Adventures crafted For the Bold
41 South was born from a simple belief - that true adventure should connect you deeply to self, place, people, and purpose.
We exist to craft journeys that go beyond travel. Adventures that ground you, challenge you, and fill your life with stories worth retelling.
Behind every experience here, there’s a person who has lived this lifestyle wholeheartedly.
Meet Nathan Stead
Founder & Lead Guide
Nathan has spent his life chasing New Zealand’s magical places, learning from the people who know them best. After studying Outdoor Education in the South Island under some of the country’s most respected adventure operators, he built his guiding career on North Island rivers like the Rangitīkei and the Kaituna, while developing a deep love for surfing and life by the ocean.
Every year, Nathan explores Aotearoa on his own missions - rafting, surfing, kayaking, hiking, exploring - strengthening relationships and local knowledge that anchor every 41 South trip.
He’s also guided internationally (Canada, Nepal, Morocco) and chased waves around the world (Indo, Mexico, Central America, USA, Fiji).
Whether it's a river, a wave, a trail, or a vineyard, Nathan's spent his life learning New Zealand so he can share it properly.
Real experience. Local connection.
A guide who genuinely knows the way.
2. Add a short "why 41 South" note, early on the page: [ ] Write 2–3 sentences on where the name 41 South comes from — a latitude, a place, a memory. This is a strong, ownable story most operators can't copy. Worth a permanent home on this page.
3. Add a values line (land & people): [ ] Draft suggestion, adjust to your own words: "We treat the land, the rivers, and the people who work them with the same respect they've shown us over the years. That's not a marketing line, it's how every trip gets built."
inspired by nature
Time in nature evolves people.
It builds connection.
It offers perspective.
It creates memories that stick for life.
We’ve felt and seen this.
That’s why 41 South’s adventures are designed to feel personal and real. Handcrafted with care, expertise, and deep respect for the places we go. No rinse-and-repeat itineraries. No surface-level tourism.
Just New Zealand, in its pure form.
Together, let’s create a journey where you experience it all.
Testimonial
“Nathan’s down to earth approach to life makes you feel you’re in the right hands. We couldn’t recommend him enough as our family felt safe, cared for and our kids loved the opportunities he gave them. We all had so much fun together. Our highlight was helicoptering into the remote Landsborough River, and how much of New Zealand we actually got to see, thanks Nate.”
- Katrina & Rob
Contact us
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Follow the Journey
Surf, rivers, stories, and life between adventures.