Tussock began working at Rangitata Rafts as a guide 19 years ago when he returned from travelling the world by motorbike. He and Alex have now been the owner/operators with their fantastic team for the last 9 years. They both feel very fortunate to work in such a special part of the South Island and to be able to share it with those people who take the opportunity to get off the beaten track.

Ben’s folks sent him to the South Island 20 years ago to get rafting out of his blood so he could return to the farm. This year Ben has finally decided that it is time to return to his roots, however I believe that rafting will always be in Ben’s blood as he has become one of New Zealand’s most professional rafting guides.  We were very privileged to have had Ben as part of our team for so long.  All the best Ben.

We are thrilled that Steve is returning again to help us lead the guiding team. Steve once again returned to Japan for our winter with his wife Hachi and son Rio to guide and run their guest house. Steve began his rafting career with Rangitata Rafts when he gained a rafting scholarship while at the local high school. After training with us for a season he became a guide and is still guiding with us 14 years later.

Jason moved to New Zealand 7 years ago from the tiny Isle of Man, and is back this summer for season number 7. He might be small but he certainly knows how to guide a raft around the river. Jason and his wife Emily spent this winter visiting his home roots and travelling in Europe.  Jason will continue training and volunteering with the St. John Ambulance this summer as well as guiding a raft or two down the Rangitata.

After a very busy winter studying and flying helicopters Cam will be making some guest star appearances on the river this summer. Cam has guided on rivers all across the globe, including rivers in Turkey, Australia and the North Island of New Zealand.

Duncan got his start in rafting by getting the rafting scholarship through the local school, he had his first season of guiding with us last summer. Duncan has had a busy year at university and it is awesome to have him back with us for the season. When Duncan is not on the river he spends his time farming and eating.

We are stoked Dave is joining Rangitata Rafts this season, after spending the winter overseas. Dave is originally from the West Coast, and has rafted heaps of rivers in New Zealand and internationally.

Dan is one of the newest members to the team, and also spent his winter overseas. Dan has rafted all over, including Japan, USA and in the North Island of New Zealand.

Paul is a local Geraldine boy, who also got his start in rafting by receiving the Rangitata Rafts scholarship. After training with us last season Paul is now guiding out on the river. Paul is the Rangitata Rafts Touch Rugby Team’s star player, and does a bit of shearing in his spare time.

We are very lucky to have Vic back in the kitchen, returning after some overseas adventures. Vic spent the last few months in the USA and down south in Waimate. You might also catch Vic outside the kitchen this season, as a guide on the Lower Rangitata.

After helping run the Peel Forest Store for the last few years Dani is joining the Rangitata kitchen crew to turn some sausages and cook some spuds. Proving Rangitata Rafts is literally one big happy family, Dani is Jason’s sister, and went to high school with Duncan.

Emily is back in the office answering phones and emails after hibernating in Peel Forest all winter. Continuing the family theme, Emily is married to Jason. This summer Emily is spending her time outside of the office organising her and Jason’s trip to the Isle of Man in the winter.

Billy is back driving the bus for us this Season, after driving a bus to Mt Hutt Skifield and driving school buses all winter. Billy is loving the warm NZ weather, after spending most of his life in the cold weather of Northern Ireland.

After a few seasons of filling in and driving odd days for us, we are pleased to have Allan as our other full time driver this season. Allan’s other half Jillian also does a bit of driving for us, as the driver for our cruise ship tours.

This year’s recipients of the rafting scholarship are Annie and Katie. Annie grew up next door to the rafting lodge on Waikari Hills Station, and her mum is the infamous Justine, longstanding Rangitata Rafts cook. Katie is originially from Taranaki, spent a year living in England and is this year’s Geraldine High School Head Girl.