Adventure Magazine

adventure
where actions speak louder than words
where actions speak louder than words
CELEBRATING
WOMEN
ISSUE 239
AUG/SEP 2023
NZ $11.90 incl. GST

BOBO.CO.NZ/SALEWA

Jan Sutherland, hard at work on her "other" job
Loyalty is a rare commodity
With the publication of Adventure issue 100,
I took over as the editor and within a few
issues we had purchased the publication.
That was over 137 issues ago, 6 issues per
year, so that makes 22 years of bringing
Adventure to the masses.
When we purchased Adventure, it came
with a lot of history, goodwill, some
back issues, a limited database and a
salesperson, Jan Sutherland. Now Jan was
not actually purchased with the publication,
she wasn’t attached, but she eventually
proved to be the biggest asset.
Jan continued for a number of years as
the advertising salesperson, and from
there, she moved into the role of accounts,
sending out invoices and more importantly,
chasing them up.
She also started her own business
photographing horses but kept working
with Adventure. Now, some 22 years later,
she has decided to call it quits. She has
explained to the next accounts person what
needs to be done, how to use the database,
send out accounts, and send reminders but
that is not the loss.
When you have had one person working
with you for so long, you become reliant on
their loyalty. Jan’s dedication to Adventure
Magazine was second to none; that
money coming in may well have been
hers because she was more dedicated to
making sure everything was paid in full than
we were. She knew everyone, their quirks,
their qualities, and their ongoing mistakes.
She was meticulous with addresses and
phone numbers and often I would call and
ask ‘do you have an address for so and so
from 1998?’ and moments later, it would
arrive.
We live in a transient world, what is popular
today is old news tomorrow, what is socially
trending now will be forgotten in a week.
But like Adventure, Jan has been around
for a while, she has stood the test of time,
and nothing beats history, it is the one
commodity you can’t buy or trade. History
is the one reference that is always the best
indicator of ‘good’, whether that is a person,
a magazine or a product.
So, as we say goodbye to Jan Sutherland,
we will miss her; her ability, her enthusiasm
and most of all her loyalty, and as we head
to a new phase of adventure it is always
good to be thankful and aware of those that
have gone before you. Thanks, Jan!
Adventure, 50 years of reaching the
Adventure people of New Zealand.
Thanks for
the loyalty
Jan, valued
Adventure
team member
for over three
decades!
Steve Dickinson - Editor
your Adventure starts with Us
23 Locations Nationwide | www.radcarhire.co.nz | 0800 73 68 23 | adventure@radcarhire.co.nz

INSIDE THE COVERS
Instead of looking ‘Behind the Cover’ as we would normally,
we decided to look at the future. Across every platform, every
news outlet, AI is making a lot of noise, some positive, some
not. Currently, the writers guild in the USA has been on strike for
over 70 days protesting the use of AI to create…. words, scripts,
advertising, features and editorials. How will that impact us as
a magazine both hardcopy and digital? We asked the expert,
ChatGPT and this is what it told us.
ChatGBT said, "As an AI language model, I don't have personal
opinions or feelings. However, I can provide an analysis based
on the capabilities of AI language models up until my last
knowledge update in September 2021."
AI language models like ChatGPT (or GPT-3.5) have shown
impressive abilities in generating coherent and contextually
relevant text across a wide range of topics. They can create
articles, stories, and essays on various subjects. However, there
are still limitations to what AI language models can do:
Topic Understanding: AI models lack true understanding
and consciousness. While they can generate text that appears
coherent, they don't possess true comprehension like humans.
They work based on patterns in data and lack the capacity for
deep understanding of niche topics.
Domain Expertise: Writing a niche magazine requires in-depth
knowledge and expertise in that particular domain. AI models
have broad knowledge but lack the specialized understanding that
comes with real-world experience and expertise in a specific field.
Creative Originality: While AI can produce text that appears
creative, it is still limited by the data it was trained on. It may
struggle to come up with truly original and groundbreaking ideas
that are often required in niche publications.
Quality and Consistency: Although AI-generated text can
be impressive, it can also be inconsistent in quality and may
occasionally produce inaccurate or irrelevant information.
Ethical Considerations: AI-generated content might inadvertently
spread misinformation or biased perspectives since it lacks a moral
compass and can't fact-check information.
For these reasons, it's unlikely that an AI language model would be
solely responsible for producing a whole niche magazine. However,
AI can be a helpful tool for augmenting human creativity and
productivity in content creation, as long as it's used responsibly and
in conjunction with human expertise and oversight.
To be 100% transparent, we have used ChatGPT in the issue,
I don’t think that you would spot it easily; we looked to it in the
planning stage, we asked it to help generate some questions, we
asked it to rephase for ease of understanding, and we asked it to
come up with an interesting title for the fly-fishing story.
So, I guess watch this space!
EDITOR & ADVERTISING MANAGER
Steve Dickinson
Mob: 027 577 5014
steve@pacificmedia.co.nz
ART DIRECTOR
Lynne Dickinson
design@pacificmedia.co.nz
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World Class Indoor Climbing
FREE week after first paid visit!
Fantastic community, beginners
welcome, boulder classes for all ages
and abilities, inquire now.
* Discounts for youths and own gear
Student Mondays, entry $15
www.northernrocks.co.nz
@northernrocks.climbing
Unit 17, 101-111 Diana Drive,
Wairau Valley, Auckland | 09 278 2363
“Northern Rocks is an indoor
bouldering facility, we foster
community, growth and
positive experiences
for people of all
backgrounds, ages
and abilities.”

