Meet our staff: Kerry Williams

Kerry brings a vibrant mix of energy, experience, and love for the outdoors to our team. Growing up in the deep south of New Zealand, she feels most at home surrounded by snow-capped mountains and wild green spaces. With a background as a tour guide and cook across Europe and New Zealand, Kerry now balances her adventurous spirit with the quieter joys of cycling, lawn bowls, and planning her next trip - often with her partner Mark and their travel mascot, Nigel, in tow!

Kerry Williams: Tour Manager

Tell us about your home town

I lived in Invercargill (Waihōpai) the Southern-most city in New Zealand for the first 5 years of my life before we shifted to Dunedin (Ōtepoti).  My dad’s work then transferred him to Kaiapoi – just outside of Christchurch and I finished my schooling there. I spent almost 6 years working and exploring Canada, USA, UK and Europe but I missed the freedom I felt when surrounded by snow-capped mountains and endless greenery in New Zealand. Returning to NZ, I was lucky to explore my own backyard while guiding groups in coach tours around New Zealand.

What do you do when you're not working?

I’m an active relaxer. You’ll find me walking my neighbourhood is walking distance to the beach and forest which we explore by foot or with my partner Mark, on our bikes. Between October and April you’ll find me playing competitive lawn bowls.  I love travelling and am always planning my next adventure with my partner Mark and our traveling gnome called Nigel.  It is usually to visit my two daughters -Amy, who lives on the Gold Coast in Australia and Nicole (you can find her on Instagram - @adventuringnicole) who has developed a love for hiking in Seattle, USA.

What piece of gear can you not live without on the trail?

A buff. They are perfect on the cold days to keep the back of your neck and head warm and on the hot days soaked in a stream or lake and wrapped around your wrist to keep you cooler or as a washcloth!

What's one place you haven't hikes yet but would love to explore?

I REALLY want to do the Tongariro Crossing in the central North Island and the Paparoa Track on the West Coast of the South Island.

How do you prepare for a multi-day hike?

The gym is my friend. (Not really, I hate it) but I use the stair master for cardio and the weights for conditioning. Not far from Hiking NZ HQ is Mt Thomas – a decent 3km climb to spectacular views that have are well worth the hike and gives you a great work out. I make sure I have everything on the gear list including my buff!

Can you share a memorable encounter with wildlife during a hike?

In 2024, Nicole and I went on a seven-day backpacking adventure in Kings Canyon National Park (USA) and saw a black bear! The adolescent bear was destroying a pinecone. It was a highlight, and we also saw a rattlesnake, deer, marmot, squirrels and chipmunks.