Meet the Team
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Managing Director / Owner
Tanya Roddam
Tanya founded YOURTravel & Tours with one clear purpose: to bring genuinely personal, service-led travel planning back to the heart of the industry.
After many years working in or around travel, she saw, based on her own expereince, how easily holidays could become transactional – reduced to online forms, automated options, and/or one-size-fits-all packages. What she believed was missing was something simple but increasingly rare: a trusted person who knows you, listens carefully, and takes true ownership of your journey from start to finish.
Drawing on decades of experience and a deep love of travel, Tanya created YOURTravel & Tours as a boutique, independent business built on three pillars:
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Exceptional customer service
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Honest, experience-based advice
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A genuine passion for helping people travel well
Her vision was for a travel company where clients feel known and looked after, not “processed”; where every itinerary is shaped around the individual, and where the details are handled with care so that travel feels effortless, not stressful.
Today, Tanya leads the team with that same philosophy. She sets the tone for how the business operates: customer-first, relationship-driven, and always guided by the question, “Is this truly right for this client?” It’s this management ethos – combining professional expertise with warm, human service – that continues to define YOURTravel & Tours and the way the entire team works.
Operations Director / Owner
Peter Roddam
Peter founded YOURTours with a clear management vision: to build a hosted small group tour company where service, quality, and genuine human connection sit at the centre of every decision.
Drawing on a long career in hospitality, he saw the need for tours that felt personally hosted, where guests are known by name, well cared for, and guided by people who truly love what they do. As a certified International Tour Director and Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, Peter brings strong professional discipline to the way YOURTours operates, from safety and standards to training and host support.
He remains closely involved in every tour, whether leading it himself or working alongside the hosting team, to ensure that the level of care and consistency never slips. Under his leadership, YOURTours has been shaped as a business where small group travel is about more than seeing the world – it is about how people feel while they are travelling together, and the lasting relationships and memories that follow.
Guests return to YOURTours because they recognise the level of care behind every detail – the pacing of the itinerary, the selection of experiences, the people they travel with, and those memorable moments that can’t be manufactured yet seem to happen on every tour.
This is the standard Peter set for YOURTours, and it is the benchmark the entire team works to uphold on every journey.
Retail Travel Manager
Maxine Laws
Maxine brings more than 25 years of travel industry experience to her role as Retail Travel Manager at YOURTravel & Tours — and it shows in everything she does. Her career has taken her from the ground up, including time as a tour leader, which means she understands travel not just from behind a desk but from the perspective of someone who has lived it alongside clients. That depth of experience is exactly why she leads our retail travel team.
In this role, Maxine is responsible for leading and supporting the travel team, setting the standard for how clients are looked after at every stage of their journey. She creates a working environment where attention to detail, honest advice, and genuine care for the client are not just encouraged — they are expected. Her team reflects her values, and that consistency is felt by every client who walks through our door or picks up the phone.
Day to day, Maxine oversees the delivery of our travel services across the full range of what we offer — from family holidays and luxury cruises to corporate travel and adventurous off-the-beaten-path itineraries. Her meticulous approach means nothing falls through the cracks, and her broad experience means she can guide both her team and her clients with equal confidence. Nothing is too complex, and no enquiry is too small.
Her first-hand knowledge of destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and beyond gives the team a valuable resource — someone who can speak to a destination with authority because she has truly experienced it. That combination of leadership, operational experience, destination knowledge, and personal warmth is what makes Maxine an essential part of how we deliver consistently exceptional travel for our clients.
TRAVEL TEAM & TOURS TEAM
Owner
Tanya Roddam
Tanya is the warm, welcoming heart of YOURTravel & Tours — a trusted travel advisor for clients who want more than a holiday pulled from a catalogue. She takes the time to genuinely understand what you enjoy, what you don't, and what you're hoping a particular trip will mean to you. The result is travel that feels personal, considered, and entirely your own.
Where Tanya stands apart is in her ability to bring complex journeys together — multi-stop itineraries, cruises, and longer trips that need to flow seamlessly from beginning to end. She looks carefully at how flights, stopovers, and experiences fit together, making sure every day has the right balance of discovery and breathing room. And she won't recommend something simply because it's available — if an option isn't quite right, she keeps refining until the itinerary feels like a natural fit for your interests, comfort level, and budget.
From the first conversation, Tanya listens carefully and asks thoughtful questions, shaping a journey around you rather than fitting you into a pre-set package. She is meticulous with details yet relaxed and easy to talk to, which makes the whole planning process feel collaborative rather than transactional. Her advice is always honest and straightforward, and she will take the time to explain why one option may suit you better than another.