we ARE climbing
Sarah Hueniken
Johnston Canyon
Banff National Park
Photo: John Price
johnpricephotography.ca
For over thirty years Bivouac Outdoor has been proudly 100% New Zealand owned and committed to
providing you with the best outdoor clothing and equipment available in the world. It is the same gear
we literally stake our lives on, because we are committed to adventure and we ARE climbing.
Supporting Aotearoa's Backcountry Heritage
STORES NATIONWIDE
www.bivouac.co.nz

inspire
SIMONE MAIER
FROM TRAUMA TO CHAMPION
By Derek Cheng
It may seem a curious comparison, but multisport
adventure racer Simone Maier sees parallels
between her suffer-fest endurance races and her
long road to recovery from a traumatic childhood
that haunted her teenage years.
Sport actually saved her life, she says, but a
key caregiver also helped her to turn the page
on the abuse of her early years, and the harmful
coping mechanisms in the years that followed.
She ultimately emerged from those dark times
by rediscovering her passion for the outdoors,
eventually standing atop podiums around the world
- including the Coast to Coast in four of the last five
years.
But it's the stoic perseverance that's needed for
multiday competitions - like GODZone, which
Maier's team won in 2019, the first time it was won
by a team with two women - that share similarities
with her earlier battles.
"I feel there's a parallel there," she tells Adventure.
"I probably have a high pain threshold. Being in an
adventure race or multisport event, sometimes you
just have to be in an uncomfortable position and
push through, even when you haven't slept and your
body is under immense pressure.
"I also had to overcome my trauma where I just had
to hang in there, just keep plodding along, putting
one foot in front of the other to get out of what I was
going through. It took years."
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Maier on Mt Maude, sporting
her signature mohawk of
colourful ponytails
Image by Cheeky.weka

Maier was part of Team Avaya's world championship adventure racing victory
in Paraguay last year
"She's laser-focused when it comes to her training,
but underneath that is a vibrant, fun-loving
person whose nickname - Bounce, or Bouncy - is
indicative of her contagious energy. She is known
to be partial to dance parties, dressing in bright
colours, and for the ridge of several ponytails that
run down the centre of her head like the tiny scales
of a dinosaur mohawk."
You wouldn't know Maier was a world champion adventure racer from the
humble wooden cabin she shares with her partner Marcel Hagener at the
edge of Lake Wanaka.
It's a private, secluded spot where Hagener, now retired from adventure
racing, continually renovates the cabins nearby while Maier plans her next
race - often out of financial necessity. Living in New Zealand has its perks,
such as the pristine nature and the lack of proximity to anything resembling
war, but the adventure racing and multisport market is tiny, and despite her
constant success, it's not the easiest way to make a living.
She is currently excited because China has opened up again, and it's
proved to be a lucrative multisport market for her in the past, though not
without its quirks; in one of her races, she had to catch fish with her hands,
while in another, she had to string dried chillies together.
She's laser-focused when it comes to her training, but underneath that
is a vibrant, fun-loving person whose nickname - Bounce, or Bouncy - is
indicative of her contagious energy. She is known to be partial to dance
parties, dressing in bright colours, and for the ridge of several ponytails
that run down the centre of her head like the tiny scales of a dinosaur
mohawk. She speeds around Wanaka on her electric unicycle, often
alongside Hagener on his own such unicycle, decked in fluorescent lights
and with opera music blaring from its speaker.
Her disposition, in other words, gives no indication whatsoever of what
she's been through to get to where she is today.
Growing up in a small town near Black Forest, Germany, she was sexually
abused by a neighbour when she was 4, attempted suicide in her teens,
and then developed eating disorders. Today Maier is fit and muscular, and
looks like she could bench-press an entire football team and then run a
marathon. But when she was 18, she was skeletal, weighing only 35kg.
Right: Maier has won GODZone once, an event that spans multiple days and
requires athletes to move constantly - including while brushing your teeth
6//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//7

Mair with Emily Wilson while competing in reality-TV show Tracked. The pair were runners-up.
"My caregiver was a runner and a cyclist himself, and he basically got me
back into running and cycling. He built me a mountain bike. I would say that
was probably the beginning of my new life."
She had compartmentalised what had happened to her as a
child, but it came creeping back when she was 14 and playing
basketball. Her boyfriend at the time - her first - reached over
from behind her to try and stop her from getting the ball. The
movement was a trigger. Images of an old man in a similar pose
started to leak into her mind.
"It started like a little crack and it just kept on cracking. I was so
upset about these flashbacks. I thought I was going insane, like
I'd watched too many crazy horror movies," she says.
"I had severe issues at school because I started freaking out.
Every time a guy came close to me, I started having these
anxiety attacks. It really changed me from this happy, active
teenager to being severely depressed, just not going out
anymore. It was like a switch."
She even tried to kill herself, but failed in what she now says
was a cry for help rather than a wish to die.
When she eventually opened up to her parents about the
flashbacks, her mother said that she'd actually told her about
"the weird things the neighbour was doing" a decade earlier. But
her parents hadn't known what to do, so they did nothing except
ensure she didn't go next door anymore.
"When your mum tells you you're not actually crazy and these
things actually happened, I was like, 'What?!' I felt like I got
stabbed in my heart."
At age 15, she dropped out of school and started working in a
bakery, but her struggles were far from over. First came selfharm,
cutting herself with glass. "It sounds like a paradox, but
somehow creating pain can numb you from pain."
Then came anorexia, which she now says was a coping
mechanism: seizing control of something in the face of
something she couldn't control - her past.
She eventually began throwing up so much that her kidneys
started failing and she had to be hospitalised. After collapsing in
a nightclub on New Year's Eve in 1997, Maier went into rehab
for several months.
When she came out, she was encouraged to live in a home
associated with the rehab clinic where caregivers were assigned
to each patient. For Maier, this was the turning point.
"My caregiver was a runner and a cyclist himself, and he
basically got me back into running and cycling. He built me a
mountain bike. I would say that was probably the beginning of
my new life."
She still remembers the first time they went running together,
barely covering a single kilometre. "But I was so happy, just
being out there, and having someone to get me out running
again - so much joy."
Maier had had a precocious appetite for sports when she was
young - competitive athletics, gymnastics, soccer, basketball,
volleyball. Being active again rekindled something, like a
reclaiming of what she'd always loved. By the time she turned
26, she'd started competing in triathlons and had done her first
ironman event.
"Sport just always made me feel so alive. I always biked the long
way to work. One year, I biked 50km every day. And when you
have a bad day, you can just go out for a run and you feel so
much better."
8//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

