Meet the Red Carpet Tours Team

Vic James

Company Director

Vic has over 20 years experience in tourism - a background that led him to create a special tour for like-minded people, when the first of the LOTR trilogy of films was being produced. With the co-operation of many individuals involved in the LOTRproduction and with permission gained from private land owners who had film sites on their properties, Vic put together a comprehensive and exciting 2 week tour throughout New Zealand.

Vic enjoys sharing his wealth of knowledge and stories in relation to all things LOTR with our fellowships

Raewyn James

Co-Director

Raewyn's focus is on day to day office management and communications. Along with Vic, she was involved in setting up the company from day one, which initially involved some intrepid journeys to remote locations as they created their unique and stunning New Zealand-wide tour itinerary.

Raewyn brings a world of administrative experience to the business and sees her role as keeping the office operational and ensuring everything runs smoothly, with every detail taken care of so you don't need to sweat the small stuff and can wring every moment of pleasure from your tour experience.

Raewyn is married to Vic and is the mother of Julie.

Julie James

Sales Manager and Tour Leader

"It gives me great pleasure to share my country with like-minded The Lord of the Rings fans from around the world, and to guide them to the magical film locations that Sir Peter Jackson and his team lovingly put together."

Julie is Red Carpet Tours Sales and Marketing Manager and Tour Leader guiding you through Middle-earth. A true Hobbit at heart, Julie has a Diploma in Tourism and Business Management and has traveled widely. She is highly skilled in communication and has a passion for all things LOTR. She is your main point of contact for booking details and Tour queries. Julie aims to ensure Red Carpet Tours maintains its high level of customer service and satisfaction, making your experience with Red Carpet Tours a total pleasure, 'there and back again'!

Keep in touch with Julie and the goings on at Red Carpet Tours on our Facebook page.

Melissa James

Head of Marketing and Operations 

Melissa is the head of marketing for the company and does a variety of roles. Most of her time is spent managing social media accounts, running the business's operations, building and maintaining business relationships and doing all graphic and digital design for the company. She has a strong background in marketing as well as a degree in Psychology. Melissa also manages the business accounts and customer enquiries. 

She enjoys bringing her creativity and people skills to the family business. Melissa is Julie's youngest daughter.

Sasha James

Office Manager

Sasha's main role is managing the admin side of the tour bookings. She completes all the hotel, ferry and flight bookings for Red Carpet Tours. Sasha is trained in Special Effects Makeup and has experience working on film sets herself. She has a background in management and is the main point of contact for your pre and post tour hotel bookings. 

Sasha is Julie's eldest daughter.

Ben Perchik

Business Development Manager USA

"My passion for the The Lord of the Ringsand The Hobbit relate to the life lessons and personal journeys outlined in the books. Coming to Middle-earth to experience what Tolkien wrote about (and what Peter Jackson created) is like a pilgrimage that elevates and transforms us all. What a life-changing experience it is to be in this land and immersed in Tolkien's works."

Ben is Red Carpet Tours’ Business Development Manager, he’s based in North America and has long been inspired by The Lord of the Rings. A man of many talents, Ben is a scientist who has worked extensively in the areas of healing, rehabilitation and spirituality.