Wilderness Family
Family is an association of people who share common beliefs or activities - that is exactly what Wilderness is about. We're a bunch of like-minded people who together, create the ultimate Wilderness experience. We stick by each other through and through. If you need a hand, we lend you one and if you need a chat, we open our ears. If you need a cup of tea, we'll make you one and if you need a laugh we'll refer you to Flight of the Conchords. That's the kind of family we are.
Robbie Vertogen | 
Georgia | 
Matt Whall |
Michael | 
John Managh | 
Mary Hamilton |
Robbie Vertogen - Second Mate (Christchurch)
My job is to help Matt ensure the smooth operation of the Christchurch base. Usually, I can be found racing between the airport and our base, helping adventurers plan their trip, or polishing the chrome on our campers.
Born and bred on farms/orchards on the outskirts of the Garden Capital (Christchurch), has imbued me with a passion for the outdoors and all its majestic wonder. 4x4ing till the early hours of the morning, hitchhiking from the middle of the Southern Alps in the middle of winter, and becoming lost in the middle of the Hurunui District's riverbeds sounds like a typical weekend adventure. If I'm not out looking for an adventure you'll probably find me down at the local indulging in some of the sweet local brews and reminiscing about the time prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders...
"Dream as though you'll live forever, live as though you'll die today"
Georgia - Crayfish dog
Like the Franciscan Friars of 19th century France, we have our own dog to catch crayfish.
You can teach an old dog new tricks...
I love chasing birds. I know I am not supposed to but I get a real kick out of it. I also love tucker, scaring the courier driver, having a cat nap in the sun. I love going camping and exploring the bush. I love coming to work at Wilderness. But what I love the most... cuddles...
Matt Whall - Chief Mate (Christchurch)
I look after our base in the port of Christchurch. So if you’re picking up or returning your camper in the South Island, I’ll take care of you.
Robbie, myself and my little dog Chopper make up your welcoming party if you're planning on heading south.
I enjoy getting out in the backcountry of NZ whether it be adventure riding on my KTM450exc or chasing powder turns on my skis so if you need the heads up on some primo spots, we'll point you in the right direction.
When I'm not riding my bike or in the mountains skiing, I like mowing the lawns or curling up with a good book "NOT". It's not often I find myself sitting around with nothing happening, I'm more likely to be out socialising or exploring. I'm always keen on hearing of other peoples adventures. They never fail to get me visualising and planning my next trip.
Here are a couple of my favourites sites that might help you start planning and get the juices flowing:
www.snow.co.nz, www.metservice.co.nz
Michael Becker - Helicopter Pilot
My job is to take the ‘helicopter view’ of the business. I keep an eye out for new opportunities, potential hazards on the route ahead, and make sure the ship is on course.
I was born in Germany came to New Zealand in 1993 to seek new adventures and to work less. I did find new adventures (I co-founded KEA Campers in 1995) but I haven’t slowed down yet. In fact, I still ride motorbikes on and off road as often as I can, taking my inspiration from Burt Munro, the Kiwi who broke the world speed record in Bonneville, USA on his old Indian motorcycle. When I need a more sedate activity, I take a hike in the Waitakere Ranges or savour the local delicacies at Bennetts in Mangawhai Heads, north of Auckland.
I love New Zealand for its abundance of nature, from the sandy beaches in the Bay of Islands to the rugged South Island with mountains and glaciers almost touching the ocean. And I love it for its friendly laid back people.
The second best way to see New Zealand is in a campervan (best off course is on a motorbike). You can go to the most remote places, park up or even freedom camp where freedom camping is permitted. Because all Wilderness vehicles are fully self contained you won’t harm the environment. But then again, New Zealand has the most wonderful campgrounds, so the decision is sometimes hard.
While I’m a Kiwi now, I still keep my passion for European football. I’m a staunch supporter of FC St Pauli, the“pirates of the league”.
John Managh - Captain of the ship
My hand is firmly on the wheel of the ship we call Wilderness. My job is to keep the ship afloat. If you’re picking up or returning to Auckland, chances are my smiling face will be the first you’ll see.
"All men die but not all men truly live" - Braveheart
I love getting out and amongst it. The flavour of the month is snowboarding - We fly into Christchurch on a Friday night, into a Base Jumper and head for the mountains. The summer is about windsurfing.
I love fresh turns, hammering on the windsurfer, midnight kayaking, the team at Wilderness, fresh seafood, laughing till I cry, sausages, adventures, telling stories about my dad and seeing people living awesome inspired lives, being silly, and hanging out with my mum.
Things I don't love so much - smoking and pumpkin.
Mary Hamilton - Purser
I look after the money and the cooks (food is an essential part of a successful voyage). As head of sales and marketing, I’m also responsible for spreading the word about who we are far and wide.
Wife to Eric - whiskey drinking mountain climber. Mother of James, Anna, and Stella - three full on kids who love swimming, boogey boarding, and skiing. When I'm not hanging out the laundry or cooking up a feast, I love to go bush walking with the family (favourite local walk Waiomu Kauri Grove), take the boat out fishing (favourite local spot mussel farms off Waikawau Bay) or head to the mountains with the skis on the roof rack. We are hardy campers from way back (favourite campfire cooking creation - cheese damper washed down with an Aussie red) who love finding a quiet camp spot way off the main trail (current favourite Kaiaua Beach, 4km north of Tolaga Bay). My kids and I just love this clip we found in YouTube. Moral of the story - don't put your finger in baby's mouth.