Maier is the reigning Coast to Coast
champion, having won the last three
events and four of the last five.

Adventure racing demands movement across all types of terrain, from snow to stream.
"The outdoors is a really great place. We get off our devices and connect with
ourselves, what's surrounding us. It's actually joyful - pure bliss."
It also helped her realise that food is not the enemy. "I know
now that it's actually my fuel, helping me with performing and
recovering. Now I use it as a weapon. I am what I eat."
She gets on better with her parents now, she says, but when
she was 27, she felt like she needed a fresh start. She looked
at a map and found a little country at the edge of the world.
She didn't know much about New Zealand, nor was her
English particularly flash. But she had a contact, a friend's
sister, who welcomed her into the multisport community in
Wanaka, which has now been her home for the last 17 years.
Within two years of arriving, she'd competed in Ironman New
Zealand in Taupo, in 2009, winning the women's 25-29 age
group with a time of just under 10 hours and 20 minutes. This
qualified her for the world championship race in Hawaii, where
she improved her time by seven minutes and placed third in
her age group.
Today, Maier has competed around the world, winning events
in Australia, Paraguay and China, where she met Hagener,
a fellow multisport racer at the time. She and Hagener used
to compete together in events such as the two-day Red Bull
Defiance, which they won four times in the "mixed elite"
category.
Last year Maier was invited to join New Zealand team Avaya,
which won the Adventure Racing World Championships in
Paraguay - a 550km race. She says she slept maybe 60 to 90
minutes each day, though there was no sleep on the last night
as the team just pushed through to the finish.
"I had a blast. It's just so unknown because you go all
day long - for five days. So many things can happen. It's
fascinating but it can also be scary - how will you handle the
uncontrollable, the sleep deprivation?
"It teaches you a lot about yourself, how far you can push the
limits. You can learn a lot, and apply it to whatever happens in
your daily life."
She is now trying pass on the physical and mental resilience
she has developed over her lifetime; her new business
Level Up, with fellow adventure racer Emily Wilson, offers a
host of courses on all the skills needed for adventure racing
multisport. Maier also offers one-on-one coaching.
She was recently runner-up in reality-TV show Tracked, but is
perhaps best-known as the reigning Coast to Coast champion,
having won the gruelling 243km day-long race in each of the
last three years.
Will the 43-year-old defend her title next year?
"I always say each year that this is gonna be my last. I want to
do a lot of things in life. But what keeps me going is that I feel
like I'm still getting better. I want to keep exploring and see
how far I can push.
"I feel like I'm still in the prime of my years."
Whenever she eventually hangs up her Coast to Coast bib,
she will always remain active.
"It's good for your stress, your tension at work, even if it's just
a walk, something. It's really good for your mental health, the
fresh air, reconnecting with nature, a bit of sunshine. It has an
amazing effect on your mood.
"The outdoors is a really great place. We get off our devices
and connect with ourselves, what's surrounding us. It's
actually joyful - pure bliss."
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ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//11