Many clients return to Tanya time and again because she understands what they want — often before they've fully put it into words. They trust her to protect their time, their comfort, and their investment, knowing that every itinerary she presents has been carefully thought through, not simply lifted from a brochure.
Specialist Areas
Luxury Cruise & Travel; River & Ocean Cruise; Expedition Cruise; Great Rail Journeys; Tours & Hosted Tours; VIP Concierge Travel Planning
Specialist Destinations
Europe, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Greece, Scandinavia, United Kingdom, Americas, Alaska, Canada, Africa & Indian Ocean, Southern Africa, Mauritius, Maldives, Middle East
Egypt, Jordan, UEA, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia
Retail Travel Manager
Maxine Laws
Maxine has turned a lifelong passion for travel into a career spanning more than 25 years — and that passion is as strong today as it was when she started. As a Senior Travel Consultant at YOURTravel & Tours, she has guided countless clients through the process of creating holidays that genuinely reflect who they are, whether that's a family getaway, a luxury cruise, an adventurous journey off the beaten path, or a carefully arranged business trip.
With expertise across both leisure and corporate travel, Maxine understands what it actually takes to make a trip truly memorable. She brings extensive first-hand travel knowledge to every itinerary, along with meticulous attention to detail and a warm personal approach that makes clients feel genuinely looked after — from the first conversation to the moment they return home. From scenic river cruises and great rail journeys to sporting events and rich cultural escapes, her range is broad and her knowledge is real.
What sets Maxine apart is where her passion truly runs deep. The Middle East holds a special place for her — its vibrant culture, ancient history, stunning landscapes, and the distinctive atmosphere that stays with you long after you leave. Africa runs a close second, with its extraordinary wildlife, diverse people, and natural beauty that never fails to move her. And among all the destinations she has explored over more than two decades, the Great Wall of China remains her all-time favourite for its sheer grandeur and history.
Specialist Areas
Family Getaways · Luxury Cruise · Adventure Travel · Bespoke Business Journeys · Tours & Hosted Tours · VIP Concierge Travel Planning
Specialist Destinations
Europe, United Kingdom, Africa, Vietnam, China, Egypt and the Middle East
Senior Travel Consultant
Leigh Bartlett
Leigh's passion for travel runs deep, and after years building expertise across the industry, it shows in every itinerary she puts together. As a Senior Travel Consultant at YOURTravel & Tours, she is known for her exceptional destination knowledge, her sharp eye for complex flight logistics, and a genuine dedication to making every client's journey feel effortless and memorable.
Where Leigh truly stands out is in her ability to handle the intricate side of travel planning — particularly complex flight bookings and multi-stop itineraries that require precision and experience to get right. Clients come to her knowing that the details will be managed carefully, and that the finished itinerary will hold together seamlessly from beginning to end. That reliability, combined with her warm and approachable manner, is why so many clients return to her time and again.
Having sailed with Viking herself, Leigh is YOURTravel & Tours' in-store Viking Ocean Cruise specialist. That first-hand experience on board means she can speak to the Viking product with genuine authority — helping clients choose the right voyage, the right cabin, and the right itinerary with the confidence that comes from having lived it personally.
Leigh also brings a wealth of experience in specialist group travel, having coordinated large, enthusiastic groups travelling from the UK to New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup and various Lions tours. She understands the unique demands of group logistics and multi-generational travel, and brings the same level of care and attention to a family holiday as she does to a complex group booking.
Specialist Areas
Complex Flight Bookings · European & UK Holidays · South Pacific Travel · River & Ocean Cruise Holidays · Viking Ocean Cruises · Specialist Group Bookings · Multi-Generational Family Holidays
Specialist Destinations
United Kingdom, Europe, Ireland, USA, Canada, South Pacific, Australia & New Zealand, Africa
Senior Travel Consultant
Fiona Mitchell-Robb
Fiona brings extensive experience in the travel industry along with a genuine passion for adventure and discovery that is evident from the very first conversation. As a Senior Travel Consultant at YOURTravel & Tours, she is known for her deep destination knowledge, her commitment to exceptional customer service, and her ability to craft holidays that are tailored precisely to what each client is looking for.
