Tour guiding

Birgit Hermann 

Is German and started working for Sidetracks two years ago. Birgit is an inspiration to anyone who ever wanted to leave their familiar life and reinvent themselves through an exciting new career. It all started as a participant on one of the ‘Natural Wonders of New Zealand’ Tours guided by Angelika. Birgit was instantly captured by the beauty and diversity of New Zealand and the interesting, if hard working, life of a tour guide. 

Marketing und Customer Service

Barbara Panettieri 

originally studied ‘German for speakers of a foreign language’ in her hometown of Munich, Germany. After a holiday in New Zealand in 1993 and subsequent ‘test periods’ (where she explored the country on foot, on a bike, in a kayak and her old Bedford truck) she decided in 1999 to stay and settle in Wellington in the North Island of New Zealand. 

She then studied Tourism and gained experience as tour guide while working for several different guiding companies, including Sidetracks. 

After having two gorgeous children she has now taken on the role of a consultant and is mainly involved in marketing and customer service and support here at Sidetracks. This allows her to still be a part of showing people her favorite country and when she explores New Zealand herself it is together with her family and their trusted campervan!  

Office, Organization and Customer Service 

Nicolette Adam 

grew up in Austria and Germany and first visited New Zealand in 1996 on a skiing holiday. She instantly fell in love with the people, the lifestyle and the outdoors and after several visits made her final move to New Zealand in 2000.

Originally a primary school teacher she decided to study ‘Outdoor Recreation and Management’ in New Zealand and then worked and traveled throughout New Zealand for many years as outdoor instructor, tour guide, climbing and kayak guide. 

This allowed her to fuel her personal and professional passion for the outdoors, wilderness and nature and get to know many walks, summits, rivers and hidden corners of New Zealand as well as gain a good understanding and knowledge about the country. 

As mother of an energetic toddler she is now settled in Diamond Harbour near Christchurch and is still as passionate about the outdoors as ever. You will be in contact with Nicolette when getting in touch with us about an enquiry or booking and she will be happy to help you get the most out of your experience with us!

Graphic Design 

Jo Kinley 

Is our ‘kiwi’ graphic designer. Jo was part of the Sidetracks team from day one and is responsible for our ‘look’ – whether it's our business card, the website, a flyer or a brochure, Jo plays a major role in their design and appearance. 

After university she headed to Europe for her “Kiwi OE” – after 2 years of traveling and working, she decided that NZ was definitely the place she wanted to settle. And Christchurch was the perfect home being so close to the beach and the mountains. Her interest in outdoor recreation led her to work for Macpac, a NZ outdoor equipment manufacturer, after which she started her own business, Hullaballoo Design specializing in print and web design. Working from her home in the Christchurch hills enables her to easily combine her love of design work with a busy home life with her husband and 6 year old son. From her office window she can see both the sea and the mountains and a huge garden she is trying to whip into shape.