Sarah and her son Eli at Northern Rocks
inspire
SARAH HAY
REDEFINING BOUNDARIES
In the world of climbing, there are
individuals who push the limits,
break barriers, and inspire others
with their unwavering dedication and
accomplishments. One such climber
is Sarah Hay, a remarkable figure who
has carved her path in the climbing
community. In this editorial feature,
we delve into Sarah Hay's journey,
exploring her passion for climbing,
notable achievements, and her unique
approach to the sport.
Sarah Hay's identity extends far beyond
climbing. As a mother, wife, business
owner, musician, and athlete, she
embodies a multitude of roles that
contribute to her holistic approach to
life. However, it is her deep-rooted
connection with climbing that truly
defines her.
Sarah's climbing journey began around
the age of 20 when a friend introduced
her to outdoor climbing. From the very
beginning, she was captivated by
the adventure, tranquility, and mental
and physical challenges that climbing
offered. Sarah found solace in the
intricate techniques, the immersive
nature of the activity that allowed her
to be fully present, and the pursuit
of mastery. Balancing her climbing
pursuits with a full-time career as a
musician, she gradually delved deeper
into the climbing world by working at
local gyms, coaching, and route setting.
Throughout her climbing career,
Sarah Hay has achieved numerous
milestones that reflect her dedication
and skill. While she believes that
every experience is a highlight,
certain achievements stand out.
Building Northern Rocks from the
ground up, coaching and witnessing
the development of young climbers,
and establishing the successful girls'
climbing program, "She Climbs", are
among her proudest accomplishments.
Sarah's success extends to national
and international competitions, winning
titles in lead and bouldering, and
representing New Zealand in World
Cup and Oceania events. Her passion
for climbing is further exemplified by
her involvement in route setting at
prestigious competitions.
We caught up with Sarah for a chat ...
How did you get into climbing?
A friend introduced me to outdoor
climbing when I was about 20 years
old. We went to the Mt Eden Quarry
and Froggatt (now Waipari) and I
never looked back! I was drawn to the
outdoor adventure and serenity, the
mental and physical challenge, problem
solving aspects, intricate techniques,
that when you’re climbing you’re not
thinking about anything else, and the
never-ending search for mastery.
Back then I was a full-time musician so
I was also being somewhat careful of
finger injuries but I kept climbing and
started working at one of the local gyms
part-time, coaching and route setting.
The kids started doing competitions so I
went to support them, and then started
trying out the competition scene myself.
Are you a risk taker? – is climbing
about risk? I think climbing
involves taking assessed risks, but
understanding your skills, limitations,
body, and preparedness can help
mitigate those risks. By continuously
improving and expanding your
repertoire of movements and
techniques, you can expand the range
of climbs you can safely undertake.
I feel like I understand my body and
skill set pretty well so I tend to take
risks where I know I can fall safely
if I miss, or can push the grade on
lead because I understand how to fall
safely above a clip. I am always trying
to get better at movements I’m not so
comfortable with so I can take more
assessed risks on different styles of
climbs.
Northern Rocks
Describe it to someone who has
not been…. Yet? Northern Rocks is
the perfect place for anyone to give
bouldering a try! Contrary to common
beliefs, you don't need to be strong to
start bouldering. Our indoor climbing
facility caters to beginners as well
as advanced climbers. Each boulder
Sarah climbing Gravity (24) Paynes Ford
12//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

offers a unique set of holds, shapes, and
movements, ranging from larger holds
and simpler routes to more technical
and challenging climbs as you progress
through the grades.
Bouldering is not only a physical activity
but also a mental one. It requires problemsolving
skills as you figure out the best
way to solve a boulder problem, or figure
out how to get to the top. And the best part
is, you get to do all of this while hanging
out with friends and enjoying a full-body
workout. We change a section of our
routes on a weekly basis to keep things
fresh and exciting. But what truly sets
Northern Rocks apart is our incredible
community. Everyone here is friendly,
welcoming, and inclusive. We cheer each
other on and celebrate achievements at
every level. We take pride in creating a
supportive environment where everyone
feels comfortable.
We also place a strong emphasis on
empowering girls and women in the
climbing gym. Many of our staff members
are women who can assist you on the wall.
We have regular Boulder Women meetup
groups where you can join, regardless
of whether you're a first-time climber or
experienced. You'll receive free coaching
and will have the opportunity to connect
with other women who share your passion.
We also offer a fully funded girls climbing
program for young women in years 9-13.
This program aims to promote physical
activity and help girls discover the joy of
bouldering. There are free yoga classes for
members, a fitness gym area, after school
youth programs, social competitions and
events, pro shop, coffee, and more. The
staff will give you a free facility induction
and after your first visit you get a free week
of climbing to try it out.
What were the challenges? Starting a
business from scratch is never easy, and
I faced several challenges along the way.
One of the major obstacles I encountered
was the struggle to be taken seriously as
a young woman venturing into a niche
market. It was challenging to secure
investment and funding when I had limited
resources and no track record to showcase.
It took about five years of intensive
research and development before I finally
met my current business partner, John, who
shared my enthusiasm for the idea and
committed to investing in the business.
Together, we embarked on a two-year
journey to establish a custom-built full-scale
facility but to cut a long story short, we had to
pull the plug at the last minute. We managed
to save the project by finding a building that
would suit a bouldering-only facility.
Once Northern Rocks opened, it was a
matter of building up our programs, events,
route setting, staff team, and infrastructure.
However, we faced another significant
challenge when the COVID-19 pandemic
hit, resulting in multiple months of lockdowns
and uncertainty. It was a difficult time for any
business, but we managed to persevere and
make it through to the other side.
Over the past year, we have been focused
on rebuilding and emphasizing what sets
Northern Rocks apart. We are incredibly
grateful for our amazing community and
everyone who contributes to making the
gym come alive. It is the people who truly
make Northern Rocks the special place it
is. Despite the challenges and setbacks,
I believe that each obstacle we faced has
only made us stronger and more resilient.
I am proud of how far we have come and
remain committed to the ongoing success
and growth of Northern Rocks.
What's the most rewarding aspect? The
most rewarding aspect is undoubtedly
the people. It is amazing to see new
climbers and members experience the
excitement and sense of accomplishment
when they conquer a challenging move or
reach the top of a difficult project. Seeing
people form new friendships, engaging in
conversations, and cheering each other
on during their climbing attempts creates a
vibrant and supportive atmosphere.
Another fulfilling aspect is coaching our
youth programs and witnessing the growth
and development of young climbers. It
is incredibly rewarding to be a part of
their journey, along with our dedicated
coaching team, as they develop their skills
and confidence in climbing. It has been
amazing to see our youth & girls climbing
program thrive and grow in popularity.
The thriving community that emerges
during social competitions, such as the
annual Boulder Bash and the National
Indoor Boulder Series, is a testament to
the positive and inclusive environment we
strive to cultivate. It’s awesome to see the
interest and enthusiasm among climbers
to venture into outdoor bouldering, as
demonstrated by their participation in our
outdoor trips to local crags.
In 2020 climbing entered the arena of
the Olympics, how has that effected
climbing in NZ? The Olympic inclusion
has given the sport of climbing more
visibility in the public eye, in mainstream
media and general awareness. Although
passionate climbers will follow the
climbing/bouldering world cup series
anyway, having the Olympic inclusion
reaches a wider audience. For some
young people having that Olympic dream
is really important and they can now aim

