About Us

There are three of us. All Aucklanders who have a real love of Our City and its environs.

Verna Cook-Jackson

'An Exclusively Auckland Experience' is owned and operated by a 'true' Aucklander, Verna Cook-Jackson.

Verna, a triathlete, Ironman and marathon runner, has lived, worked and played in Auckland all her life. An Aucklander who loves to share her city with visitors.

Having worked for many years in the corporate world, Verna took time out to travel Europe with the intention of returning to the corporate environment with a renewed enthusiasm for further working the business world. Some of her travels were independent of tour groups, but at times Verna enjoyed the ease of travelling around certain areas with an organised tour company; either with a large tour company or a small individual tour group. What that travel experience did was convince her that Auckland has as much to share to a visitor than any other city in the world.

Indeed, Auckland has more to see and experience than many of the diverse cities of the world. She decided then and there to return to New Zealand and utilise her own work experience and love of her city into establishing her own tour company in Auckland.

'Exclusively Auckland' was initiated.

Astounded at the poor service she experienced with the large and small tour companies in Europe, Verna has set up 'Exclusively Auckland' as a company that makes a real difference for a tourist. To have as your guide someone who genuinely cares about your visit and who has a genuine interest in showing you 'her' city. 

Kim Shaw

Multi-talented and multi-sports person, Kim is a real gem. Kim has travelled extensively around the world and loves having the opportunity to show overseas guests the diversity and beauty that is New Zealand.

When not at 'Exclusively Auckland' Kim's love is her art; painting is her passion and she exhibits regularly. When not delving in oils or pastels, Kim is out in the bush, or rivers, or sea, running, kayaking or biking. Kim is always training and competing for a multi sport event somewhere around New Zealand. As if that does not keep Kim busy enough, In between work and painting, Kim is filling the rest of her time by renovating her 1950's house.

Kim's vivacious personality makes her a favourite of our clients. Not only does Kim have a great sense of humour but she also has great empathy with travellers and knows exactly what and where to take them.

Tony Jackson

Tony likes to be known as a True Blue Kiwi. Originally from England, Tony came to visit New Zealand 34 years ago, and has been here ever since. He has raised two kiwi sons and having spent his formative years living in London, revels in being a New Zealander and living in "... a seaside town..." which is how he describes Auckland to his English relatives.

Tony's role in 'Exclusively Auckland' is often not a visible one. When Verna and Kim are fully booked Tony will become the third host for our guests. However he has become the 'self appointed' General Manager and CFO of 'Exclusively Auckland'.

Tony has travelled extensively most of his life; the overland drive in a little Triumph Spitfire from England to New Zealand some years ago is perhaps his longest tour and has enabled him to contribute to the extensive experience of the group.