Your NZ Hiking Guides
A small team of many talents.
Chef, entertainer, historian, musician, therapist, planner, sherpa… there’s no end to the list of roles our guides play. We’ve gone out of our way to assemble the very best – a small, highly dedicated team of legendary guides, who will ensure your holiday is one you won’t soon forget!
Brad Taylor
Brad is a hiking veteran with over 21 years experience in the North Island outdoors. Originally trained as a whitewater rafting guide, Brad made the switch to trail adventures early and has never looked back. Brad holds a Pre-Hospital Emergency Care First Aid Qualification.
Brad takes a particular interest in the Lake Waikaremoana, Coromandel and Great Barrier Island areas and has hiked the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk over 100 times!
He’s quick with an interesting story about our native New Zealand flora and fauna and loves his 80’s pop culture and vintage Star Wars memorabilia.
‘Brad possessed a wonderful combination of experience, humour, knowledge and a fantastic way with people. These few days were really a highlight of my year!’
DEBORAH, Waikaremoana Discovery Tour
‘Brad had us on his own for 4 days. He was friendly, courteous, knowledgeable and yet gave us space and time on our own. We couldn’t fault him. And we learnt a lot about the Coromandel environment in a most interesting way.’
SUE, Coromandel Explorer
‘Brad is very knowledgeable, and he is always willing to share his knowledge about Te Urewera and also about his secret recipes. Thanks Brad!’
SARMILA, Waikaremoana Guided Walk
Stu Bennett
Stu has a wealth of knowledge and experience in bushcraft and conservation, having run large scale pest control operations and conducting many years of intensive conservation fieldwork in really challenging environments. A champion for nature, Stu is passionate about protecting New Zealand’s biodiversity for the benefit of all outdoor lovers.
With an innate ability to relate to people from all walks of life, Stu is a top-quality trail companion. In his off-trail life, Stu enjoys supporting hikers on the Te Araroa Trail as a trail angel.
‘Great walks, excellent accommodation, top food and looked after so well by Brad and Stu. It’s more than walks! It’s a fantastic way to see and experience Great Barrier Island.’
‘We had a great guide, Stu, very pleasant to be with and most helpful, really enjoyed his company.’
‘We did the Waikaremoana Discovery Tour trip and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The accommodation, catering, hospitality of the hosts, and enthusiasm and helpfulness of our guide, Stu, together with the fantastic views, swimming and other activities were fantastic. Thank you Walking Legends.’
Karina Bird
Karina is a highly skilled educator both in the classroom and on the walking and hiking tracks of New Zealand. Holding a Masters of Education with a wealth of experience and practical skills Karina is a ‘Jill-of-all-trades.’
After sampling some sections of Te Araroa Trail with her daughter, she discovered a passion for reconnecting with nature. A desire to spend more time in the New Zealand outdoors brought Karina to Walking Legends where she is adept at leading fun, educational and inspiring guided group hikes.
‘Karina was lovely - thoughtful and always trying to meet our needs; a great driver (important with so much driving to feel in safe hands); good company and shared information about places.'
JOANNA, Coromandel Explorer
‘Big ups to Karina for getting me past my fears and to the summit of the Pinnacles today! I'm elated!’
JILL, Coromandel Explorer
‘Karina was so calm, informative, polite, helpful and patient with us. Loved the food! Great attention to detail - right through to the drinks and fries at the end! That was perfect..’
Hanna Bauer
Hanna is a passionate, outdoor professional with many strings to her bow. A local resident of Aotea/Great Barrier Island, Hanna takes personal pride in welcoming Walking Legends guests to her island home. Her commitment to sustainability and low-impact visitation aligns with the vision and aspirations of the Aotea community and she enjoys sharing this with guests.
Originally from Germany, Hanna is an accomplished world-traveler and outdoor enthusiast and can’t wait to show you the fantastic trails of Aotea on your New Zealand guided hike.
‘Hanna was awesome. We were never rushed but always got to where we needed to be on time .’
NGAIRE, Great Barrier Island Escape