Decades of expertise, Driven by passion
We started Crafted Pathways Travel to fill a niche in the market for people who are wanting quality knowledge-based experiences combined with high quality accommodation. Packaged together with reliable car hire services for a personalized self-drive itinerary through New Zealand.
With decades of experience in other tourism-based products, collectively we have meet and hosted thousands of guests and helped guide them to choose the right activities that align with their preferences. Something we still love to do and offer a range of guided tours for those visiting the Lower South Island and in particular the Dunedin region.
All of the team at Crafted Pathways Travel have knowledge and life experiences that complement each other, helping to ensure we can curate the perfect itinerary for you, with a desire to create unforgettable moments that will last a lifetime.
Meet the Team
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Jonathan Hawthorn
Let Jonathan guide you through the South Island's hidden gems, epic hikes and delectable cuisine. He's passionate about our food and beverage scene and loves hitting the trails around New Zealand.
With his deep understanding of the South Island and Stewart Island, he'll give you the pros and cons of the well-known, and not so well-known, dining destinations and trails the South Island has to offer.
Looking for outdoor pursuits? You’ll discover epic trails, matched to your fitness level and interests.
Those wanting to know more about the beer and wine scene in New Zealand will benefit from Jonathan's knowledge, he even brews his own beer ! Come to Dunedin and he will happily converse about the craft beer scene over a tasting tour of the city's more boutique breweries
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Leon Chu
Our South Island cycling itinerary expert… Leon also knows where you can get the best coffee in town !
Leon joins Crafted Pathways Travel with 30+ years of experience in the tourism sector. His tourism experience involved managing a highly successful large company that had tour offerings both in the North and South Islands.
Currently employed as Operation's Manager at the Royal Albatross Centre and a guide for Blue Penguins Pukekura in Dunedin. These are two of the most well-known and highly rated activities in Dunedin they are a must-do for anyone visiting the famous Otago Peninsula and Leon will likely be available to personally meet you and guide you. Leon and his family are keen cyclists, he knows the best cycle trails in Otago and in particular the coastal Otago region has to offer.
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Lyndon Perriman
The South Island Wildlife Whisperer, with 30+ years of working in our natural environment
Lyndon is privileged to work with many rare and endangered species. From whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions to a huge variety of seabirds.
As a conservation writer, Lyndon's work has contributed to our collective understanding of the natural world and uses similar skills when speaking to guests.
If it's species conservation that's of interest, you will want Lyndon to personally guide you!
His knowledge of earth sciences extends to our unique flora and geology that feature strongly in the New Zealand landscapes.
Currently the Operation's Manager for Blue Penguins Pukekura, ranked as Tripadvisor's #1 activity for all of the Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula area.

Lyndon and Leon Coastal Otago region

Lyndon and Jonathan Hokitika

Jonathan on the West Coast South Island

Leon exploring one of New Zealand's ancient forests

Dora (Lyndon's dog), Banks Peninsula

Leon loves to chat!

Lyndon showing King Charles Royal Albatross

Jono and guest returning from pelagic birding trip

On tour with Jonathan

Leon and tour group

Leon in his happy place, photographing wildlife

Leon: North Island Geothermal area

Leon geothermals

Lyndon and Leon Cape Reinga