and compact with a lovely harbour. It’s all about the interaction with the customers.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
30 years in Logistics, then 20 years in Real Estate.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Family and grandchildren. I am a rugby fanatic and a keen outdoor bowler.
MITCHELL
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
I was born in Wellington and have lived here for 23 years. I studied in Dunedin for 2 years and also in Palmerston North.• What do you most like about Wellington?
How close everything is. It has a community feel but with the big city life stuff as well.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
Lord of the Rings tours, because you take people on this tour who are passionate about the subject.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
Meeting people from all over the world and learning about their cultures.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
Bartender, Lifeguard, and I am currently a Primary School Teacher.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Family time, watching sport and video gaming.
MARTY
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
All my life, I’m born and bred in Wellington.• What do you most like about Wellington?
It’s multicultural with a stunning harbour that can’t be beaten on a good day.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
My favourites are the Wairarapa tours, either to the wineries tour or the trip to the seals and lighthouse. I enjoy the interesting stops along the way and the opportunities for good conversation and everchanging scenery enroute.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
The people. I have landed on my feet getting job as a Wellington tour guide. It’s something I love doing while showing off our local city.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
All in customer services, including Coca Cola Truck Driver, Milk Truck Driver.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Reading, watching sport and walking.
WAYNE
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
Born in Napier and lived in Wellington for 22 years. Travelled to the USA, Europe, and Australia.• What do you most like about Wellington?
It’s history and culture.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
I’ve always liked doing the Wellington City tours, especially how the route includes going around the coastline and up Mt Victoria, rather than just all in the city.• What do you enjoy about being a Wellington tour guide?
Getting to know people from all around the world.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
Mainly all hospitality, along with some transport and retail.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Kitset model making of cars, spaceships, planes, ships, tanks. I follow sport and play the odd game of golf. I also enjoy travelling and different music genres.
DENNIS
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
I was born in Ranfurly, Central Otago, and have lived in Wellington for 30 years.• What do you most like about Wellington?
It’s a nice, compact city and easy to get around, with lots of attractions to see.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
Hands down the Half Day Wellington City tour. It gives tourists a great snapshot of Wellington at its best.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
I love the interaction with people and learning what they do themselves and a bit about where they are from. It’s all about the people connection.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
Paperboy, White Water Rafting Guide for two years, have been in IT Sales for the last 30 years, and 2 years in that field working in Australia and Papua New Guinea.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Taking a yearly South Island Road Trip with my wife on my motorbike, cooking and skydiving.
ALLAN
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
Born and bred in Wellington. I have travelled extensively around New Zealand.• What do you most like about Wellington?
It’s a compact area, so easy to get around and I have lots of family and friends here.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
All of them, as they are varied and bring a bit of difference to each one.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
I like showing people Wellington, which can’t be beaten of a good day. I enjoy meeting a diverse range of people, nationalities, and cultures from around the world.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
Various management roles in Marketing, Systems, Logistics to name a few.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Sport in general.
TIM
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
I was born in Dunedin and have lived in Wellington since 1987.• What do you most like about Wellington?
The wind, and the city is still close to nature.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
I enjoy guiding on the Wellington city tour, as customers get to see a lot of Wellington in a short time.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide for Xplor?
People have to listen to me! I love interaction and what can be better than showing other people around my hometown.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
Paperboy, Telesales, Tree Planter, Event Management and being a Santa Clause in the shopping Malls (ho-ho-ho).• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Watching my kids and grandchildren playing sport.
STAN
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
I was born in Wellington and have lived here all my life.• What do you most like about Wellington?
The scenery, the people – it’s just a good place to live.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
The Seals, Lighthouse and Winery tour in the Wairarapa. It’s perfect for showing off our countryside and lovely untouched nature.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
Meeting people from all different countries and cultures worldwide.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
Real Estate, Life Insurance Underwriter Manager, Tourism and Property Management.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m a petrol head. Have built my own hot rod in the past. I particularly follow all motorsports, and also other forms of sport as well.
