Cindy Peterken
Cindy moved to New Zealand from the UK in 2008 and is now in her fourth year guiding with Terra & Tide. An experienced international guide, she has guided in destinations including Africa and Peru and now leads experiences across Auckland, Waiheke Island and Northland.
Cindy also runs a local theatre company as a theatre director and drama teacher, bringing her natural storytelling ability, warmth and people skills to every tour. An experienced sailor and hiker, she loves connecting guests with the landscapes, history, culture and stories of Aotearoa.
Justine Steel
Justine is Terra & Tide’s longest-standing guide, having been part of the team for eight years. She grew up on Aotea Great Barrier Island and has a deep connection to the Hauraki Gulf, as well as extensive knowledge across the Auckland and Northland region.
A highly experienced and versatile guide, Justine leads a wide range of Terra & Tide experiences, with particular strengths in history and heritage, food and wine, nature and conservation. Before joining Terra & Tide, she also worked as a wine guide.
Justine is happiest in the bush and particularly enjoys sharing her knowledge of Aotearoa’s native plants, birdlife, Māori history and cultural heritage with guests.
Maria Heer
Maria has been guiding with Terra & Tide for the past three years and brings a diverse background spanning biology, viticulture, sea sports and business.
She has a longstanding connection with Waiheke Island through family and childhood holidays, later making the island her home with her husband. Maria also has a strong passion for Te Ao Māori and te reo Māori and enjoys continuing to deepen her knowledge.
A passionate sailor and catamaran owner, Maria is also a member of Coastguard and is involved in training with the Waiheke unit. Her knowledge of the marine environment, natural world and local history makes her a wonderful guide across Terra & Tide’s range of experiences.
Dell McInnes (Ngāti Pou)
Dell is now in her fifth year guiding with Terra & Tide and brings a strong personal connection to her own whakapapa, with iwi connections to Ngāti Pou.
She has a particular interest in history, heritage and culture and enjoys guiding experiences that explore the stories, people and places that have shaped Aotearoa. Dell’s thoughtful approach and personal connection to her whakapapa bring an added depth to the way she shares these stories with guests.
Known for her warm and inclusive approach, Dell is also a popular guide with our LGBTQ+ guests.
Gabrielle Young
At the age of 49, I walked away from my corporate job and I kept on walking – for 400 kilometres on a solo trek through the passes and mountain valleys of the South Island of New Zealand.
That month-long solo walk helped me to clarify my values that would guide me from here and what I wanted to do to align to those values in all areas of my life. The self I discovered on that walk was open-hearted, connected to herself and nature, and didn’t need or want to be a warrior woman anymore. She was in the present moment and without fear.
I found that there were new ways to use my professional skills. I could do work that was more inspiring, that helped others to feel good about themselves and to discover for themselves the healing power of connecting to nature and following their dreams.
And that's how Terra & Tide was born.
Lea Nova-Tisch
Lea brings both local knowledge and international guiding experience to Terra & Tide. She grew up on Waiheke Island and has also worked with Big Bus Tours in London and led forest and mountain hikes in Switzerland.
With a passion for history, the natural environment and Te Ao Māori, Lea enjoys helping guests gain a deeper understanding of the places they visit.
Her experience across very different landscapes and cultures gives her a broad perspective and an engaging approach to guiding.
Francesca Holibar
Francesca has lived on Waiheke Island for many years and has a strong connection to its coastal landscapes and communities.
A keen lover of the outdoors, she is happiest at the beach or swimming in the ocean. She particularly enjoys sharing the character, communities and natural environments of the Hauraki Gulf with guests and helping visitors discover what makes this part of Aotearoa so special.
Dave Black
Dave is an experienced skipper who has worked with super yachts in the mediterranean and is currently working in the maritime museum skippering their classic boats.
Dave is also a member of the local Coastguard and loves nothing more than getting out on the water in the Hauraki Gulf.
Robyn Woodall
Robyn Woodall is one of our newest additions to the team, but she’s certainly not new to Waiheke – she has been an island resident for 22 years! During that time, she has been very actively involved in the community, helping with conservation work and raising her three children (one of whom is a highly successful international sailor).
