My name is Brian Megaw. I have been involved in the New Zealand Tourism industry since 1986 at River Valley Lodge, near Taihape, in the central North Island of New Zealand. Before that I was a sheep shearer, and prior to that a university drop out.

I still actively guide on the Grade (Class) 5 section of our local river, the Rangitikei.  The Rangitikei is a classic pool drop type river with a concentrated gorge section of 10 major rapids.  A beautiful, and at times intense river.  We also raft other sections of it more suitable for families and the less adventurous.

Max's Drop Rapid, a classic pool drop rapid on the Rangitikei River, New Zealand.

With my wife Nicola, we own River Valley Lodge and its operations. We have three daughters, two of whom are involved in the company, and one grand daughter, Isla, who having just turned one is just a bit too young to become a guide at this stage!

Nicola and Janey, our oldest daughter, are ‘into’ horses, hence the setting up of River Valley Stables.  River Valley Stables provides rides from two hours to full day over Rangitikei (our local district) hill country.  This really is spectacular countryside.

Melissa our other daughter involved at River Valley, is the Food and Beverage Manager.

Nicola and I have been lucky enough to raft in the USA, in Switzerland (just the one trip), and on the Zambezi in Africa, as well as quite a few rivers in NZ. On these trips we have met some great people and seen some cool things. It was having experienced this that gave me the impetus to develop the idea of Adventure Travel Swap. Hopefully for many of us it will mean new opportunities to see new things and meet new people.

And that really is the motive.  Meet new people, and experience and see new things.

On a personal level I have always wanted to raft some of the great multi day trips in the western USA.  Rivers such as the Salmon and Snake – I’m already going to the Grand Canyon – while the Franklin in Tasmania I think would be a great trip.  Nicola on the other hand would love to see some of Montana from a horse.

We will just have to sort out our swap!

Enjoy this site, and lets share the marvellous things we do as a job with each other.

Brian Megaw