Having lived and worked in both the USA and Europe, Fiona brings something that goes beyond textbook knowledge — a first-hand understanding of cultures, places, and the kind of nuanced detail that only comes from truly experiencing a destination. That insight allows her to plan with real confidence, and clients consistently find that her recommendations feel genuine rather than generic.
Fiona's real passion lies in active and adventure travel. Whether it's a biking or walking holiday through the European countryside, a winter sports escape, a family safari, or an expedition cruise to somewhere truly remote, she thrives on helping clients find the kind of travel that excites and challenges them. She is equally at home planning multi-generational family adventures and understands the care and coordination those trips require to run smoothly for everyone involved.
Specialist Areas
Active Adventures · Biking & Walking Holidays · Winter Sports · Water Sports · Family Multi-Generational Holidays · Safari Holidays · Expedition Cruising
Specialist Destinations
Canada, USA, United Kingdom, Europe, Ireland, Vietnam, South East Asia, India, South Pacific, Australia & New Zealand
Travel Consultant
TBC
If travel is more than a job to you — if it's something you genuinely love and want to share with others — we'd love to hear from you.
We are looking for an experienced Travel Consultant who brings real destination knowledge, a passion for exceptional client service, and the kind of warm, professional approach that makes clients feel genuinely looked after. You'll be joining a small, close-knit team where your expertise is valued, your clients are loyal, and the work is genuinely rewarding.
This is not a high-pressure sales environment. It's a place where good travel advice, honest relationships, and attention to detail are what matter most — and where the people around you feel the same way.
If this sounds like the kind of team you've been looking for, we'd love to receive your CV in confidence at tanya@yourtravel.co.nz.
Tours & Travel Administration Assistant
Alicia Jung
Alicia is the organisational force behind the scenes at YOURTravel & Tours, playing a vital role in keeping our tours and travel operations running smoothly day to day. As our Tours Administration specialist, she supports the wider tours and travel team with the kind of careful, reliable coordination that ensures your experience feels seamless from start to finish — even when a great deal of work is happening quietly in the background to make that possible.
Alicia is also a passionate traveller in her own right. Originally from South Korea, she has explored parts of Europe, Thailand, and Bali, spent three years living in Australia, and has now made New Zealand home for the past nine years. That lived experience of moving through the world — and settling somewhere new — gives her a genuine appreciation for what travel means to people, and it shows in the care and enthusiasm she brings to her work every day.
Even after nearly a decade in New Zealand, Alicia still feels the pull of discovery here in Aotearoa, with so much of this beautiful country yet to explore. That sense of curiosity never quite leaves a true traveller — and it's part of what makes her such a valued part of our team.
Tours Administrator
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Accounts Administrator
TBC
Meet the Team
TOUR HOSTS
Tour Host/Owner
Peter
There are tour hosts, and then there is Peter. What makes him exceptional in the role is simple: people are not just his priority — they are his genuine passion. From the moment a tour begins to the final farewell, Peter is present, engaged, and committed to making sure every guest feels looked after, included, and part of something special. His focus is always on you — your comfort, your experience, and the small moments that make a journey truly memorable.
Peter is a certified International Tour Director, qualified through the International Tour Management Institute (ITMI) in the United States — one of the most respected qualifications in the industry. His Fellowship status from the Institute of Hospitality is a further recognition of his dedication to the highest standards of service and his long-standing commitment to developing the people around him. These credentials matter, but it is the way Peter actually shows up on a tour that clients remember most.
He thrives on being out in the world. Talking to people, sharing stories, learning from fellow travellers, and discovering what makes each destination unique is what energises him — and that enthusiasm is contagious. Guests consistently find that his warmth and curiosity set the tone for the whole group, creating an atmosphere where connections form naturally and lasting friendships are made. In Peter's own words: "We really do become a family."
Whether Peter is hosting a tour himself or overseeing it operationally, that same standard of care and quality runs through everything. You can travel with complete confidence knowing that he is involved from start to finish — not as a figurehead, but as someone who genuinely cares that your experience exceeds every expectation.
Tour Host
Mike
Clocking up over 30 years in the New Zealand media industry, Mike Yardley is a full-time travel editor, writer and radio broadcaster based in Christchurch.
Mike served 20 years as an award-winning talk show host for Newstalk ZB, in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, before seeking a change in career a year after the Christchurch earthquakes in 2011.
For over the past 15 years, Mike’s primary work has been in travel media, as an editor and content supplier for a swag of premium media outlets. With an abiding passion for travel, culture, history and exploration, Mike has visited 108 nations at last count.