GUNDE
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
I have lived in the Wellington Region all my life, but have travelled to Australia and the Pacific Islands, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.• What do you most like about Wellington?
I love the diversity and culture of Wellington. It’s a really compact capital city, and it’s got something for everyone.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
I like the taking people on the Full Day Wellington Tour. Our guests get to go from one side of Wellington to the other.
The tour includes 360° views, rugged coastlines, surf beaches, Botanical Gardens, quaint villages, old churches, Museums, The Beehive (NZ Parliament), a ride on the Cable Car and taking photos from the top.
• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
I enjoy meeting and welcoming our visitors to Wellington. I also like organising the tours, and making sure they are enjoyable for all our guests.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
I’ve worked as a credit manager, and in various financial roles in the corporate world, but have spent the last 13 years in tourism, promoting Wellington.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Sport generally, and getting up the mountains for a bit of skiing when I get the chance. I love travelling, and enjoy spending time on our beautiful beaches, and my interest in the arts and design blend well with Wellington’s culture.
LESTER
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
I was born in North Hawkes Bay and have lived in Wellington for 24 years.
I have travelled and worked in USA, Singapore, East Timor, Antarctica, Australia• What do you most like about Wellington?
My family all live here.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
The Lord of the Rings tours, as it’s a good way to get to know people and spend the full day with them talking about a common interest.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
Meeting people, listening to their stories, and sharing my own Maori culture and language with them.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
Farm hand, Freezing worker, RNZAF (the NZ Air Force). I am currently a First Responder and Deputy Crew Chief Fire Officer at Wellington Airport.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
(It looks like Lester was too busy doing things outside work to answer this question).
DEAN
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
Born in Paramatta, Sydney, Australia, I’ve been in Wellington for 19 years.
I have travelled to USA, Canada, Indonesia, China, India, Vietnam, but never been to Europe.• What do you most like about Wellington?
My wife.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
The Wellington tours, as people come to the city to see it, and I have a captive audience for my sense of humour.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
It’s just fun. It’s about their holiday and treating people to something enjoyable.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
Mostly Corporate Procurement, and prior to covid I owned my own business transporting people in wheelchairs.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Time spent with my family and grandchildren. Winning Lotto, although I don’t know if I enjoy that or not, as I’m still waiting!
ALLAN
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
Born and bred in Wellington. I have travelled extensively around New Zealand.• What do you most like about Wellington?
It’s a compact area, so easy to get around and I have lots of family and friends here.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
All of them, as they are varied and bring a bit of difference to each one.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
I like showing people Wellington, which can’t be beaten of a good day. I enjoy meeting a diverse range of people, nationalities, and cultures from around the world.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
Various management roles in Marketing, Systems, Logistics to name a few.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Sport in general.
PETER
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
Born in Nelson, I have lived in Auckland in the past, and lived in Wellington since the 1960’s.• What do you most like about Wellington?
It’s diversity and the friendliness of the city. Transient workers are always befriended by Wellingtonians.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
The Wellington City tours as I prefer to show off the city.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
Wellington is such an interesting city and compact with a lovely harbour. It’s all about the interaction with the customers.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
30 years in Logistics, then 20 years in Real Estate.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Family and grandchildren. I am a rugby fanatic and a keen outdoor bowler.
MITCHELL
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
I was born in Wellington and have lived here for 23 years. I studied in Dunedin for 2 years and also in Palmerston North.• What do you most like about Wellington?
How close everything is. It has a community feel but with the big city life stuff as well.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
Lord of the Rings tours, because you take people on this tour who are passionate about the subject.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
Meeting people from all over the world and learning about their cultures.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
Bartender, Lifeguard, and I am currently a Primary School Teacher.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Family time, watching sport and video gaming.
MARTY
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
All my life, I’m born and bred in Wellington.• What do you most like about Wellington?
It’s multicultural with a stunning harbour that can’t be beaten on a good day.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
My favourites are the Wairarapa tours, either to the wineries tour or the trip to the seals and lighthouse. I enjoy the interesting stops along the way and the opportunities for good conversation and everchanging scenery enroute.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
The people. I have landed on my feet getting job as a Wellington tour guide. It’s something I love doing while showing off our local city.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
All in customer services, including Coca Cola Truck Driver, Milk Truck Driver.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Reading, watching sport and walking.
TIM
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
I was born in Dunedin and have lived in Wellington since 1987.• What do you most like about Wellington?
The wind, and the city is still close to nature.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
I enjoy guiding on the Wellington city tour, as customers get to see a lot of Wellington in a short time.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide for Xplor?
People have to listen to me! I love interaction and what can be better than showing other people around my hometown.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
Paperboy, Telesales, Tree Planter, Event Management and being a Santa Clause in the shopping Malls (ho-ho-ho).• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Watching my kids and grandchildren playing sport.
WAYNE
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
Born in Napier and lived in Wellington for 22 years. Travelled to the USA, Europe, and Australia.• What do you most like about Wellington?
It’s history and culture.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
I’ve always liked doing the Wellington City tours, especially how the route includes going around the coastline and up Mt Victoria, rather than just all in the city.• What do you enjoy about being a Wellington tour guide?
Getting to know people from all around the world.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
Mainly all hospitality, along with some transport and retail.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Kitset model making of cars, spaceships, planes, ships, tanks. I follow sport and play the odd game of golf. I also enjoy travelling and different music genres.
DENNIS
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
I was born in Ranfurly, Central Otago, and have lived in Wellington for 30 years.• What do you most like about Wellington?
It’s a nice, compact city and easy to get around, with lots of attractions to see.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
Hands down the Half Day Wellington City tour. It gives tourists a great snapshot of Wellington at its best.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
I love the interaction with people and learning what they do themselves and a bit about where they are from. It’s all about the people connection.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
Paperboy, White Water Rafting Guide for two years, have been in IT Sales for the last 30 years, and 2 years in that field working in Australia and Papua New Guinea.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Taking a yearly South Island Road Trip with my wife on my motorbike, cooking and skydiving.
STAN
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
I was born in Wellington and have lived here all my life.• What do you most like about Wellington?
The scenery, the people – it’s just a good place to live.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
The Seals, Lighthouse and Winery tour in the Wairarapa. It’s perfect for showing off our countryside and lovely untouched nature.• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
Meeting people from all different countries and cultures worldwide.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
Real Estate, Life Insurance Underwriter Manager, Tourism and Property Management.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m a petrol head. Have built my own hot rod in the past. I particularly follow all motorsports, and also other forms of sport as well.
GUNDE
-
• How long have you lived in Wellington and where else have you lived or travelled to?
I have lived in the Wellington Region all my life, but have travelled to Australia and the Pacific Islands, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.• What do you most like about Wellington?
I love the diversity and culture of Wellington. It’s a really compact capital city, and it’s got something for everyone.• Which of the tours you run at Xplor is your favourite and why?
I like the taking people on the Full Day Wellington Tour. Our guests get to go from one side of Wellington to the other.
The tour includes 360° views, rugged coastlines, surf beaches, Botanical Gardens, quaint villages, old churches, Museums, The Beehive (NZ Parliament), a ride on the Cable Car and taking photos from the top.
• What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?
I enjoy meeting and welcoming our visitors to Wellington. I also like organising the tours, and making sure they are enjoyable for all our guests.• What other types of jobs have you had in the past?
I’ve worked as a credit manager, and in various financial roles in the corporate world, but have spent the last 13 years in tourism, promoting Wellington.• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Sport generally, and getting up the mountains for a bit of skiing when I get the chance. I love travelling, and enjoy spending time on our beautiful beaches, and my interest in the arts and design blend well with Wellington’s culture.
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