Kiwi Influencers Shaping Hospitality & Tourism in 2025
In New Zealand, the lines between a thrilling adventure, mouth-watering dishes, and a heartfelt cultural exchange can be blurred. In 2025, we find ourselves with a diverse generation of local Kiwi influencers amplifying those connections—showcasing remote getaways, evolving culinary styles, and the beating heart of local communities.
Let’s celebrate the influencers who’ve become trusted voices in hospitality, tourism, and lifestyle.
1. Food & Hospitality Influencers
Kelli Brett
Photographer: Emma Jones
Who She Is
Kelli Brett wears many hats in New Zealand’s dynamic food and beverage realm. As the chief editor and now owner of Cuisine—the country’s beloved food and wine magazine—she’s well-known for spotlighting the stories, flavors, and personalities that give Aotearoa’s culinary scene its soul. Beyond her editorial work, she’s also the co-director of Slick & Sassy Media Ltd, founder of Women In Food & Drink Aotearoa New Zealand, and an award-winning journalist who’s spent years broadcasting her passion for good food on radio, podcasts, and beyond. Her energy is palpable, whether she’s diving deep into the nuances of local cuisine or championing women’s leadership in the industry.
Recent Highlights & Collaborations
Over the past few years, Kelli’s determination to cement New Zealand’s status as a premier food and drink destination has only intensified. As the executive chair of the country’s only national, independent restaurant awards, she keeps her finger firmly on the pulse of what Kiwi diners—and global tastebuds—are hungry for. She’s been featured on MasterChef NZ as a guest judge, and also serves on international rating panels, lending her expertise to top-tier global restaurant lists. With a combined social reach of over 95k plus a print readership of 280K and a comprehensive website dedicated to the telling of the New Zealand food and drink story Kelli has become a powerful voice who connects food aficionados with cutting-edge culinary trends. Her background producing YouTube “food news wraps” and her Le Cordon Bleu World Food Media Award for “The Main Ingredient with Kelli Brett” demonstrate her genuine flair for bringing a creative, journalistic spin to every platform she touches.
Why She Matters
Kelli’s influence goes far beyond managing a magazine. She’s part tastemaker, part mentor, and part cultural ambassador for New Zealand’s evolving hospitality identity. By celebrating homegrown talent, advocating for women’s professional development, and ensuring Kiwi chefs and producers get the global attention they deserve, she bridges the gap between small local makers and the world stage. In an era when food isn’t merely eaten but discussed, photographed, and passionately critiqued, Kelli’s intuitive grasp of gastronomic storytelling puts New Zealand on the map for conscious travelers and culinary explorers. She isn’t just publishing articles—she’s fostering a food community that’s inclusive, world-class, and unequivocally proud of its roots.
Instagram: @kellibrett / @cuisinemagazine / @nz_flavour / @wifdnz
Facebook: @KelliBrettCuisine / @cuisinemagazine / @wifdnz
Twitter: @kellibrett / @cuisinemagazine
Linkedin: @KelliBrett / @womeninfoodanddrinknewzealand
YouTube: Kelli Brett / CuisineMagazine
Sid & Chandni Sahrawat
Who They Are
Sid and Chandni Sahrawat are the power couple behind some of Auckland’s most acclaimed dining destinations. Sid, who moved to New Zealand in 2000 after honing his craft in Oman and India, rose to prominence with his first restaurant, Sidart, before going on to acquire The French Café, reinvent Cassia, and open exciting new ventures like KOL and Anise. Chandni, often the operational heartbeat of their empire, comes from a finance background but found her true calling in hospitality’s fast-paced environment. Together, they share an unwavering passion for exceptional service, innovative cuisine, and creating restaurant experiences that reflect both their Indian heritage and the fresh bounty of Aotearoa.
Recent Highlights & Collaborations
In the past few years, the Sahrawats have expanded at a remarkable pace. Sid at The French Café garnered global prestige, ranking within La Liste’s top 1000 restaurants worldwide in 2023, while Cassia’s modern Indian flavors continued wowing critics and diners alike. Their newest establishment, Anise, opened in February 2025, combining modern Asian influences with premium local produce in a sleek but welcoming space. Between Chandni’s keen strategic direction and Sid’s flair for pushing flavor boundaries—his style embraces bold spice combinations, seasonality, and playful plating—they’ve consistently racked up industry honors, including consecutive “Restaurateur of the Year” titles for Sid and raving reviews from Metro and Cuisine. Despite running multiple award-winning spots, they maintain a humble approach personally investing in each venue, ensuring staff are well-trained, local suppliers are valued, and guests always come away feeling valued.
