Elite Director | Office Manager
Ngāti Whakaue | Ngai Tahu

PAULA SMYTH

Paula Has roots tracing back to the stunning wine country of the Hawke's Bay, where she spent her childhood exploring the rugged coastline.

Hailing from Ngāti Whakaue and Ngai Tahu descent, Paula's Māori ancestry can be traced back to both the North Island (Te Ika-a Maui) on the Te Arawa waka (canoe) and the South Island (Te Waipounamu) on the Takitimu waka. This rich heritage shapes her identity and connection to the whenua (land).

Following in the footsteps of her family's strong presence in the Royal New Zealand Navy, Paula enlisted at the age of 19 in 1999. Her military career took her on extensive travels, serving on various ships around New Zealand, as well as venturing as far as Campbell Island in the Southern Ocean, Australia, and parts of South East Asia. She also participated in peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan and the Solomon Islands. Resigning in 2011 as a Lieutenant, Paula gained valuable skills and experience in leadership, logistics, administration, people management, and customer service.

In 2007, Paula was introduced to Queenstown and instantly fell in love with its awe-inspiring scenery, outdoors, and the vibrant lifestyle it offered. Over the years, she has learnt and explored the wider South Island, acquiring an intimate level of knowledge about the area.

Paula's passion for working with people, her deep love for her culture and New Zealand's history, and her industry knowledge make her the ideal guide. With her expertise, visitors can experience the beauty and richness of New Zealand's culture and history in a unique and unforgettable way.