They include his weekly travel page which is syndicated across all NZME Regional Newspapers. Plus he contributes to the Otago Daily Times, Ashburton Guardian and Greymouth Star. Mike also has a weekly travel slot on New Zealand’s No.1 radio station Newstalk ZB's nationwide Saturday Morning Show and supplies Newstalk ZB with weekly travel articles.
Travel remains a life-long passion. During an OE break from radio 25 years ago, Mike worked on-board Royal Olympic Cruises, based out of Athens, employed as a Cruise Host and the nightclub DJ!
He has hosted several group tours in recent years, particularly in the Mediterranean, and also on three occasions to Gallipoli for the Anzac Day Commemorations. He looks forward to continuing exploring the world with you as a YOURTours Host.
Tour Host
Kaari
Some people discover their love of travel gradually. Kaari discovered hers all at once — on a three-month solo journey through Europe that opened her eyes, her heart, and her spirit to everything the world has to offer. That trip didn't just inspire a passion for travel; it set the course for everything that followed.
Since then, Kaari has explored with the kind of depth and curiosity that only a true traveller possesses.Ten European countries, Morocco, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Thailand, Mexico, Canada, and 40 of the 50 US states — with Alaska standing apart as her all-time favourite destination. Each place has added something to the way she sees the world, and that richness of experience is something she brings to every tour she hosts.
Kaari is a graduate of the International Tour Management Institute, which means her warmth and enthusiasm are matched by genuine professional expertise. She knows how to read a group, how to bring people together, and how to turn a great itinerary into an extraordinary shared experience. Her goal on every tour is the same — to make sure every single guest finishes the journey with memories that stay with them for life.
She travels by the words of Oscar Wilde: "Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets." It's a philosophy that comes through in everything she does — and one that tends to rub off on the people fortunate enough to travel with her.
Tour Host
Tanya
Travelling with Tanya is an experience in itself. As a tour host, she brings the same warmth, care, and meticulous attention to detail that her clients have come to rely on — but now in person, on the ground, and fully present with you every step of the way.
Her number one priority is simple: making sure every guest feels genuinely looked after and that the journey exceeds every expectation.
Tanya's background is as broad as it is impressive. Her experience spans airlines, tour operators, and travel event management — including the extraordinary logistical challenge of managing special group travel for the round-the-world yacht race. That breadth of real-world experience means she has seen it all, handled it all, and knows exactly how to keep a tour running smoothly no matter what the day brings. Guests travel with complete confidence knowing she is at the helm.
What guests consistently say about Tanya is that her warmth and attention to detail make the difference. She notices the small things — the moments that can be elevated with a little thought and care — and it is those touches that turn a great trip into one guests talk about long after they return home.
Her dedication to the experience is genuine, and it shows from the very first day to the very last farewell.
Tour Host
Diane
Diane is the kind of tour host who has genuinely lived the life she leads guests through. Her journey to becoming a certified ITMI Tour Director is anything but ordinary — after years in the corporate world, her career took her to the Dominican Republic and then China, where she lived and travelled extensively for nine years, led an international women's club as President, and escorted student sports teams across Asia. That is not a background you find in a brochure — it is the kind of experience that makes a tour host truly exceptional.
In the American South, Diane is in her element. Her deep knowledge of the Antebellum South, built through extensive travel along the Mississippi River, goes far beyond the sights — she understands the music, the food, the history, and the soul of the region.
From the jazz clubs of New Orleans and the blues bars of Memphis to the elegance of Nashville, the spirit of St Louis, and the stunning landscapes of California and the Pacific Northwest, she brings these places to life in a way that only someone who truly loves them can. During peak season she also works as Tour Manager with a steamboat cruising company — sailing the Mississippi and Columbia Rivers with the kind of infectious enthusiasm that stays with guests long after they return home.
Then there is Asia. Having lived in China for nearly a decade, Diane's knowledge of the region is intimate, layered, and genuinely hard to match. She doesn't just know the landmarks — she knows the culture, the rhythms, and the hidden corners that make travel in Asia so endlessly rewarding.
Whatever the destination, Diane's focus is always the same: to craft an experience so tailored, so attentive, and so full of life that guests leave with memories they will carry forever.
Tour Host
Fiona
Fiona brings a wealth of experience in the travel industry, combined with a genuine passion for exploration that is evident from the moment you meet her. Also as a Tour Host with YOURTours, she is known for her deep destination knowledge, thoughtful attention to detail, and her ability to create a seamless and enriching experience for every guest.
