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I started rafting on the Shotover River when i qualified as a guide in 1993. In the following years, I became a senior raft guide, then trip leader. After working as a rafting guide for other rafting companies for twelve years, I became a Director of Family Adventures in 2005. Becoming a family man myself in 2001, I found it to be the perfect stepping stone into the business and to carry on doing what I love and to be able to share my experience with young and old.
I have a passion for the river and the Skippers Goldfields and enjoy sharing my knowledge of the area. In summer I love to raft and in winter I ski, so Queenstown is my perfect playground. I look forward to seeing you on our trip so you can experience it too!
Mark Forsyth.
I moved to Queenstown from the U.K in 2010 for 'One' Winter season. In my first Summer, Mark taught me to raft and I have worked for Family Adventures ever since! In 2019, I took the plunge, bought half of the business and now Mark and I share the business and the Dad Jokes on the trip.
After traveling throughout New Zealand, I still believe that Skippers Canyon, the drive, and the river, is one of the most beautiful parts of this amazing country. Come check it out for yourself!
Simon Singleton.
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Mark "Spanky" Forsyth
Hometown: Queenstown
Known for: Terrible Dad jokes
Been here since: 1990
Best tip for visiting Queenstown: Dress for all four season's
Must do Queenstown experience: Hire a bike from Vertigo bikes and take a ride around the lake.
Favorite joke: Why couldn't the lifeguard save the hippy? He was too far out man!!
Claim to fame: I once starred as a stunt double for the lead actress in a Bollywood movie!
Interests beside's rafting: Skiing/Snowboarding
What's the best part of the Family Adventure's trip: The spectacular scenery and meeting people from all over the world.
Qualifications/Experience:
Registered Guide QLDC, Swift Water Rescue, NZ Rafting Association River Workshop, First Aid, Trip Leader, 30 years rafting experience.
"Spanky"
"Singy"
Simon "Singy" Singleton
Hometown: Preston, UK
Known for: Repeating Spanky's terrible Dad jokes
Been here since: 2010
Best tip for visiting Queenstown: Bring lots of money!!
Must do Queenstown experience: Family rafting of course ;)
Favorite joke: Far too many to pick one. :)
Hidden talent: Lawn Bowls
Claim to fame: Represented NZ in the World Cup of Pool 2019-2022
Interests beside's rafting: Any cue sport, golf, football
What's the best part of the Family Adventure's trip: Skippers Canyon
Qualifications/Experience: NZ Rafting Association Grade 2 Trip Leader,
14 years river experience. 14th Season with Family Adventures.
Holly Wall
Hometown: Nottingham, UK
Role at Family Adventures: Raft guide/Bus driver/Legend.
Been here since: 2018.
Best tip for visiting Queenstown: Try a FergBurger!
Must do Queenstown experience: Gondola and Luge!!
Favorite joke: What's brown and sticky?...A STICK.
Hidden talent: A squeaky eyeball.
Claim to fame: I'm Beyonce's third cousin.
Strength: I can nearly pull myself back into a raft.
Interests beside's rafting: Latino parties, hiking, spinning and anything outdoors.
What's the best part of the Family Adventure's trip: Seeing young kids having the time of their lives.
Qualifications/Experience: NZ Rafting Association Grade 2 plus 12 months intense training under the supervision of the oldest raft guide in New Zealand, Mark "Spanky" Forsyth. 6th season with Family Adventures.
"Holzaaa"
"KoHeyyyy"
Kohei Koizumi
Hometown: Nishinomiya, Japan
Known for: Eating, I love food. :)
Been here since: Oct 2023
Best tip for visiting Queenstown: Don't queue for Ferg burger, try Devil burger!
Must do Queenstown experience: Just Rafting!!
Favorite joke: What is Michael Jacksons favourite colour? AWO (Japanese for Blue)
Hidden talent: I can play the Ukulele.
Claim to fame: Im a Ramen champion, Buy me dinner and I show you. :)
Interests beside's rafting: Rugby, Soccor, Golf, Skiing, any sport really.
What's the best part of the Family Adventure's trip: The raft team, they are the best!
Qualifications/Experience: Rafting association of Japan, plus I have rafted a season in Cairns, Australia. NZ Rafting Association Grade 2 guide.
0800 4 7238464
Professionally qualified raft guides
NZ Rafting Association Members
Work Safe and Adventure Mark NZ Audited Activity