Pacific Trip Leader

Gordy Rayner

Gordon, a native Kiwi, is an active kayaker, and the sport has taken him and his family to many different parts of the world (he met his wife, Mary, on a kayaking and rafting rally in Russia in 1989). The two of them have coached whitewater and slalom kayaking to local kids for 20 years, many of whom have represented New Zealand internationally. He has advocated for the protection of Central Otago’s whitewater rivers for many years, and retired from full time practice as a lawyer at the end of 2019, which now allows him to pursue other interests that include ecological projects and travel to wild places. An experienced hiker, Gordon has an abiding love of New Zealand's natural history.

Our Team

Client Testimonials

"Gordy was absolutely amazing! He was engaged, entertaining, so knowledgeable of flora and birds and everything New Zealand! He is the epitome of what a guide should be."

Bonnie V.

Anacortes, WA

"Gordy shared his love for his country’s culture, land, plants, history, animals, language, food, and people with us. Throughout the trip he ran into friends, acquaintances, and friends of friends. What a jovial and fun loving personality! He kept an eye on us all, but gave us space to enjoy the trip at our pace. We always felt safe, had fun, and were learning about what was surrounding us."

Debra L.

Boulder, CO

"Gordon was an outstanding trip leader. He was very knowledgeable and engaged with each trip member. He made sure everyone was having a great experience. His very warm personality and great sense of humor were an added bonus. "

Eduardo M.

Seattle, WA

"Fantastic trip leader! Very knowledgeable, funny and articulate. Absolutely the best!"

Jennifer T.

Caldwell, NJ

"Gordy brought charm and energy to the trip that was truly infectious. His knowledge of indigenous culture, kiwi ways, and the botany and biology of the country is extraordinary. "

John H.

Palo Alto, CA

"Gordie is a total delight and has the perfect disposition and demeanor for this job. He is super knowledgeable and made a point of being very engaged with each trip participant. "

Lynne R.

New York, NY

"Gordie is a total delight and has the perfect disposition and demeanor for this job. He is super knowledgeable and made a point of being very engaged with each trip participant. Among all the fantastic WT guides we have encountered on our many trips, Gordie is right up there with the best."

Lynne R.

New York, NY

"Gordy was a wealth of information, particularly about the local birds! He was full of local facts and lore and shared it with us at every opportunity."

Patricia W.

San Rafael, CA

"Gordon is a first rate guide, one of the best we've had. Client-focused, well-organized, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, passionate about New Zealand, and an absolute pleasure to travel with. Absolutely exceptional in the truest sense of the word."

Steve A.

Pleasanton, CA

"Gordon is passionate, lively, good humored, and friendly, which made this trip SO MUCH FUN! We all loved his stories about New Zealand's culture and history and appreciated his vast knowledge about local flora and fauna. I loved watching him interact with all the local people and his enthusiasm during all our adventures was contagious."

Tracy L.

Santa Barbara, CA

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