Jennifer Shepherd

Chief People Herder and Exploration Enabler

Jennifer leads Escape Adventures’ marketing, sales, and development, bringing together people, plans, and pathways to create unforgettable cycling and adventure experiences. Passionate about people, stories, and great travel, she focuses on strong relationships, clear communication, and seamless customer journeys. Known for her ability to herd busy humans and enable great adventures, Jennifer helps turn “one day” ideas into well-organised, unforgettable journeys.

 

SMALL GROUPS

When we say small, we mean up to 12 people only.  That lets us focus on you and your unique holiday, and not on a big unwieldy group of cyclists.

Expert Leaders

All our cycle tours are led by two of our Escape Adventures leaders.  We pride ourselves on the calibre and resourcefulness of these great people who you will be spending your holiday with.

Keeping It Really Local

We know that our most precious memories are of real people. We’ve been going to the same villages for many years. You’ll meet locals on their terms, and make friends that will seem like family when you leave.

Making a Difference

By supporting local accommodations, restaurants and small businesses we make a direct and real contribution to the economies of the areas we visit. 

Meet more of the Escape Adventures Team

Kegan Ellmers

Cycle Tour Guide and Cultural Connoisseur

Kegan is an enthusiastic explorer with a passion for incorporating indigenous cultures into tourism and outdoor education. Her background of outdoor instructing in New Zealand, and a hobby list that includes kayaking, caving, tramping and mountain biking lets you know you are in good hands! Prepare to be amazed by her mean origami cranes and ridiculous riddles on tour in Kenya and Tanzania. 

Clare Harden

Tour Operations Ninja & Manager of Madness

Clare is our treasured Tour Operations Manager. Growing up near Rotorua Clare has always been a bike lover, ripping laps round the Whakarewarewa forest. Before moving to the South Island Clare travelled extensively naming Nepal as one of her favourite destinations. Nowadays snowboarding, mountain biking and volunteering in the community also high on the agenda whilst supporting her two sons in their sporting pursuits. She thrives on expecting the unexpected and working round tricky logistics challenges.

Tom Kearney

Head Honcho & Swiss Army Knife

Tom and Jaimee took on Escape Adventures NZ back in 2022.  Having been in business together for over 12 years from preschools to farming and specialty Agri businesses servicing New Zealand. They are a kiwi family who enjoys sport, an adventure and spending time outdoors, taking advantage of the amazing tracks and walks their local region. Jaimee and Tom are self-professed late starters in the travel world. Developing their passion over the last few years, with opportunities to explore further afield as a family. All these roads have led to Escape Adventures and continuing what Mandy and John started all those years ago!