Our Business
Welcome to Elite Adventures, an award-winning, fully licensed tour operator based in the heart of Rotorua. With over 25 years of operational excellence, we bring decades of specialised experience to every journey, guiding international guests through New Zealand’s most extraordinary landscapes. Our mission is simple: to provide a safe, comfortable, and deeply informative exploration of the natural and cultural treasures that define our home.
A Legacy of Exceptional Service
At Elite Adventures, we don’t just lead tours; we create unforgettable memories. Our commitment to world-class service is reflected in our stellar reputation on global platforms such as Google Maps, TripAdvisor, Viator, and GetYourGuide. We take immense pride in the satisfaction of our guests, ensuring every interaction meets the high standards of an industry leader.
Deep Local Knowledge, Unmatched Insight
What sets us apart is the expertise of our local guides. Possessing an in-depth understanding of Rotorua’s unique environment, our team provides rich commentary on:
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Geothermal Wonders & Volcanology: Witness the raw power of the earth through expert eyes.
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Flora & Fauna: Discover the native species that thrive in our volcanic landscape.
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Māori Culture & History: Connect with the stories, traditions, and heritage that shaped our region.
Investing in Our Community
We believe in the power of the next generation. Elite Adventures is a proud sponsor of the One Chance Youth Awards, an initiative dedicated to inspiring and encouraging local youth as they transition into the workforce. When you tour with us, you are supporting a business that remains deeply invested in the future of the Rotorua community.
Trent Neilson the Director has been involved in the tourism industry since a young age. Working for many tourism-based companies growing up around Rotorua, Trent started Elite Adventures in September 2000. Elite Adventures is now a multi award-winning company employing local Māori, supporting local businesses and sponsoring young locals to succeed!
Brian Winiata-Katting joined the team in March 2017. Brian is of local Tūhourangi Māori descent with connections throughout the area and industry. In 2017 Brian graduated from the University of Waikato with a Bachelor in Tourism Management, majoring in Tourism Development and a Graduate Certificate in History. He brings an extraordinary wealth of knowledge and great sense of humour, which our visitors love!
Clint Neilson, the directors identical twin brother, has more recently joined the team as both a guide and an environmental consultant with 15 years’ experience in various local councils and the NZ Defence Force. Clint holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental management majoring in sustainable development from the University of Queensland. He also holds a Diploma in Te Reo Māori from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (University of NZ) and has a passion for protecting NZ’s natural and cultural heritage.
Shaun Ellis is also a new local addition to the team, having worked with the Ministry for the Environment and other various companies and government entities. Shaun attained a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Earth Sciences from the University of Waikato and a Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria. Shaun is highly skilled at tailoring a technical message for any audience and has a passion for astronomy.
Elite Adventures also has a handful of drivers who are on standby and ready to deliver the elite services we provide. Our contract drivers come from a variety of different backgrounds, extending from crewing scientific teams on international vessels to farming and construction.