TAMAKI TRAVEL
Founder story

TAMAKI TRAVEL began with a simple feeling that many people who move to New Zealand will recognise: the wish to share it.

Javier was born in Chile, on the other side of the Pacific, and has made his home here in Aotearoa. Like many newcomers, he spent his weekends exploring, and he quickly found himself becoming the person friends and visitors asked for advice. Where's the best view? Which winery should we visit? Is Rotorua worth the drive? (It is.)

Seeing New Zealand with fresh eyes, as someone who chose this place, means Javier never takes it for granted. He knows what it's like to arrive somewhere new and far from home, and how much a warm welcome and a well-planned day can mean.

TAMAKI TRAVEL was founded with business partner Manuel Romero. Together, they built a company around a simple idea: luxury isn't about excess. It's about care, comfort and time well spent.

Our name comes from Tāmaki Makaurau, the Māori name for Auckland, the city we call home and where every one of our journeys begins.

Yachts in an Auckland marina with the Sky Tower behind
The people behind your day

Meet the team

Javier Thomson

Co-founder and Guide-Host

Born in Chile, Javier founded and ran his own tourism and transport company there, moving travellers all over the country. For more than three years he handled large, high-pressure operations. He ran the logistics for the Viña del Mar International Song Festival, one of the biggest festivals in South America. In 2013 he coordinated transport for a South American marines training exercise in Chile, moving personnel from base to the training grounds and helping arrange vehicles flown in on large aircraft. Alongside that, he ran countless tourism and airport shuttles. Today Javier brings that same experience, precision and warm Latin hospitality to New Zealand, so every TAMAKI TRAVEL guest enjoys a day that runs seamlessly from pickup to drop-off. He hosts tours in English and Spanish.

Manuel Romero

Co-founder and Director

Originally from Chile, Manuel brings a background in international business and logistics to TAMAKI TRAVEL. With extensive experience in logistics and coordination, he is the person making sure every detail of your day runs smoothly, from pickup times and bookings to the little touches that make a trip feel effortless. A passionate traveller who loves discovering new cultures, Manuel knows what makes a journey memorable, and he brings that same curiosity and care to every tour. He welcomes guests in both English and Spanish.

Our values

What we value

Manaakitanga: genuine hospitality

We look after our guests the way we'd look after family visiting from overseas, with warmth, attention and a few thoughtful extras.

Respect for the places we visit

We follow local guidance, support the venues and communities that welcome us, and tread lightly on the land.

Honesty, always

Clear quotes, clear inclusions and straight answers. If the weather or the tide isn't on our side, we'll tell you and find a better plan.

Time well spent

We plan sensible days with proper breaks and good food, so you come home relaxed, not exhausted.

Private, properly

What “private” means with us

  • Only your party.The vehicle and guide-host are reserved for you alone. We never combine bookings.
  • Your schedule.Pickup times, the pace and the order of the day are agreed with you, and can change on the day if you wish.
  • Your interests.Wine lover, photographer, history buff or travelling with children? We shape the day around you.
  • Honest about shared moments.Some places can only be visited on the venue's own guided tours, which are usually shared with other visitors. This includes the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the guided tour at Te Puia. We'll always tell you when that's the case, and look after everything around those moments. Where a venue offers a private option, we're happy to arrange it (at extra cost).

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