MEET THE TEAM

Born in Taranaki, Cliff grew up surrounded by rivers, lakes, and the ocean, instilling a deep love for nature. Seeking adventure after working in a timber mill, he traveled to the South Island, where he spent years busking, hitchhiking, and WOOFING. His passion for the outdoors led him to become a kayak guide in Milford Sound and later a Glacier Guide in Franz Josef, where he found his true calling.

After walking access to the glacier closed in 2013, Cliff shifted paths and took over Glacier Valley Eco Tours in 2016. Now based in Ōkārito with his wife Tash, he’s a dedicated guide with a love for storytelling, conservation, and the rugged West Coast. When not guiding, he enjoys white baiting, wood carving, kayaking, and spending time with his pet goat Nicole and dogs. Cliff’s tours are a mix of nature, history, and unforgettable stories.

Tash, hailing from Timaru, grew up immersed in music, sports and creativity. After high school, she pursued her passion for the arts at NMIT in Nelson, specializing in Textiles Mixed Media. Her life took an adventurous turn after meeting Cliff during a course in Motueka, leading to a life enriched with diverse experiences from nannying to art therapy. Their marriage in 2010 on the serene Okarito beach was a celebration of love and community, embodying the essence of their shared values. Before stepping into the world of Glacier Valley Eco Tours, Tash's eclectic career spanned 28 jobs, including kayak guiding and administrative roles, all while nurturing their children, Rowi & Zalas.

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Tash's vibrant spirit is evident in her commitment to the Okarito community and her hobbies, which include kayaking on the lagoon, beach walks with their dogs, playing music, and creating art. Her passion for the West Coast's beauty and her creative soul make her an integral part of the Glacier Valley Eco Tours family, enriching the experiences of those they welcome.

My names Tyla. I’m from Taranaki and grew up in a small rural town called Toko under Mt Taranaki. My family & I are big into the outdoors - horse trekking, hunting & fishing. Being outdoors has been my life, and always had a great appreciation for the mountains, forests & sea. 

After living overseas for 9 years, it was time to come home and get back to my roots, so I studied and gained a Certificate in Pest Operations (level 3) at the Western Institute of Technology in Taranaki, learning conservation and pest control, running trap lines out in the back country, explored the back areas of New Zealand, tracking and relocated kiwi, learnt in depth about history in regards to plants, animals, insects, significant people and townships.

After I finished at Polytechnic, I packed up my truck and made my way down to Franz Josef to use my skills and learn about the environment here, the people, culture and history of the area. It’s been an amazing journey so far and love sharing the knowledge I’ve learnt with the people who come on the tours.  

My hobbies are climbing mountains, fishing and a spot of hunting.

with a Certificate in Pest Operations (level 3) at the Western Institute of Technology in Taranaki NZ.

Petra is a Kiwi girl who has just arrived back in NZ from working as a Activities Co-ordinator for Underwater Africa in Mozambique. This involved diving, snorkeling & kayaking expeditions, organising & joining volunteers on research projects with humpback whales, coral garden expeditions, mangrove monitoring projects, educational projects, as well as giving research & conservation seminars.

She is expert on all things bird & animal related, having a Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology & Marine Science, and a post-graduate diploma in Wildlife Management. Petra has worked for NZ Forest & Bird in the Caitlins, monitoring in particular Mātātā /fernbirds, as well as blue penguins, bitterns, long-tailed bats, forest geckos & south island robin (all that we have here in Ōkārito!).

Jake is a Kiwi boy who has a Diploma in Outdoor Instruction & Guiding at local Tai Poutini Polytechnic in Greymouth. He has been a raft guide, sea kayak guide, done predator control & conservation work as well as been an Outward Bound instructor.

In his spare time he enjoys mountain biking, kayaking, surfing, playing guitar, tramping/hiking or working on a creative project.