OUR TEAM

Part driver, part storyteller, all heart.

Travellers' Choice Award 2026

LEON

Originally from Auckland, Leon started out in the wine industry before trading vineyards for buses, mountains, and life on the road. He says, "I love watching a group go from strangers to friends over a trip. No two tours ever feel the same. Different people, weather and energy every time."

KNOWN FOR: Taking stone skipping very seriously

NATALIE AKA NAT

Nat has been Straying since the big orange coach days, meeting people along the way. A proud Kiwi adventurer who's skydived, bungy jumped and canyoned for research, turning long drives into proper stories. She says her "corner office, with million dollar views" is the best in the world.

KNOWN FOR: Keeping everyone well-fed and cosy, one bake and stitch at a time.

NICOLE AKA WHAEA

Nicole AKA Whaea has been welcoming manuhiri (visitors) aboard for years, weaving Aotearoa's landscapes, history & stories, into their journey. Equal parts storyteller and local aunty, she brings warmth, sharp local knowledge, and a soft spot for rongoā and natural remedies. She is always ready with a tip on kawakawa for a sore tummy or manuka honey for a scratchy throat. She will guide you safely around NZ, having good laugh along the way.

Brett Hudson (Taxi)

CEO

Brett is our powerhouse CEO. He's been part of the Stray family for over 20 years and loves to get stuck into everything from driving coaches to overseeing our operations. Being embedded in the team and industry for decades means Brett has unwavering dedication to New Zealand as a whole, our business, our people and our passion for all things purpose. Brett loves a good yarn so if you give him a call, make sure you have at least half an hour spare!

KNOWN FOR: Hitting flowing trails and telling epic tales... some of which may be true.

Eve Lawrence

Global Sales Director

Eve is Stray's awesome Global Sales Director. With over 20 years in the travel and events industry, Eve nurtures our destination management clients, online travel agent relationships and is bringing on board new partners whilst generally managing all things sales strategy related. Eve absolutely loves the outdoors, and on a calm day, you will definitely find her fishing or spearfishing around Tauranga.

KNOWN FOR: Turning casual work karaoke into a surprise live concert.

Matt Southerden

Operations Manager

Matt is an essential part of the Stray Travel team, ensuring our logistics, health & safety, certifications and all things ground related are seamless and smooth. He's the grease that keep this exceptional cog turning and in the background, Matt works closely with our guides to ensure that your journey is the best it can possibly be.

KNOWN FOR: Casually making the New York Marathon his first-ever marathon - because apparently starting small is overrated.

Rachael Rushworth

Technology Solutions Manager

Rach has been part of the Stray team for over 10 years and now looks after all things tech as our Technology Solutions Manager. She keeps our systems running smoothly behind the scenes, helping make your Stray experience as seamless as possible. Outside of work, you’ll usually find her soaking up the sunshine with a cup of tea and a good book.

KNOWN FOR: Reading more books than everyone else combined

Sam Bakker

Reservations Manager

Sam has been with the Stray team for over 6 years and is our fab Reservations Manager. Without Sam, there would be no accommodation, dinner or activity reservations for you! Sam ensures our supply relationships are smooth and well managed and that we're choosing the best suited superior accommodations across all our tours. Sam also provides Matt with logistical operations support during the busy summer season.

KNOWN FOR: Working in tourism and never having seen the Lord Of The Rings movies despite having having been to Hobbiton 4 times.

Yufei Ye

Finance Manager

We all have to pay the bills, which makes Yufei another core member of our team. He and the accounts team makes sure our team, suppliers and tour guides are paid on time, while keeping a close eye on the numbers to ensure our tours are delivered competitively and offer great value for money. Away from the numbers, Yufei has another side: an enthusiastic observer and explorer of the world, whether out seeking new experiences or simply taking it all in quietly. He enjoys photography and putting his thoughts in words. Who says a numbers person can’t be a little artsy too?

KNOWN FOR: Making everyone jealous with the best home-cooked lunches.

Rebecca Hudson (Becks)

Accounts & Revenue Specialist

Becks joined the stray team almost three years ago when she was looking for a role with a better work life balance. She works alongside Yufei in the accounts team and is responsible for making sure wages and drivers expenses are paid. When she’s not working she’s a busy mum of 3 boys and loves getting involved in their sporting activities.

KNOWN FOR: Always putting everyone else first - and casually dropping the funniest comments along the way.

Hannah Lobb

Digital Marketing Manager

Hannah has joined the Stray team after moving home to New Zealand and now looks after all things marketing. She writes our copy, keeps our social channels, campaigns and website running smoothly behind the scenes. From Instagram to Google Business Profile to GEO research, she helps make sure your Stray experience is easy to find and easy to plan. Outside of work she loves reading, hiking and spending time with animals.

KNOWN FOR: Being a serial petsitter

Our stray guides

More than a driver

We're picky about who gets the keys.
Our guides are locals who genuinely love the places you’re visiting and can't wait to show it off. They’re professionally trained and safety-first, and they're the kind of people you'd happily share a bus with for three weeks.

And because our groups are small, max 24, you're never just a number. You'll actually get to know your guide, and by the last day they're less tour guide, more mate. On any given day they'll:

Pick the stops worth pulling over for, and the ones worth skipping
Read the weather and reshuffle the plan so you get the best of it
Keep the crew safe on the road and out on the trails
Share the history, the legends and the stories behind the places
Make sure no one gets left behind, literally

Your guide in New Zealand

Your guide is someone who knows this place because they live it. That local feel is what turns a good trip into a great one:

A genuine affinity for the land and its culture, so the stories, the place names and the history behind each stop actually mean something
A knack for the small stuff, the best flat white, the photo that stops the scroll, the spot worth a dip after a long day on the road
That laid-back, road-trip rhythm that makes the kilometres fly by
Properly good company, by the end of the trip they're more mate than guide

They can't make a kiwi waddle out on cue (no one can), but they'll make sure you're looking the right way when Aotearoa turns it on.

Your guide in south east Asia

Southeast Asia moves fast. Your guide knows exactly how to navigate it:

A genuine connection to the culture, customs and stories that bring each place to life.
A knack for the small stuff: what to order, what not to miss and which market stall is worth joining the queue for.
The calm confidence to navigate the organised chaos like it's no big deal.
Properly good company. By the end of the trip, they're more mate than guide.

They can't shorten the tuk tuk traffic or guarantee you'll master chopsticks, but they'll help you experience Southeast Asia like more than just a visitor.

READY FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Whether you're chasing glowworms, glaciers, volcanoes, beaches or unforgettable stories, there's a Stray adventure with your name on it.

EXPLORE TOURS

Proud of the recognition

TRAVEL YOU CAN TRUST

From traveler-voted awards to industry recognition, we're proud of what we've achieved. But nothing beats hearing someone say, "That was the trip of a lifetime."