Your Host - Owen

Kia ora

It’s wonderful to have you in Nelson! Whether you are a fellow Kiwi or visiting from afar - Nau mai haere mai - a very warm welcome to you.

I've been running Bay Tours Nelson for over 10 years now. I am from a sheep and cattle farming family in the Wairarapa on the east coast of the Te ika a Maua - the north island.

My mother's whakapapa - geneaology is Maori from Ngati Kahungunu ki Heretaunga & Wairarapa. Her whanau were originally from Pakipaki and Waimarama in the Hawkes Bay before they moved to the Wairarapa in the early 1800's.

My fathers family originate from The Isle of Wight and also Inverness on the maternal side. Both my father and grandfather served overseas in World War 2 (The Pacific) and World War 1 (Egypt and Palestine) respectively. Both came home suffering either ill health (malaria and shrapnel wounds).

I also served in the NZ Navy, at sea overseas, and posted to NZ Forces South East Asia in Singapore in the 1970's and early 80's when Singapore.

I enjoy spending time with whanau - family and mokopuna - grandchildren and actively participating in golf and tennis and snorkelling for kaimoana - seafood.

I look forward to finding out about your backgrounds whilst on tour together.

Mauri ora! Cheers and Good Health!
Owen & Sue