Why They Matter
Sid & Chandni’s collaborative approach epitomizes Kiwi hospitality with an international twist. Their story is one of cultural fusion, cleverly marrying seasonal New Zealand ingredients with vibrant Indian (and broader Asian) flavors that speak to Sid’s roots and Chandni’s business savvy. In an industry where kitchens often take the spotlight, they show how front-of-house leadership and culinary artistry can harmonize perfectly to create memorable dining. Their continued success demonstrates that high-end cuisine can also be warm, inviting, and grounded in family values—the hallmark of true hospitality.
Instagram: @sidsahrawat
Linkedin: Sid Sahrawat , Chandini Sahrawat
2. Travel & Adventure Influencers
Stephen Mcdowell @thebuzzykiwi
Who He Is
Stephen, better known as @thebuzzykiwi, exudes a naturally positive energy that resonates with adventure seekers across the globe. Hailing from Christchurch, he started out posting cheerful snapshots of day hikes and weekend getaways with mates. Over time, his Instagram feed became a mosaic of deep-blue kayaking expeditions, rugged mountain treks, and unfiltered reflections on life as a millennial explorer. He’s someone that doesn’t shy away from talking about his occasional health setbacks either— in fact, he used those challenges to highlight just how precious life’s big (and small) moments can be.
Recent Highlights & Collaborations
In 2024, Stephen found himself front and center in a Tourism New Zealand campaign aimed at spotlighting off-the-beaten-path areas like Taranaki and the Catlins. That partnership led to short documentary segments showcasing local artisans, under-the-radar hiking trails, and personal stories of resilience. Meanwhile, he’s become the official face of Osprey Packs in NZ, putting their gear through its paces on multi-day tramps across the South Island. With over 150k followers on Instagram and a new burst of popularity on TikTok, he’s also begun hosting live Q&A sessions about mental well-being and responsible travel tips.
Why He Matters
Stephen’s impact lies in his candor and unpolished storytelling. He openly shows the bumps, bruises, and joys that come with consistent globetrotting—making his content more relatable than a standard, airbrushed travel feed. By championing the lesser-visited corners of New Zealand, he boosts local tourism economies that often depend on word-of-mouth marketing. Through personal stories of perseverance and gratitude, Stephen fosters a sense of community among would-be adventurers who see him as both a mentor and a mate.
Brando Yelavich @brandoyelavichexplorer
Who He Is
Brando Yelavich etched his name into the Kiwi adventure scene when he became the first person to walk the entire coastline of New Zealand at age 19, a feat spanning nearly 8,000 km. Known initially as “Wildboy,” Brando has since evolved into a mature and reflective explorer. His social media posts often feature winding footpaths, tent pitches in remote backcountry, and soul-searching captions that underline his growing interest in sustainable travel.
Recent Highlights & Collaborations
These days, Brando continues to set bold challenges—he recently completed a winter crossing of Fiordland’s notoriously demanding Dusky Track and embarked on a kayak trip that spanned the length of the South Island. His 10th-anniversary edition of Wildboy includes new chapters on mental health and the life lessons gleaned from thousands of kilometers on foot. Beyond the book, he’s raised funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities and uses his Instagram platform (now well over 120k followers) to highlight ethical tourism strategies, such as supporting small-town businesses and respecting local ecosystems.
Why He Matters
Brando’s legacy reminds us that adventure and personal growth go hand in hand. By weaving mental health advocacy into tales of rugged endurance, he ensures his explorations serve a higher purpose than just personal glory. He’s a role model for sustainability—urging travellers to tread lightly and support the communities they visit. Simply put, Brando is the living embodiment of how a single adventurer’s story can galvanize others into embracing the outdoors with both curiosity and compassion.
Rach Stewart @rachstewartnz
Who She Is
Rach Stewart introduced New Zealand (and beyond) to the art of long-exposure photography, taking everyday landscapes—like rocky coastlines or rolling clouds—and transforming them into breathtaking, almost otherworldly images. Based in the same region as the writer behind her first major press feature, Rach initially rose to fame on Instagram by capturing the coastline near her hometown. Over time, she’s become the go-to photographer when you want a scene steeped in drama, movement, and pristine natural light.
Recent Highlights & Collaborations
Now boasting over 235k followers, Rach hasn’t slowed down. She kicked off 2024 with an astrophotography workshop in Queenstown, where participants practiced capturing the Southern Alps under star-drenched skies. She further wowed fans with a Waiheke Island gallery exhibit, where she merged Māori-inspired framing techniques with her luminous “Southern Lights” series. Commercially, she’s teamed up with Canon NZ and Air New Zealand to produce travel-centric campaigns, sometimes flying to remote spots to capture dawn’s first light in ways only she can.
Why She Matters
Rach’s images serve as a visual love letter to Aotearoa, shining an international spotlight on landscapes that might otherwise remain hidden. Many budding Kiwi photographers see her as a mentor, drawn to her focus on technique and her willingness to share behind-the-scenes tips. She elevates tourism, showcasing destinations in an ethereal yet approachable way that encourages travelers to seek out the real-life wonders behind her camera lens.
Hamish Boyt @travelphotoskiwi
Who He Is
Hamish Boyt, known as @travelphotoskiwi, embodies variety in its purest form. Instead of focusing solely on pristine wilderness, he balances nature shots with urban culture—capturing everything from Northland’s windswept beaches to the pulsating nightlife of Wellington. His feed demonstrates an appreciation for Kiwi life as a tapestry of dynamic cityscapes, quiet harbour towns, and stunning backroads, revealing just how multifaceted our little corner of the world really is.
Recent Highlights & Collaborations
Over the past year, Hamish spent six weeks in Northland, collaborating with local tourism organizations to craft a digital photo guide that highlights Māori legends, boutique coffee roasters, and must-try pie shops. He also snagged brand deals with the Adventure Travel Trade Association, creating short videos that illustrate responsible tourism—fusing local lore with scenic flight footage. With an ever-growing following on Instagram, he hosts #KiwiPhotoTalk, an interactive livestream for photographers eager to refine their craft and discover hidden NZ gems.
Why He Matters
Hamish embodies the spirit of well-rounded exploration. Delving as enthusiastically into city alleyways and coffee culture as he does into forest tracks, he paints a more complete portrait of what “travel” looks like in Aotearoa. This holistic approach encourages everyone—from adrenaline junkies to leisurely weekend explorers—to realize there’s a piece of New Zealand they haven’t yet uncovered. Hamish’s personal brand of inclusivity, combined with a flair for storytelling, uplifts smaller communities and businesses that often benefit from his lens.
Who She Is
Monique Fiso is the culinary firebrand who took Māori cuisine from a largely overlooked niche and thrust it onto the international stage. Wellington’s Hiakai, her flagship restaurant, revolves around modern Māori degustation menus that celebrate indigenous ingredients, foraging traditions, and captivating plating styles. Before returning to New Zealand, she fine-tuned her craft in Michelin-starred kitchens in New York, translating that rigorous expertise into a uniquely Kiwi context.
Recent Highlights & Collaborations
Fresh off her second recognition as Wellington Culinary Society’s Chef of the Year, Monique launched a new signature dish pairing local oysters (tio) with kawakawa, dazzling critics and customers alike. She’s deepened her ties with local iwi for foraging partnerships, ensuring she uses sustainably sourced herbs and coastal plants. Her updated cookbook, Hiakai: Beyond the Plate, expands on Māori traditions and new-age plating ideas. Meanwhile, Netflix featured her again in 2024 on “Chef’s Table: Cultural Innovators,” underscoring how her groundbreaking work has reshaped perceptions of native cuisine.
Why She Matters
Monique’s mission transcends fine dining—it’s about the cultural reclamation of Māori food. By thoughtfully combining indigenous knowledge with modern techniques, she preserves heritage for future generations while appealing to global food connoisseurs who fly to Wellington just to experience her degustations. Her fervent focus on sustainable foraging and environmental stewardship is a clarion call for the entire industry to pay closer attention to Aotearoa’s ancestral culinary roots.
Vanessa & Anthony @foodiestablenz
Who They Are
@foodiestablenz is the collective Instagram persona turning the spotlight onto everything from top-tier degustations to hole-in-the-wall dumpling shops. Led by a Vanessa & Anthony self-proclaimed “food explorers,” this account acts as a real-time feed of Kiwi dining, bridging polished restaurant photography with user-generated snaps that highlight New Zealand’s rich, diverse culinary scene.
Recent Highlights & Collaborations
With a follower count that’s soared past over 100k across different plaforms, @foodiestablenz has become a digital place where chefs debut upcoming menu items, and foodie fans exchange recommendations. Their “Chef Takeover Tuesdays,” introduced last year, brought a collaborative twist: up-and-coming chefs commandeer the account for a day, posting stories, behind-the-scenes snippets, and exclusive recipes. They’ve also released a curated e-guide, A Week of Kiwi Eats, focusing on gastronomic musts from Auckland’s high-end diners to Queenstown’s hidden cafes and Wanaka’s artisan bakeries.
Why They Matter
This account’s influence stems from its community-first approach. Vanessa & Anthony foster engagement by hosting Q&A sessions, championing local gastronomic events, and amplifying small businesses. In a saturated social media landscape, their emphasis on authenticity (like honest reviews and sincere chef interviews) sets them apart. If you’re in hospo and want the public to know about your mouth-watering specials, a feature on @foodiestablenz could just be the golden ticket.
3. Lifestyle & Culture Influencers
Simone Anderson @simone_anderson
Who She Is
Simone Anderson catapulted to prominence after sharing her dramatic weight-loss journey—losing over 92 kg—and then kept followers enthralled by detailing every step of her evolving wellness routine. Equal parts fashion guru, lifestyle coach, and mental health advocate, Simone has expanded her brand to encompass motivational speaking and body-positivity endorsements, forging a heartfelt connection with her sizable audience.
Recent Highlights & Collaborations
In 2024, she collaborated with Les Mills to front a campaign focusing on inclusive workout classes, from gentle spin sessions to high-intensity interval training. She’s also developing a “Healthy Plate” meal-kit project, partnering with a local nutritionist to champion nutritionally balanced meals that can be whipped up in half an hour—perfect for working parents. Her YouTube channel saw new traction with a mindshift series, tackling topics like emotional eating and post-workout self-care.
Why She Matters
Simone’s platform stands at the nexus of resilience and practicality. By openly sharing her struggles (and triumphs), she’s demystified weight loss, encouraging her community to embrace gradual, sustainable changes. Her empathy-driven style resonates with everyday Kiwis who see her as approachable rather than unreachable.
Matilda Green @matootles
Who She Is
Matilda Green’s journey to the public eye began in a very modern way—winning New Zealand’s version of The Bachelor in 2015. Rather than fade away after her time on reality TV, she blossomed into a lifestyle influencer and wellness entrepreneur. She’s the co-founder of Juju, a supplement line that puts gut health and eco-friendly practices front and center, and she shares her day-to-day life on social media in an approachable, softly-lit aesthetic.
Recent Highlights & Collaborations
Matilda’s brand synergy soared when she launched a family-friendly probiotic under Juju last year, especially now that she’s a mum herself. Her second best-seller, The Feel Good Family Playbook, is a free online workbook jam-packed with well-being tips for parents—everything from quick yoga sequences to supermarket hacks for fresh produce. She’s frequently on morning show segments, championing sustainable household switches like cloth nappies and zero-waste lunchboxes, while also hosting in-person “Mother’s Circle” events that connect like-minded parents around Auckland.
Why She Matters
Matilda offers an accessible form of lifestyle inspiration that never feels preachy. Her community respects the fact she owns up to bad days, postpartum exhaustion, and the stress of running a growing business. By focusing on whole-family wellness, she caters to a demographic that wants practical solutions that don’t compromise on well-being or the environment.
Tash McGill
Who She Is
Tash McGill wears many hats—as a writer, strategist, and co-founder of The Feed, she’s all about propelling hospitality and tourism forward with a future-facing lens. Her background in destination marketing and experience design led her to launch Grow Tourism, a consultancy that helps regional operators develop sustainable, culturally rich travel experiences that resonate with modern visitors.
Recent Highlights & Collaborations
Last year, Tash hosted a series of regional workshops, traveling from the Bay of Plenty to Marlborough, helping local tourism businesses polish their stories and create new revenue streams that honor the local environment. She’s also been an outspoken voice at TRENZ (New Zealand’s largest travel trade event), arguing that sustainability shouldn’t be an afterthought but a core pillar for operators of all sizes. Partnerships with Ecotourism NZ and local Māori communities have seen her contributing to marketing strategies that do justice to cultural heritage, weaving Māori worldviews into each region’s tourism narrative.
Why She Matters
Where many consultants remain in the realm of theory, Tash translates her big ideas into tangible action steps that make a real difference for communities on the ground. Her championing of responsible travel, local partnerships, and cultural immersion pushes New Zealand’s tourism sector to rethink growth: not purely in numbers, but in how deeply visitors connect with the land and the people. Tash’s accessible, conversational way of sharing insights has endeared her to entrepreneurs, local councils, and big-name tourism bodies alike.
4. Outdoor & Nature Influencers
Kylie Mulinder @barekiwi
Who he Is
Kylie Mulinder, better known as @barekiwi, has a real knack for capturing the adrenaline and serenity of New Zealand’s wild spaces. The small-town Kiwi boy has navigated emerald lakes in Abel Tasman or trekked across volcanic craters in Tongariro. His content bursts with infectious enthusiasm. He started his journey blogging about budget-friendly adventures, then evolved into an in-demand ambassador for leading outdoor brands.
Recent Highlights & Collaborations
As of 2025, Kylie’s Instagram count hovers around 65k, but his influence extends beyond raw numbers. He’s one of Kathmandu’s go-to adventurers, recently helping them showcase their eco-friendly gear in rugged Kiwi conditions. Kicking off the year, he collaborated with the Department of Conservation on a video series exploring campsite etiquette—tackling everything from wildlife protection to minimal waste cooking. On top of that, he organizes multi-day photography retreats in Abel Tasman, teaching small groups how to capture sunrise paddling trips with a conservation-minded approach.
Why He Matters
Kylie’s spirit embodies the Kiwi desire to keep our wilderness both accessible and protected. His personal activism—like donating workshop proceeds to local environmental projects—makes a real impact on conservation. By mixing the thrilling side of Kiwi adventure with the mindful approach of leaving every spot better than you found it, he shapes a narrative that inspires travelers and everyday New Zealanders to appreciate our outdoors with care and respect.
Logan Dodds @logan_dodds
Who He Is
Logan Dodds first caught the public’s eye through riveting “sick day” travel videos that went viral on social media, and he hasn’t let off the gas pedal since. A surfer, biker, and all-around adventure junkie, Logan fuses scenic drone shots with high-energy music to present an action-packed snapshot of New Zealand’s recreational possibilities. Though originally from Auckland, he’s rarely home, preferring the freedom of NZ’s roads and beaches.
Recent Highlights & Collaborations
In the last year, Logan embarked on a month-long motorcycle journey across the South Island, capturing raw, unfiltered moments along passes like Lindis Pass and the Crown Range. Harley-Davidson NZ spotted his talent and sponsored a special line of jackets that blend traditional Māori motifs with the classic Harley aesthetic. On top of that, he’s partnered with Kaimoana Guardians to highlight ethical fishing practices, encouraging surfers and divers alike to maintain a balanced approach to harvesting seafood.
Why He Matters
The real magic of Logan’s content is that it pumps viewers full of adrenaline while reminding them of their role as custodians of the environment. From beach clean-ups after a group ride to championing community-based conservation, he’s driving home the importance of protecting the places that make these incredible adventures possible. Logan stands as a testament to how far genuine passion and a fearless lens can go in shaping an online platform with tangible influence.
From high-adrenaline adventures to mouthwatering menus and life-changing lifestyle advice, these 2025 Kiwi influencers remind us how vibrant and multifaceted New Zealand really is. Their collective voice elevates hidden local businesses, advocates sustainable tourism, and celebrates the unique tapestry of cultures that make up our slice of the South Pacific. Whether you’re keen to collaborate or simply follow along for inspiration, you’ll find their passion absolutely infectious.
Happy exploring, and here’s to celebrating the people who keep New Zealand’s cultural and adventurous spirit thriving!
