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
- Employed at Puka Park Lodge as a porter for 3 years from age 15 to 18
- Employed for 9 months by Value Link, a subsidiary of ANZCRO & 3 months in ANZCRO’s Head Office, Southport Australia from age 18 to 19
- Employed at Puka Park Lodge as a barmen and porter from age 19 – 21
- Traveled overseas and lived in Germany for 14 months from age 21- 22
- Director in Johansen Adventures at age 22 and still is 9 years later.
- Damian was invited by Tourism New Zealand to attend their Summer Marketing School”
in USA in April 2002.
- In 2007 we rebranded our company and the new name is Remote New Zealand Journeys Ltd.
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