"I was drawn to the
outdoor adventure and
serenity, the mental
and physical challenge,
problem solving aspects,
intricate techniques, that
when you’re climbing
you’re not thinking about
anything else, and the
never-ending search for
mastery."
The classic climb The Crack (17)
on Tombstone, Wanaka

Sarah climbing at Northern Rocks
Rebecca Hounsell in the Boulder Bash finals, Northern Rocks
for the Olympic goal should they wish.
The increased exposure can also provide
more sponsorship opportunities which we
definitely need here in NZ as competitive
climbing is largely unfunded.
The Olympic inclusion can also help
schools and organisations take climbing
more seriously as a sport, allowing their
classes to participate more climbing/
bouldering activities and programs, and
the establishment of local series like the
Auckland College Climbing Series. More
exposure means more climbers giving it
a go, which can benefit local gyms and
businesses providing gear. Perhaps they
saw climbing alongside other familiar
sports featured at the Olympics and are
now more likely to spread the word and
have a go themselves.
Climbing is varied and diverse but
it seems to have a real sense of
community, is that true? Absolutely! The
climbing community is known for its strong
sense of camaraderie and friendship at
every level of the sport. Whether you're
a beginner at a local climbing gym or
a seasoned competitor at a world cup
or Olympic level, there is a genuine
connection and support among climbers.
It's a unique aspect of climbing that sets it
apart from many other sports.
Even in a competitive setting, you'll
often find athletes cheering each other
on, offering advice, and celebrating
each other's achievements. The spirit of
mentorship and sharing knowledge is also
prevalent within the climbing community.
More experienced climbers will often help
new climbers to learn and understand
techniques or teach them to climb
outdoors. As climbing continues to grow
in popularity, I think it's important to foster
and maintain this sense of community.
It creates a welcoming and inclusive
environment where climbers of all levels
can thrive and enjoy the sport together.
Shout out to sponsors: I have been
incredibly fortunate to have the support
of Rab Equipment (Rab NZ) as my
sponsor for the past few years. Their
support has been unwavering, not only
in my competitive and outdoor climbing
endeavors but also throughout the process
of opening a business and having a baby.
Rab NZ are also always willing to lend
their support to any event or initiative at
Northern Rocks and the wider climbing
community. They generously provide
amazing prizes for our competitions and
are extending their support to young
climbers, the CNZ national competitions,
the Auckland College Series, and other
regional events. Their commitment to the
climbing community is truly commendable,
and I am grateful to be associated with
such a phenomenal brand.
Do women make better climbers than
men? That is a subjective question. I think
it is more important to make sure we are
providing equal opportunities for both men
and women to take part in climbing and
excel. Physical strength is undoubtedly
an advantage in climbing, especially in
certain styles like bouldering or overhanging
routes. Men typically have a higher average
upper body strength compared to women,
which can give them an advantage in some
climbing scenarios. Women generally have
to work harder to gain that kind of strength
but we can definitely use strength &
climbing training to compete equally a high
level alongside men.
Climbing is not solely about physical
strength. Technique, flexibility, mental
focus, problem-solving skills, and the
ability to adapt to different climbing
styles also play significant roles.
Women can excel in these areas and
often demonstrate exceptional skill and
creativity when it comes to finding efficient
solutions for climbing problems. You will
often see girls and women make a route
look effortless and efficient and I believe
women can really excel in climbing.
It's often proven at the gym and outdoors
where we look around and there are far
more girls and women enjoying climbing
and excelling than ever before.
If someone wants to get into climbing –
what do recommend? I would say head
down to your local gym and have a go! If
you live near a bouldering gym you can
usually turn up and have a go anytime.
Bouldering can be more fun when it’s
shared so take a friend or meet some of
the community while there. If you’re near a
rope climbing gym you can also usually go
along with a friend and learn how to toprope
belay which will give you access to
the top rope routes in the gym. Most gyms
offer lead climbing clinics so you can learn
to lead. At Northern Rocks we offer classes
like Boulder Fundamentals or weekly
Boulder women on Wednesdays which is
a great introduction to bouldering with an
experienced coach, and an easy way to
meet new climbers. You can also book a
private lesson if you prefer. Once you’ve
had a go at climbing or bouldering, I would
highly recommend a class or some beta
(technique advice) from an experienced
climber as this will greatly enhance your
experience!
At Northern Rocks the staff on hand are
friendly and helpful, and will give you a
free facility induction to get you started.
After your first paid visit you get a free
week of climbing so you can give it a
go.. and get addicted. If you bring a new
friend during your week you also receive a
second week.
Any questions or queries can be directed
to info@northernrocks.co.nz
See you there!
Instagram and Facebook:
@northernrocks.climbing
www.northernrocks.co.nz
16//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

