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

  • Jono Hawthorne-Person in red jacket hiking on a forest trail

    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

  • Person in blue jacket walking on forest trail surrounded by lush greenery

    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.

  • A person wearing a hard hat and orange safety jacket gently holds a seal pup against a backdrop of rocks and trees.

    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.