Pip is a direct descendant of the first French settlers who arrived on the ship the ‘Compte de Paris’ that settled in Akaroa in 1838. She has lived her whole life on the peninsula, and her French family name Le Lievre is a big part of the local history.

Before Akaroa Dolphins was established, husband Hugh was busy shearing sheep while Pip was a busy school teacher. Today, she hasn’t slowed her pace, running the family business.

Always quick to offer a hug and a chat, Pip’s role of “mum” extends to our guests, giving everyone a warm welcome aboard.

Hugh grew up in the small town of Darfield, a 45-minute drive from Christchurch. After travelling the world, young Hugh discovered that there is no place quite like home, so he returned to the hills of Banks Peninsula, where his family had lived for over a century.

One day in a shearing shed, Hugh bumped into Pip, and together, they started a life of family and farming – which many years later turned into the family dolphin-watching business.

It wasn’t originally on the cards that Hugh and Pip’s daughter, Julia, would join Akaroa Dolphins. Living in Sydney and London in her younger years, Julia has always been a “city girl”. Today, with two children of her own, Julia appreciates the quiet life and family appeal of small-town Akaroa.

With a Bachelor of Design majoring in visual communication, Julia is skilled in graphic design, marketing, and social media, making her an integral part of the Akaroa Dolphins team.

There isn’t a problem that George can’t fix. Before joining the family business, George spent 12 years in the outback of Australia, working on cattle stations and in mines.

The mastermind behind our newest vessel, the Akaroa Dolphin, he’s also our main skipper. George reads the sea like most people read newspapers, it’s second nature to him.

Boating with George is a treat - he’s never short of dad jokes and will proudly tell you about the family, town, and wildlife in our backyard.

Chops is passionate about Banks Peninsula and its environment. He and his wife Kelly have owned a Bach in Akaroa for the last 20 years. When he's not out on the harbour with his schnauzer Theo, spotting marine life, you might find him mountain biking, checking pest trap lines, or hiking some of the beautiful trails around Akaroa.

Born in England, Joe came to New Zealand on his OE (overseas experience) in 1994. While in New Zealand, he met a Kiwi girl and decided to immigrate in 1998, after spending a couple of years back in the UK.

Joe first visited Akaroa during his OE and instantly fell in love with the place. After 20 years of contracting and farming, Joe and Suz decided to make Akaroa their home. They have owned a bach here for 8 years. Joe has always had a passion for boats and the sea and now works part-time as skipper, sharing the beauty of the Banks Peninsula.

Dave started driving boats in the Royal Marines and never looked back! From guiding African safaris to capturing the world as a travel photographer for the Sunday Telegraph, he’s chased adventure on land, sea, and sky ~ including snagging a silver medal in the NZ National Skydiving Champs. He’s also been a DOC (Department of Conservation) Marine Ranger, cruising the waters around the Poor Knights and Hen and Chicken Islands, and an outdoor education teacher. After more than a decade exploring Banks Peninsula by water and land, he looks forward to sharing our backyard with you.

Marie is from the countryside of Denmark and loves hiking and outdoor living.

She travelled to New Zealand at the beginning of 2020 and happened to meet Skipper George along the way. Marie hasn’t looked back and is now firmly part of the family.

Marie enjoys working on the water amongst the wildlife and beautiful hills of Banks Peninsula.

Nat is a local girl who left and came back, as so many seem to do. Growing up in Akaroa, she was taught at school by Pip, and their lives re-entwined in later life.

Nat’s 4th great grandad came from the Madeira Islands and founded 'The Madeira' - which is still a well-known hotel and pub in Akaroa.

The daughter of a fisherman, today Nat is back to her roots, living in Le Bons Bay with her two daughters and husband.

Hana, born in the Czech Republic, has always sought travel opportunities. She studied in Houston, Canary Islands, Nicaragua, and had a working holiday in Hawaii.

Hana loves adventure, the outdoors, dolphins, speaking Spanish, sports, healthy living, photography, and embracing new experiences with excitement!

Though she dreamed of becoming a marine biologist, her country didn't offer the program. Still, she found a way to pursue her passion and get closer to dolphins when joining our team.

Formerly Head of Communication in a town hall, Elsa is passionate about promoting local regions and helping people discover the hidden treasures of heritage and nature.

Whether she’s hiking through scenic landscapes, painting, cooking something tasty, or out on the water spotting dolphins and other wildlife with guests from around the world, Elsa brings her curiosity and enthusiasm wherever she goes. She also loves spending time with friends and discovering new places to enjoy a good local beer or some freshly caught fish.

Laura was born in the UK and moved to France at the age of seven. She has a deep love for travel and enjoys spending her free time outdoors, especially hiking and skiing. She also loves being social and embracing spontaneous adventures.

Originally from the beautiful shores of England, Lucy is a true ocean lover who brings a wave of good vibes wherever she goes. She’s been into surfing for years, but her travels through Asia made her fall even more in love with it ~ spending as much time as possible out on the waves and soaking up the surf lifestyle.

Always smiling, full of positive energy, and up for an adventure, Lucy brings a fresh, uplifting vibe to the team. We’re stoked to have her on board!