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explore
YOUNG KIWIS JOIN
INSPIRING EXPLORERS EXPEDITION
Antarctic Heritage Trust has named 22
young explorers from across the country to
embark on the trip of a lifetime.
Explorers aged 18-30 will join the ninth
Inspiring Explorers Expedition, which is
travelling to South Georgia Island.
Not only is it the largest expedition yet,
but it’ll also include the first Kiwi attempt
of Mount Worsley in recognition of Kiwi
explorer Frank Worsley, the mountain’s
namesake.
Four explorers will accompany worldrenowned
expert mountain guides Lydia
Bradey and Dean Staples.
Lily Green
20-year-old explorer Lily Green is part of
the climbing team and says it’s a bucket-list
experience.
“It’s just insane, I can’t even explain how
amazing this opportunity is. Mount Worsley
is a big deal, and I can’t believe I get to be
a part of the first Kiwi group to attempt it.”
In addition to the climbing team, each
Inspiring Explorer will take part in an
outreach project working in groups across
topics such as climate change, education,
history and science.
Located in the remote South Atlantic
Ocean, South Georgia Island has a
reputation for the greatest density of wildlife
on earth. It’s home to king penguins,
fur seals, and 50 percent of the world’s
southern elephant seals.
MetService and Royal Society Te Apārangi
are partners of the programme and will
provide help with outreach projects during
the expedition. MetService Chief Executive,
Stephen Hunt, is delighted to be supporting
the expedition.
“It’s a privilege to be able to support 22
young people and play a part in inspiring
their passion for exploration, discovery,
and science. They will be our explorers of
tomorrow and MetService will support the
young expedition team with a weather and
climate science programme. This will build
a stronger connection to South Georgia’s
extreme but changing environment and the
enormous physical challenges overcome
by the historic explorers,” says Stephen.
MetService meteorologist Kelly Davenport
will be leading the science team.
“Our own Inspiring Explorer Kelly
Davenport will lead a science programme
using some of the latest observational
technology to achieve a deeper
understanding of the area’s weather and
ocean conditions. This will also highlight
the criticality and the value of meteorology
and oceanography for understanding the
impacts and making decisions about our
changing climate,” said Stephen.
Kelly’s projects will include using historic
and modern technologies to make weather
observations.
“I love sharing my knowledge of
meteorology and I look forward to taking
the team through the process of making
weather observations and conveying how
they contribute to weather forecasting
today.” says Kelly.
Royal Society Te Apārangi Chief Executive
Paul Atkins says partnering in this
opportunity aligns with the purpose of the
Society to encourage and support New
Zealanders to explore, discover and share
knowledge.
“It’s a unique opportunity for the
participants to explore a completely new
environment from multiple points of view,
to discover new things about the world and
themselves, and to share that insight and
18//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

knowledge with each other and their wider
home communities when they get back. We
are delighted to support this life-changing
opportunity.”
The Royal Society Te Apārangi
representative Kaitlyn Martin has a
background in science communication
and will be leading one of the educational
outreach projects.
“It’s very similar to what they do on
the International Space Station – we’ll
be working with schools around the
country who will design experiments or
investigations that are unique to South
Georgia Island,” Kaitlyn says.
“We'll make case studies and share them
with the schools we developed the projects
with, but we’ll also develop some online
case studies that other schools can use to
show a bit of South Georgia and the unique
environment there.”
Kelly Davenport
Presented by respected operator
Antarctica21, Antarctic Heritage Trust’s
ninth Inspiring Explorers Expedition will
honour the centenary year of Sir Ernest
Shackleton’s final expedition (Quest 1921–
1922) which journeyed to South Georgia
and marked the end of the heroic-era of
Antarctic exploration. Shackleton died on
The Quest expedition and was buried on
South Georgia Island. The Trust cares
for Shackleton’s only Antarctic expedition
base.
Antarctic Heritage Trust Executive Director,
Francesca Eathorne says, “This expedition
will connect these young people with
Shackleton’s incredible legacy and we
hope, inspire them to embrace that same
spirit of exploration. It’s a spirit as critical in
the 21st century as it was over a century
ago – particularly for our young people who
face a rapidly changing world.”
The Inspiring Explorers will sail to South
Georgia on Antarctica21’s ship, between 30
September – 14 October.