Having lived and worked in both the USA and Europe, Fiona offers far more than guidebook knowledge. Her first-hand understanding of cultures, local nuances, and the rhythm of daily life in each destination allows her to add meaningful depth to every journey. Guests travelling with Fiona benefit from her insight, gaining a richer and more authentic connection to the places they visit, whether that’s navigating iconic cities and national parks in the USA, immersing themselves in the café culture of France, or discovering Canada’s great outdoors.
Fiona’s passion lies in active and adventure travel, particularly in destinations such as India, Canada, the USA, and France, where there is always something new to explore. From walking or cycling through Europe’s most scenic regions and the French countryside, to exploring India’s vibrant cities and rural communities, or journeying through Canada’s wilderness and coastal landscapes, she thrives on journeys that are both engaging and inspiring. Her calm organisation and attentive approach ensure every traveller feels included, comfortable, and well cared for throughout the tour.
Travelling with Fiona means travelling with someone who not only understands these destinations, but truly brings them to life with stories, local connections, and experiences that feel personal rather than generic.
Tour Host
Mavis
Mavis has lived a life built around people, places, and adventure — and every one of those experiences comes with you when you travel in her company. Her career began in the hotel industry before taking her to Air New Zealand and then across to the United Kingdom, where she spent three years as Customer Service Manager for charter airlines. She then completed an intensive Tour Manager training course in London and set off touring Europe extensively — not as a passenger, but as the person responsible for making it all happen beautifully.
Back in New Zealand, Mavis went on to escort London Shoppe tours that wove together some of the world's great cities — Los Angeles, Singapore, Tokyo, Vancouver, and London — giving her a breadth of destination knowledge that is genuinely rare. She has also lived in both California and the UK, which means her knowledge of these places is personal, layered, and full of the kind of detail that no guidebook can provide.
And then there is Mavis herself. She is, above everything else, a people person — the kind of host who remembers your name, notices when you need something before you ask, and has an effortless ability to bring a group together. When she is not travelling the world, she is performing with her local Operatic Society, singing at functions, variety shows, and charity events. That warmth, energy, and love of shared experience comes through in everything she does on tour.
Travelling with Mavis means travelling without worry.
From take-off to touch-down, she is with you every step of the way — knowledgeable, attentive, and utterly dedicated to making sure your journey is as smooth and memorable as it can possibly be.
Tour Host
Dan
Dan doesn't just host tours — he opens doors to experiences that most travellers never find on their own. As a Masters International Tour Director, certified through the International Tour Management Institute, he brings a level of expertise and genuine passion to every tour that guests feel from the very first day. Travel has always been his calling, and it shows in everything he does.
What makes Dan truly special as a host is his philosophy. He believes that travel, at its best, is about discovering how much we share — not how much divides us. Every tour he leads is an opportunity to bridge cultures, spark genuine connections, and show guests a side of the world that changes the way they see it. That sense of meaning and discovery runs through everything he plans and every moment he creates on the road.
Based in the USA, Dan is the insider guide that every traveller wants but rarely gets. He knows his home country with a depth and affection that goes far beyond the obvious — the lesser-known treasures, the hidden corners, the local spots that never make it into the guidebooks but stay with guests forever. His knowledge of local culture, hospitality, and history transforms a tour into something truly immersive, where guests don't just pass through a place but genuinely experience it.
Travelling with Dan means travelling with someone who is as excited about the journey as you are — and whose enthusiasm, expertise, and warmth make every single day on tour one to remember.
Tour Host
Is This You?
Imagine being paid to travel the world, share your passion, and create life-changing experiences for people who trust you to show them something extraordinary. That is exactly what our tour hosts do — and we are looking for someone special to join them.
If you are the kind of person who lights up a room, thrives on the energy of a group, and has the experience and instinct to keep things running smoothly no matter what the day throws at you — we want to hear from you. We are on the lookout for experienced Tour Hosts who bring genuine travel knowledge, a great sense of humour, and the logistical confidence to make the complex look effortless.
A background in events, hospitality, logistics, tourism, or travel is exactly the kind of foundation we value. What matters most is that you love people, love travel, and understand that the difference between a good tour and an unforgettable one comes down to the person leading it.
This is not just a job. It is a way of life — and one that comes with the full support of a professional, passionate team behind you every step of the way.
If this sounds like you, send your CV in confidence to peter@yourtravel.co.nz and tell us a little about your experience and why you'd be a perfect fit for our team. We'd love to hear from you.
