Damian and Sharon are a Mother & Son team, both are born and raised on the Coromandel- "True Coromandel Kiwis." The Company is internationally regarded as one of New Zealands' and the Coromandels' most renowned guiding companies.

We have been invited by Tourism New Zealand to participate in the 100% Pure NZ Trade & Media Programme and also to travel on the New Zealand Tourism Boards' Summer School Marketing to the USA April 2002 which substantiates the high regard in which the Company is held.

Sharon has been in the tourism sector for over 25 years now and was part owner and guide in the first Nature Eco-tour company in the region. That Company was the winner of numerous Tourism Awards from 1989 - 1992.

  • 1990 New Zealand Tourism Commendation award
  • New Zealand Trade and Development Export Award
  • Commendation for contribution to Tourism
  • Inaugural 1992 New Zealand Eco Tourism Award

    • In 1993 Sharon started her own successful guiding company. Sharon has been elected onto the Tourism Coromandel Executive Board each year since 1994 to October 2002- standing down in support of Damian's successful nomination to the Executive Board. She felt it was time to encourage some youthful enthusiasm.

    Damian joined the Company in 1998 after returning from his Overseas Experience. With him came his love of nature and enthusiasm to show and tell people about the area he knows so well. Having worked in the hospitality and tourism industries even before leaving school, it was a natural progression to becoming a very diverse and highly regarded tour guide and co-ordinator of the teambuilding, outdoor pursuits Challenge Course operated on the 10 acre venue at Pauanui.

    Damian is the training co-ordinator for the Land Based Search and Rescue Team, having been involved for 3 years.

    Damian, Sharon and staff are enthusiastic, dedicated, knowledgeable guides with integrity, empathy with the environment, rapport with people and have created a vast worldwide network of contacts and long standing friendships.

    Their talent and energy for adventure, vast experience in the Tourism industry are wonderful assets for continuing growth in both companies, Johansen Adventures Ltd and Wincorp Adventures Ltd.

     

    Damian Johansen

    Owner / Guide

    Damian is part of a mother (Sharon) & son team, both are born and raised on the Coromandel - “True born and bred Kiwis.” They are both internationally regarded as one of New Zealand’s and the Coromandel’s most renowned guides. He has been with the company since 1998.

    With him came his love of nature and enthusiasm to show and tell people about the Flora and Fauna, History and Maori Medicines & foods of the forest of The Coromandel and greater New Zealand. Having worked in both the hospitality and tourism industries even before leaving school, it was a natural progression to becoming a very diverse and highly regarded tour guide and co-ordinator of the Team Building, Outdoor Pursuits Challenge Course operated on our 10 acre venue at Pauanui.

    Damian finished his formal education, gaining 6th Form Certificate at Thames High School.

    Damian completed both Kiwihost and Superhost series.

    Damian has completed several Outdoors Safety courses with Mountain Safety New Zealand.

    Damian was invited by Tourism New Zealand to participate in the 100% Pure NZ Trade & Media Programme and also to travel on Tourism New Zealand’s Summer School Marketing to the USA April 2002 which substantiates the high regard in which he and the Company are held.

    Damian has served on the Executive Board of Tourism Coromandel from 2002 to October 2007.

    Damian is consistently asked by both Tourism New Zealand and Tourism Coromandel to host journalists, photographers and Agent Famils.

    Damian was the training co-ordinator for the Land Based Search and Rescue Team. He has been involved for more than 8 years with the Team.

    Damian is enthusiastic, dedicated, knowledgeable, has integrity, empathy with the environment, rapport with people and has created a vast worldwide network of contacts and long standing friendships. His talent and energy for adventure, vast experience in the Tourism industry are wonderful assets. Damian has spent his life in the outdoors, diving, surfing, kayaking, snowboarding, trekking, guiding and hunting.

    Damian has travelled extensively in the remote areas of New Zealand and his enthusiasm and love of these regions has enticed him to want to share his experiences with international travellers.

    Damian completed the Landmark Forum series with Landmark Education.

    Damian has a clean Full Driving licence, for car, heavy traffic, small passenger and coach licences.


    Tourism Work History

    Sharon Johansen

    Owner / Guide

    The company Sharon founded in 1994 is internationally regarded as one of New Zealand’s and The Coromandel Peninsula’s most renowned guiding company.

    Sharon was born, raised and lived on ‘The Coromandel’ all her life and resided in Pauanui since 1974. Sharon had 12 years experience in the banking world and since 1978 has been fully engaged in administration, hosting, guiding, and hospitality in the tourism arena.

    Sharon is an enthusiastic, dedicated and knowledgeable guide and business person who has integrity, empathy with the environment and great rapport with people. She has created a vast worldwide network of contacts and long standing friendships.

    Sharon resides on her 4.2 hectare property just 6 kms outside of Pauanui. Her talent and energy for adventure, her vast experience in the tourism industry and enjoyment of new challenges are wonderful assets for continuing growth.

    Sharon gained numerous prestigious New Zealand Tourism Awards: