About Us

Phil Boorman

Founder and boss, Phil is at his best when he’s leading a group. He has spent his entire working life, leading and designing adventures in almost every continent in the world. It’s just in his blood and he’ll never give it up. You’ll still find Phil leading trips in Italy, Nepal, and New Zealand which is his home. Phil loves whitewater kayaking, backcountry skiing and mountain biking in his free time.

“I’ve done a tonne of guided trips in my time, and traveling with Phil was by far, THE best and most fulfilling experience I’ve had – he was genuine, attentive and clearly loves what he does.”

Ed Stone, USA – June 2016

Adam El Agez

Born and raised in New Zealand’s most iconic surf region, Taranaki, Adam’s inspiration was founded in surfing and outdoor adventure. In his early career, Adam was a Physical Education teacher, with a particular interest in coaching volleyball at a National level. Seeing high schoolers on a pathway of personal growth through setting personal fitness goals, Adam was inspired to take a leaf out of their book, apply it to an online platform and share it with the world. The Conqueror was born.

Brydie Thompson

When you book your trip with The Conqueror Adventures, you’ll be in touch with Brydie. She’ll look after all the nitty gritty details that will help you get prepared for your adventure.

Brydie has lived, worked and traveled all around the world, with a particular love for Italy, where she has lived on two occassions. She is a talented photographer, passionate snowboarder and keen surfer.

Kylie Singer

Kylie is the person who strings it all together for our New Zealand trips, as well as overseeing operations across our destinations. Kylie comes from the travel agent world where the details really matter!

Dylan Arthur

Dylan is an enthusiastic young hiking addict who takes a particular interest in the North Island. His side hustle is landscape, outdoor and travel photography. To say he’s handy with a lens or two is an understatement.

Check out his considerable talent here – https://www.dylanarthur.com/

“Dylan was a wealth of information on the flora and fauna. More than that, he was our can-do leader, inspiring us at every step of the trail and every day on our trip!”

Katharine Chiu, USA – November 2022

Mike Dawson

Mike is 2 time former Olympian and world renowned adventurer, having embarked on expeditions to the far reaches of the globe, including Angola, Pakistan and recently a ski expedition to the South Pole. New Zealand is his first love though, and he’s right at home guiding in the South Island where he first developed his love of the outdoors. There’s nothing he can’t handle!

Hamish Tills

Hamish comes from the same breed that almost all our guides come from. Originally a river guide and expedition kayaker, Hamish has been a guide and adventurer his whole working life and knows our wilderness areas like the back of his hand. He has SO many stories of great adventures he’s led and been a team member of. You’re in THE best hands with Hamish!

Brad Taylor

Brad is a hiking veteran with over 21 years experience in the New Zealand’s outdoors. Originally trained as a whitewater rafting guide, Brad made the switch to trail adventures early and has never looked back. He’s quick with an interesting story about our native New Zealand flora and fauna and loves his 80’s pop culture and vintage Star Wars memorabilia.

Nev Waterson

Meet Nev Waterson – A kiwi now living in Europe, an all-around fantastic guy, and a skilled mountain biker. Nev is a long-time world traveler and experienced adventure travel guide, known for his calm, thoughtful leadership and dry sense of humor. Nev has been working with Phil since 2001.

You’ll be in great hands when you join an Amalfi Coast trip!

Mike Searchfield

When you join us on an Italian Dolomites adventure, you’ll meet Mike, another kiwi transplant who lives in Europe. Mike started as a hiking guide in the South Island of New Zealand before moving to Europe in 2013 and began guiding in the Italian Dolomites. He’s engaging, fun, resourceful and loves his motorbike! Mike ran the very first Dolomites hiking adventures with Phil in 2015.

“I can’t quite put my finger on it, but Mike made us all feel instantly at ease from day 1 og our trip, and it was actually sad to say goodbye to him!”

Steve Jacobi, USA – September 2016

Zacarias Ugarte

Born and raised in Cusco, Zac has lived, breathed, and guided adventures in the Peruvian Andes his entire working life.

Zac comes from a family of Peruvian adventure pioneers. His father was one of Peru’s first kayak guides, and Zac has continued the family tradition. He lives with his wife and 5 children in Cusco.

“Zac was such a great Trip Leader – I am so glad we had him! He was very personable and always ensured everyone in the group was safe and doing well. It was really great to get to know Zac over the course of the trip. I really appreciated how knowledgeable Zac was of the history of Peru, our surroundings and the Incas.”

Alain V Canada, October 2022

Arjun Adhikari

Fluent in English, Hindi, Malay, and Nepali, Arjun has been working with Phil and his team since 2011. He’s lost count of how many times he’s led groups in the Everest region, but it’s a place that he loves the most in the world! When Arjun isn’t guiding, he’s farming on his land in the Himalayan foothills.

“Arjun was the best!!! I would go with him anywhere. He took such good care of us and he is also very funny and nice. Keep him!”

Tiina Lehtineva, Finland – April 2023