train
Above: Jana and Roxy - Image by Barry Dougherty, South Island Training Camp in Cass (Canterbury)
Right: Jana Dodds and Ben Mulvey, night training - Image by Donna Carter
TRAINED TO
PERFECTION
There are a lot of unsung heroes in rescue.
When someone is lost or buried, we hear that
search and rescue have gone out to look. It
is predominantly when conditions are at their
worst or most dangerous that they have to
search, yet this group of unpaid volunteers (and
their dogs) face the worst to try and keep us
alive. Of all the encounters, when being lost or
buried, there would be few more gratifying than
the wet nose of a rescue dog finding you when
no one else could. These amazingly trained
animals and their trainers use their talents
simply to save us.
We caught up with dog trainer Jana Dodds.
Who is Jana Becker/Dodds? I grew up in
Hamburg (Germany) on a lifestyle block at the
edge of the city. My dad is a farrier, and my mom
works at a vet. I grew up surrounded by horses,
and in any spare time, you would find me on top
of one. We always had family dogs, and after
endless bagging, I got my first dog at 14. Bloom
was an Australian shepherd, and through my
teenage years, I trained and competed with her
in obedience and agility. She sadly passed away
last year at a proud age.
I always had a passion for the mountains, which
I inherited from my parents. Unfortunately,
northern Germany is flat as a pancake. No
mountains to be seen. So, every holiday we
would spend chasing down some altitude…
skiing in the winter, hiking and climbing in the
summer. Being outdoors and on the move is my
happy place and always has been.
20//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239
AS IF YOUR LIFE
DEPENDED ON IT
AND … IT DOES!
8 years ago, I met my now husband
Tony Dodds, who was competing
at the triathlon world series race
in Hamburg. We hit it off, and 18
months later, I would come to NZ
to visit and take some time off from
my work as a physio. Now, 7 years
later, that trip has turned into a very
extended OE that I have absolutely
no plan on finishing. How could you
not love this country full of adventure
and like-minded people?
I have found my love in anything
outdoors… you will find me trail
running, mountain biking, tramping,
and climbing my way through the
mountains as much as possible.
In recent years I discovered that
adventure racing is the perfect
opportunity to combine them all.
I completed my first Godzone
this year, and it’s safe to say I got
hooked.
How would someone who knows
you well describe you? Great
questions. I hope they would
describe me as a happy person,
someone who walks through life with
a smile on her face and a “go try it”
attitude.
How did you get into the field of
mountain rescue dog training?
I joined Land Search and Rescue
about 5 years ago. My sister-in-law
is a detective in the NZ police and
suggested joining to me. I went
to an open night in Dunedin and
instantly loved it. It brings a fantastic
sense of community and purpose,
and you meet some truly incredible
people doing SAR work. I became an
operational field team member and
later team leader and further joined
the Dunedin cliff rescue team.
I started “hiding” for the SAR dogs
in Dunedin about 3 years ago. I was
very fortunate to get to tag along
with very experienced searchdog
handlers whom I got to learn a lot
from and who are mentors to me to
this day.

Training Roxy in Hawea - Images by Tony Dodds
Around two years ago I was team leading for a dog team on a
multiday operation and was in the fortunate position that the dogs
in this team found the missing person – alive. Something we had
hoped for but that was getting less likely at this point. I cannot
highlight enough that SAR is ALWAYS a team effort, and it takes
everyone to do their part to have a good outcome. But I would lie
if I would not say that the experience of being part of the actual
find has fundamentally affected me. That was the day I decided
to get a dog.
What kinds of dogs are used in mountain rescue
operations?There are different kinds of SAR work when it
comes to dogs. I am involved with wilderness search dogs. Now
these are the dogs that come into play if someone is lost, missing
or injured in the outdoors. Think trampers, hunters, walkers etc.
But also, despondent people or possibly a confused elderly
person. There are also Urban search dogs (USAR), which would
be used in an earthquake for example and avalanche dogs.
Within wilderness dogs, we have different ways we train these
dogs. Tracking dogs – those will follow the ground scent. It is
fascinating to watch a tracking dog follow scent on the ground
in the exact line someone has walked 24h or more after the
person has walked there. We also train area search dogs. These
are trained to detect the scent available in the air and follow it
to its source. This is particularly helpful for covering large areas
and when you don’t know where the person has last been.
The ultimate search dog is “dual operational”, which means
it is trained and certified in both. We don’t have many dualoperational
search dogs in NZ at the moment but we are hoping
that there will be more in the future.
How many dogs do you have? I own and train a 16-monthold
border collie-kelpie cross called Roxy. She is training to
be an area search dog. She can detect human scent on the
breeze, she will then follow the scent to its source and stay there
and bark until I arrive – usually huffing and puffing from a few
hundred meters of uphill running to catch up. You better be fit for
this!
How do you train these dogs to be effective for search
and rescue missions? LandSAR Searchdogs is a nonprofit
organisation sitting under the LandSAR umbrella. They assist
with access to trainers and organise training and assessment
camps through which a dog and handler team can become
operational. However, the brunt of the training is up to you as the
dog owner and handler. Searchdogs is a bit like a family – we all
want to see each other succeed and help each other out. Another
handler or trainer is only a phone call away and will help with
any training problems that come up. Searchdogs NZ runs four
training camps per year (two in the north and two in the South
Island). In between those, I frequently get together with other
handlers in your area to train together.
Ideally, you get a dog as a puppy, around 8 or 9 weeks old. In
the early stages, you can imprint human scent on the dog, and
it will learn a lot about the world. You want it to be confident with
noises, people, traffic, and anything it may come across while
out and about. The dogs learn basic commands like come, stay,
heel, sit etc. You and the dog need to learn to play well together
and establish a reward structure. The introduction of search work
happens gradually. You start very small, and the dog learns if it
follow human scent and shows a desired behaviour, it will get a
reward. For most dogs that will be play. Search work is one big
game for the dogs.
What challenges have you faced while training rescue dogs?
Ohhh where to begin? It is a very steep learning curve for a
new handler. Dogs are not robots, and things don’t always go to
plan. When they don’t, you have to work out where the problem
started and how best to fix it. Each dog and handler duo faces
their own challenges. Especially with a young dog that is still
learning it can be tempting to ask for too much too quickly. If you
don’t solidify a learned skillset and progress too fast the wheels
will fall off very fast. In order to become operational, you have to
pass assessments by the searchdog assessors and NZ police
dog assessors. Once operational, you have to re-certify every
year. The assessment consists of three parts – obedience, an
article search and a search task in your speciality (either tracking
or area search).
22//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

