François Bartolomei – Tour Guide for New Zealand Guided Tours

Kia Ora. I was born in Nice alongside the Mediterranean, and I spent several years working as an ambulance driver in the French Alps. Many years ago, I arrived in New Zealand, eager to explore and passionate about travel. I now live in Lyttelton with my wife, Sally (who is also a tour guide), and we have two Franco-Kiwi sons. After more than 20 years driving visitors around and showing them Aotearoa’s ever-changing, breathtaking landscapes, I have made my adopted country my home and I love sharing my knowledge and stories with visitors. Having worked with visitors of many different nationalities — including media and film crews, surgeons attending conferences, golfers, photographers, families, couples and groups of friends — I have become adept at putting people at ease, whether they are white-water rafting or looking for a good restaurant. As an avid hiker and climber, I have led groups on short and long hikes through New Zealand’s national parks, and I have also worked with people with limited mobility. I therefore do my best to meet the needs and special interests of our clients within these varied, well-crafted tour itineraries.