Capturing the essence of life on remote Aotea, Great Barrier Island
OUR TEAM
Family owned and operated, our local guides share their stories of the people, land, forest and sea.
Star Treks was created by husband and wife team, Benny and Eve to promote the life they love; walking in the forest, meeting new people and sharing this magical island. As well as offering guided day treks, they offer walks with a difference. As night falls trekkers experience native bush and this Dark Sky Sanctuary in a remote setting.
Benny Bellerby
Walking Guide & Dark Sky Ambassador
Benny was born and bred on Aotea, Great Barrier Island. He loves to show others why he considers the island to be paradise – the ocean, the land and its inhabitants. He is excited to share his appreciation for our geography, history, people, flora and fauna. He has been walking these treks all his life, for leisure, track and tree work, and as a guide. Discovering the endless mysteries of our glorious dark skies is his newfound passion.
Russell Scott
Walking Guide
Russell has lived and breathed Aotea, Great Barrier Island life for more than 40 years. He initially settled deep in the native bush, where he learned about living a sustainable life on a remote off grid island. He has walked to the end of every road and track through his work as a contractor. He lives with the seasons and has entertaining true tales of characters and events he has experienced along the way.
Jacob de Beurs
Walking Guide
Jacob is the latest member to the Star Treks guiding team, becoming the Kaitoke Hot Springs Twilight Trek lead guide in 2020.
Jacob comes from Nga Iwi o Muri Whenua. His passion for the skies, particularly through the lens of Mātauranga Māori and traditional navigation by the stars began in his early life. When he was in his teenage years he became interested in weather patterns through surfing. Jacob has been sailing and working yachts professionally since 2009 and spent many moons gaining skills and studying the knowledge passed down by his uncle, Hector Busby, recognised as a leading figure in the revival of traditional Polynesian navigation and ocean voyaging using wayfinding techniques. Jacob was part of the Waka Tapu voyage to Rapanui (Easter Island) from Aotearoa in 2012. Returning to Tahiti Nui and Aotearoa in 2013, working on board in communications and medic capacity.
Jacob loves to explore the island with his family, gathering kai moana, observing Nga Atua interactions with the physical world, the ocean and the skies, their movements and connections.
Phoebe Ngawaka
Walking Guide
Phoebe Ngawaka is of Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea decent (local iwi). She was raised in the north of the island at Motairehe and Kawa, attending Te Kura o Okiwi.
While completing her diploma of Rongoa Maori (Traditional Maori Medicine), she was reintroduced to the purakau (stories) that connect us to the stars. Recently she spent time in wānanga with Papa Rangi Mataamua, a prominent Maori astrologer, where she has deepened her astronomical knowledge and desire to live in harmony with the Maramataka, lunar calendar.
Phoebe is excited to share her learnings as a Star Treks guide. Offering to recount the navigational stories of her whānau who lived as local fishermen, whalers, and crayfishermen, as well as her extensive understanding of our beautiful forests and plant medicines.
“More than just a tour…”
“One of a kind…”
“Magical experience…”
guide and an excellent host, thank you for a magical experience Star Treks!…