MEET THE TEAM

Born in Taranaki, Cliff grew up surrounded by rivers, lakes, and the ocean, instilling a deep love for nature. Seeking adventure after working in a timber mill, he traveled to the South Island, where he spent years busking, hitchhiking, and WOOFING. His passion for the outdoors led him to become a kayak guide in Milford Sound and later a Glacier Guide in Franz Josef, where he found his true calling.

After walking access to the glacier closed in 2013, Cliff shifted paths and took over Glacier Valley Eco Tours in 2016. Now based in Ōkārito with his wife Tash, he’s a dedicated guide with a love for storytelling, conservation, and the rugged West Coast. When not guiding, he enjoys white baiting, wood carving, kayaking, and spending time with his pet goat Nicole and dogs. Cliff’s tours are a mix of nature, history, and unforgettable stories.

Tash, hailing from Timaru, grew up immersed in music, sports and creativity. After high school, she pursued her passion for the arts at NMIT in Nelson, specializing in Textiles Mixed Media. Her life took an adventurous turn after meeting Cliff during a course in Motueka, leading to a life enriched with diverse experiences from nannying to art therapy. Their marriage in 2010 on the serene Okarito beach was a celebration of love and community, embodying the essence of their shared values. Before stepping into the world of Glacier Valley Eco Tours, Tash's eclectic career spanned many jobs including kayak guiding & administrative roles, all while nurturing their children, Rowi & Zalas.

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Tash's vibrant spirit is evident in her commitment to the Okarito community and her hobbies, which include kayaking on the lagoon, beach walks with their dogs, performing & playing music, and creating art. Her passion for the West Coast's beauty and her creative soul make her an integral part of the Glacier Valley Eco Tours family, enriching the experiences of those they welcome.

Originally from Northland NZ, Mel has spent lots of time on the West Coast, working in Greymouth doing track maintenance & pest & plant control for the Department of Conservation.  She has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Physical Geography from Victoria University in Wellington.

Mel also worked for the Climate Change commission as an analyst, but prefers to be outside in the NZ forest.  In her spare time she enjoys tramping, knitting & sewing.

Louis is from Wellington NZ and is our Plant Guru - currently he is studying his Masters in Ecology at Otago University.  He enjoys kayaking & photography.  His favourite West Coast tree is a Mahoe & he likes learning about how ecosystems function together.

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Bella is from Wellington NZ, and has a wide range of interests including volunteering in conservation projects, music festivals & for those in need. 

She has a Masters in Neuroscience which she started at Otago University & completed in Finland recently. 

She just got back from bike-packing around Japan & enjoys hiking, travelling & playing her guitar. 

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Sophia is from Nelson NZ and has just graduated from Otago University in Dunedin where she obtained a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, majoring in genetics and reproduction.

She loves nature, enjoys sailing and is a member of the Otago tramping club.

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