Rather than organizing a single event, Expedition Aotearoa is a collection of like-minded individuals that organize activities for individuals or small groups.

Jan Viljoen AKA Boss Man

Bay of Plenty/Auckland/Northland

Jan well respected businessman and the founding member of Expedition Aotearoa. When Jan is not out wheeling somewhere he can be found out on the boat fishing – it’s a great excuse to secretly eat unhealthy foods without the wife’s knowledge.

He started the group after wanting to venture into NZ bush more and from a safety point of view knew it was best to go as a group. Let’s be honest it’s much more fun being bogged in sand and mud with friends anyway – and Jan is no stranger to being stuck, he is almost certainly the vehicle being recovered most (although a few other members are slowly creeping up there as well). After assembling a group of likeminded people Jan ventured into the bush with the aim of providing a safe guided trip with unforgettable scenery along the way.

The goal is to end up on a nice camp spot where we can braai (BBQ but over a wood fire). Expedition Aotearoa trips are social events and truly lives up to the initial idea the group was formed around.

Jan drives a blue Ford Everest and the blue paint along with all the 100 lights on the vehicle makes it easier to spot when he gets stuck on the beach, or in the mud. Like any Ford it most likely leaks a bit of oil, but driving a Ford means that Arthur doesn’t get harassed alone. There is a beautiful love hate relationship between Toyota and Ford drivers and it has been this way since the beginning of time. Jan is usually joined on the trips by his wife who absolutely loves getting stuck on sand when the tide is rising.

He enjoys the campfires on the trip the most and loves the memories made, the banter and the laughs shared. From an outside perspective we can well and truly say that Expedition Aotearoa still lives up to and surpasses the goals set from the day the group was started. Jan says that if you enjoy a braai, camping, family fun and exploring the roads less travelled you have come to the right place.

Tehan Riley AKA Klein Jan

Tehan is one of those people you’ve heard about somewhere along the line. When you go on a trip with Expedition Aotearoa you will quickly understand why this is the case.

He’s a relaxed guy, but definitely one of the loudest of the bunch. Growing up on a farm Tehan has been camping and off-roading since he was the knee high. He has two young sons who also love the outdoor life, of course mum loves it when they are cover head to toe in mud. Who doesn’t love a big bundle of washing on a Sunday arvo.

His Toyota Fortuner is fully equipped with a winch, spotlights and a yelling wife in the passenger seat who loves the more extreme obstacles (not really, she hates it, but her facial expressions are priceless).

The Fortuner’s name is lil piggy as it seems to always be covered in mud. It also comes fully equipped with kids toys strapped to the roof.

Tehan joined Expedition Aotearoa as we are a family orientated group. His goal is to make sure everyone who joins our trips, young and old, has the time of their life.

He enjoys the fact that we respect the environment we travel through and even though there are some basic rules we always have a great time.

Tehan said his favourite part of the New Zealand outdoors is that you don’t have to spend huge amounts of money to get out there and explore. We have so much great spots throughout NZ with some fantastic camping spots at our disposal.

Trevor Roux

A well know car dealer and car hire operator Trevor had been off-roading for a long time.

Now based in the Waikato Trevor has previously guided off-road trips into the Namibian desert.

Thankfully a Toyota owner Trevor carries more gear in his cruiser than most people have in their house. Trevor is well known for camping next to the Waikato river, so much that his caravan is seen there on a semi-permanent bases.

His camp companion is a jack russell named Bassie who specialises in crawling under Fords looking for oil leaks. Bassie is also the name of a well know locally crafted drink, but more on that later.

Around the campfire you will usually find Trevor sitting on his chair with a guitar in hand entertaining the crowd. He is usually joined by his sons on the trips (so much easier for kids to dig cars out of the sand and mud).

Like the rest of us Trevor enjoys a beautiful piece of meat on the braai. What Trevor enjoys most about Expedition Aotearoa is showing people the picturesque hidden gems scattered throughout the country.

Athur Boucher

A plumber by trade Aurthur is a very experienced 4-wheel driver. Him and his wife recently became grandparents (hence the nickname oupa) and we are sure the grandkids will be spoiled with heaps of camping trips over the summer months. Arthur enjoys a bit of banter and can usually be heard over the radio giving the Toyota drivers grief when they get stuck. Yes, Arthur also drives a Ford, but we don’t hold a grudge.

When he’s not on an Expedition Aotearoa trip you can usually find Arthur somewhere else in the bush camping along the river.

Arthur drives a Ford Ranger, yes we have checked and no it does not leak oil – not all of the time at least. Being an experienced off-roader he is well equipped and is a pro at winching out stuck vehicles.

You will see him a lot on our videos as he is always keen to tackles the harder obstacles.

When he’s not in the vehicle conquering some obstacles, he enjoys relaxing around a big campfire with the rest of the crew. Arthur describes Expedition Aotearoa as a great adventure where you are bound to make the most amazing memories and capture the most beautiful photos of NZ.

Zhan Viljoen

Bay of Plenty

Fishing, diving and camping is what the summer months consist of for Zhan.

Now more on the camera side of Expedition Aotearoa he enjoys the peace that the outdoors of New Zealand offers.

Usually joined on trips by his wife Zhan is no stranger to “accidently” getting her to help out on tracks ensuring she is covered in mud.

His favourite place is around the campfire with a plate of potato salad and meat on his lap.

Zhan’s favourite part of Expedition Aotearoa is sharing stories of the days adventure, looking at footage of the day and laughing like crazy along with the others. Showing people why we love the outdoors is rewarding especially in a country where adventure is around every corner.

Charl Viljoen

Bay of Plenty

Being the newest member of Expedition Aotearoa, Charl knew he had to join after his first trip with Expedition Aotearoa.

He’s a keen fisherman who likes trying new things. After moving to New Zealand Charl has enjoyed the outdoor experiences this beautiful country has to offer.

From camping, catching wild trout to cooking huge steaks over the fire – if it’s outdoors he’ll try it.

He drives a Nissan Navara as these vehicles are well proven to recover bogged Toyota’s. We’d love to elaborate but “the first rule about fight club” – you get the idea.

Charl and his wife Elana are new parents to a beautiful baby daughter – this explains why their car smells like baby powder. Usually a stroller is visible poking out of the ute’s tub along with other baby items, the joys of being a parent.

Charl’s favourite part of Expedition Aotearoa trips is learning more about the landscapes and regions we travel through. Charl enjoys meeting likeminded people on the trips, sharing the stories and memories made along the way.

Every trip is filled with laughter. It’s a space where kids and parents alike can have fun and make new friends.