Our people

Michael Becker

CEO

Michael takes the role of a helicopter pilot in the company. His job is to make sure everyone is on course, keep an eye out for new opportunities, and spot the potential hazards ahead. Born in Germany, Michael came to New Zealand in 1993 in search of new adventures. Nearly 20 years later he has found his own piece of paradise with his family in Mangawhai Heads.

Steve Butler

Customer Service

From the warm welcome on your arrival to the fond farewell and everything else in between, Steve is totally committed to you having an exceptional Wilderness experience. Steve knows our campervans well because he’s always getting out and using them when he’s not working. He is a passionate explorer so don’t hesitate to ask him where to find his favourite off-the-beaten-path treasures.

Svenja Ciriack

Customer Service

Svenja loves to explore the world so she knows what difference a warm smile and a helpful attitude make when you get off a long flight in a foreign country. That’s why we put her on the front line at Wilderness. And when she’s not busy taking care of you, she’s exploring New Zealand looking for some great travel tips to share.

Shane Dalley

Fleet Manager

Understanding how mechanical things work is second nature to Shane. When he’s not fixing our campervans, he messes with motors in jet boats (a NZ invention), motorbikes, and just about anything else. So making sure that all campervans leaving our Christchurch base are in top shape is not much of a stretch for him. His thoroughness and eye for detail are legendary so you can feel confident that your campervan or motorhome will be fit for a king or queen.

Chris Drake

Fleet Service

Chris has worked in the motor trade longer than most - not just in NZ but in the UK and Pacific. Before he joined the Wilderness team, Chris assembled jet units at the world famous Hamilton Jet plant in Christchurch. Did you know the jet boat was actually invented in Christchurch? When he's not preparing your campervan for its next adventure, you'll find Chris on the football pitch.

Patrick Frick

Fleet Manager

When he’s not surfing off one of Auckland’s wild west coast beaches, Patrick is getting your campervan ready for hire. His job is to maintain our vehicles to our exacting standards. He takes ensuring your safety and comfort on your New Zealand road trip personally. Patrick doesn’t quit for the day until he is 100% satisfied that you will be blown away by your Wilderness motorhome.

Mary Hamilton

Marketing Director

Our biggest fans are our customers and there’s nothing they love to do more than tell others about their Wilderness experience. So Mary’s job is pretty easy – just let the customers tell their stories. Mary and her family get away in a Wilderness motorhome most holidays in search of new adventures and new ways to enhance our customers’ experiences. Now that’s the life!

Andy Hughes

Fleet Service

Before Andy joined the Wilderness team, he was a cabinet maker so it's no surprise that he has a fastidious nature. His eye for detail is legendary. Who else would you rather have preparing your camper for a trip of a lifetime?   

John Managh

Managing Director

John has led Wilderness since its birth in 2004. His own travel experiences instilled in him a vision to build the world’s best tourism company and that's what he inspires the team to deliver on. When he’s not polishing the chrome on one of our vans, you can find him windsurfing at Pt Chevalier, chasing a big snapper in the Hauraki Gulf, or sharing a picnic with his lovely wife Pip and new baby Ben at Muriwai.

Claudia Opper

Reservations Manager

You may have already met Claudia if you’ve emailed or called us. She’s so eager to be of service, she’ll answer your questions before you’ve even had a chance to ask them - in English or German. On the weekends, you may bump into her at a Zumba class or cruising Auckland’s beaches in her convertible (spot the Audrey Hepburn look-a-like).

Robbie Vertogen

Customer Service

Chances are Robbie will be the first friendly face you’ll meet (after the Airport Immigration Service that is) on your New Zealand road trip. He’ll make sure you know your camper inside and out and answer all your questions before setting you off on your big adventure. Robbie is an outdoor adventurer too - he’s even taken to shooting wild pigs so do ask him if he has any wild bacon to share.

Nicole Wiedemann

Customer Service

Every chance she gets, Nicole heads out of town in search of a new piece of untouched landscape. There's nothing she enjoys more than feeling the sun on her face and the wind in her hair. Nicole loves to share stories of her favourite locations so make sure you save enough time when you pick up your camper to listen to her gems.