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Kris Shepherd
Lodge Manager
When did you start with the company:
November 2014
Notable previous employment:
Spent several years at Poronui among other Luxury Lodges in NZ, an equestrian from a sheep and cattle farming background.
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
I love to share the whole farm experience with our guests. Getting out onto the property soaking up the iconic views, wildlife and dramatic landscape.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
Driving cattle on horseback up into the Montana Mountains followed by some summer alpine fly fishing. I love getting out into the wilderness.
James McMenamin
Assistant Lodge Manager
When did you start with the company:
December 2012
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
Tales and experiences of traveling around the world, particularly places to stay and eat
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
Bodega tour in Jerez, Spain. Sherry is my favourite summer aperitif.
James Honore
Head Chef
When did you start with the company:
10/2007
Notable previous employment:
Opening team Cape Kidnappers/Sous KC
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
My Cuisine, our garden produce, our Hawkes Bay products
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
Visiting the markets in Changmai, the noise & smells. It was my first experience in a truly foreign country
Jonathan McCord
Director of Golf – Cape Kidnappers & Kauri Cliffs
When did you start with the company:
November 2011
Notable previous employment:
Prior experience in the golf industry at private clubs across the U.S. In particular, Spring Hill Golf Club, in Wayzata, MN; RedStick Golf Club in Vero Beach, Florida; Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia and Indian Creek Country Club in Miami, Florida.
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
I enjoy sharing my passion for New Zealand and the wealth of different activities with guests from all over the World. New Zealand is full of unique and breath-taking scenery and it’s so enjoyable to share these experiences and assist in making sure each traveller gets the most out of their time in the country. Whether that be a round of golf or a hike to a waterfall tucked in an out-of-the-way location, New Zealand will inspire the explorer in all of us.
What is your favourite travel experience?
One of my favourite travel experiences was a recent trip to the South Island with my fiancée, Hannah. We hiked the seldom explored North Branch of the Routeburn River (yes, part of the famous Routeburn Track) on a splendid autumn day. The mountain peaks covered in just a bit of snow, the crisp autumn air, the smell of the beech trees and the stream in which we noticed some small brown trout combined for a magical experience. Fiordland and adjacent Mt. Aspiring National Park, are two of the most sensational places in the World and I recommend everyone explore them and enjoy their splendour.
Brad Sim
Golf Course Superintendent
When did you start with the company:
12/12
Notable previous employment:
Kauri Cliffs, The Els Club – Dubai, The Australian Golf Club, Sydney.
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
Our jaw dropping landscapes and the views from the cliffs. Not to mention the pristine golf course to play while soaking it in!
What is your favourite travel experience?
Camping near a beach or exploring Thailand on a scooter.
Matt Winstanley
Guest Relations Manager
When did you start with the company: December 2017
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why? I enjoy taking guests out for a tour of the property and sharing with them our own slice of heaven. It is a great opportunity to get to know our guests and connect with them.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why? My favourite travel experience was when I visited the Bay of Islands. I went on a boat trip and saw dolphins up close, which was an amazing experience.
Matthew Lee
Guest Relations Manager
When did you start with the company: September 2015
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why? The fact we have actual kiwi birds on property and they have the opportunity too see them up close.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why? Travelling to Port Douglas, Australia. I love the tropical climate, and there are a lot of things to do for families.
Sumit Sood
Front Office Manager
When did you start with the company: December 2017
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why? I love sharing the jewels of this amazing property - Flat Rock, the gannet colonies, kiwi bird, sheep, cattle and of course golf course. Cape Kidnappers really is a destination unto itself.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why? Driving the South Island. Through Kaikoura to the amazing Lake Tekapo and Mt. Cook and then onwards to Milford Sound, Te Anau, Queenstown, Dunedin, Hokitika, Greymouth Hanmer Springs and Blenheim. This was my first road trip in New Zealand. I felt I was very close to heaven and fell in love with the beauty of Aotearoa. I love New Zealand and New Zealanders
Katy Jameson
Groups and Events Coordinator
When did you start with the company: Oct 2016
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why? Our properties are set in breathtaking and unique locations, with incredible activities and world-class facilities on offer. Despite all this, I most enjoy sharing the renowned Robertson Lodge hospitality with our guests, where every member of our team collaborate to create a seamless, tailored experience for each guest that stays. It is this rare and genuine hospitality that sees our guests return year after year to experience it all over again.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why? So many! For me, it’s always based around food and wine – I love to discover a location, region or country by trying the delicious local cuisine and wines, and creating fabulous forever-memories around them!
Levi Heaps
Farm Manager
When did you start with the company:
June 2015
Notable previous employment:
Stock Manager Read Farms LTD
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
Explaining how hill country sheep and beef farming works in New Zealand and how dogs are used to muster paddocks. This is very new to most guests so they are pretty amazed by what they see.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
Spending a few years working and living on the Chatham Islands. It was interesting seeing the different ways of life on this remote island that is still a part of New Zealand.