How has technology impacted mountain rescue dog
training? These days dogs wear tracking collars while out on
an operation. The handler is able to see a map on the handheld
device and can see exactly where the dog and the handler have
walked. This makes it much easier to see if you have covered
an area well and allows for the incident management team to
download the data and plan further tasking.
What specific criteria do you look for in a dog that might
be suitable for mountain rescue work? First and foremost,
you want a dog that will be physically capable to spend long
hours working physically hard in challenging terrain. A pug or a
sausage dog… probably not. There is not “one breed” that is the
one and only to do this work but certain breeds to show attributed
that have shown to be valuable in a search dogs. We can do
certain character tests with a puppy to see if it may be suitable.
In saying that- there is no guarantees. You will often only know
after the first year or two if a dog will have what it takes.
What do you find most rewarding about training mountain
rescue dogs? It takes many hours to train a search dog.
Thousands over the years. Spending that much of your free time
with an animal builds a unique and special bond.
What advice would you give to someone who's interested
in becoming a mountain rescue dog trainer? Find out where
your closest LandSAR group is and get in touch with them. All
searchdog handlers are, first and foremost, operational LandSAR
field team members. In my case, I am part of the Wanaka SAR
group. Before you can start the journey as a search dog handler
you will have to become proficient in the basic search and rescue
techniques. The expectation for a dog handler is to be skilled in
the outdoors and competent in the bush and harsh conditions for
extended periods of time. If you are seriously considering doing
this, I would recommend talking to a dog handler near you and
quiz them as much as you can. Training a searchdog is a big
commitment. There is much work happening in the background
that is not all Heli flights and picturesque mountains. Although
those do happen too ;)
A huge shoutout to all the lovely people that go and hide for
me and Roxy and the local landowners that let me access
their properties to train on a regular basis. You cannot train a
searchdog without the support of the people around you.
Thanks to Gemma
Parkin the LandSAR
group support officer for
searchdogs has given me a
few stats.
1055 operational hours
last year (amongst all 17
operational wilderness
search dogs)
100 operations – go the
round number !
For LandSAR nationally
there were 300 new female
members last year which
was 38% of the new
member intake all up.
We currently have 10
young dogs on the
Trainingpath to become
operational. (Roxy is one of
them).
Training in the Silverpeaks
Image by Richard Warrington (SAR dog handler from Dunedin)
If you would like to support the searchdogs, LandSAR
searchdogs have a givealittle page - see details below:
https://givealittle.co.nz/org/httpswwwsearchdogsconz
ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//23

Image by Dan Griffiths / Red Bull Content Pool
athlete
JESS BLEWITT
MOUNTAIN BIKER
Originally from Mount Manganui on
New Zealand’s North Island, Jess
Blewitt grew up travelling over to the
country’s South Island to compete in
ski racing with Queenstown’s Alpine Ski
Team at the Coronet Peak ski resort,
before relocating there full-time with her
family.
Jess decided to transition to downhill
mountain bike racing in 2019, but
Coronet Peak remained her training
ground of choice with its world-class
track and facilities.
After that her MTB career took off with a
series of big results such as first place
in the under-19 category of Crankworx
Rotorura, first place at Phoenix Enduro
and winning New Zealand’s national
championship title, which helped secure
her a place on the UCI Mountain Bike
World Cup roster for 2021.
Jess’s standout performances earned
her an invitation to showcase her skills
Stateside at Red Bull Formation 2021 in
Virgin, Utah. She followed that up with
a string of impressive Enduro World
Series and World Cup displays.
We caught up with Jess between race
and training to get a little insight into to
what it takes to be a world-class female
mountain biker
24//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239
How did you get started in mountain
biking, and what drew you to the
sport? Funnily enough I moved to
Queenstown for ski racing but later on
ended up quitting. I never even knew
properly what downhill mountain biking
was but it was a pretty popular sport at
the school I went to. A lot of my mates
were racing or just riding for fun and
one of them said I should give it a go
and from there on I loved it!
Which mountain biking discipline is
your favourite, and why? Racing of
course! Nothing beats going fast and
wanting to win. I do also enjoy dabbling
in a bit of freeride stuff here and there.
What is your training routine like,
and how do you balance it with other
aspects of your life? Finding the right
balance between social life and training
is never easy. I definitely made a lot of
sacrifices but I wouldn’t be where I am
now without doing so. As long as your
having fun along the way then your
winning!
What advice would you give to
aspiring female mountain bikers who
want to pursue a career in the sport?
My advice would be to keep it fun and
to never let anyone or anything ever
stop you from pursuing a career.
How do you approach risk-taking
and pushing your limits in mountain
biking? Sometimes it’s best to not think
too much about the risk involved. The
more it gets in your head the harder it is
to want to push your limits or take risks.
Of course you do have to weigh it up
properly sometimes but you normally
know if it’s too much for you.
How do you deal with injuries or
setbacks and maintain a positive
mindset? I’ve dealt with some pretty big
injuries myself and managed to came
back from them without any setbacks.
I think it’s all about trusting the process
and just knowing that it’s normal for
injuries to take time and that your not
expected be right back where you were
before it happened.
What role does nutrition play in your
performance as a mountain biker?
It’s all about finding what fuels you for
race week and gives you sufficient
amounts of energy for a race run.
How do you manage the pressure
and expectations that come with
being a top athlete in your sport? I
sometimes don’t manage the pressure
so well haha but having the right people
in your corner definitely helps with that.
Nicolas ('Nico') Piraud watches on as Jess Blewitt
hits a feature dubbed "The Ovary" at Red Bull
Formation in Virgin, Utah, USA
Image by Catherine Aeppel / Red Bull Content Pool

ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//25

How do you find a balance between
competing and enjoying the pure love
of mountain biking? I think if your not
loving racing then it’s probably not the
sport for you. For me a race week is
just another week where I get to ride my
bike fast and have a lot of fun. For me I
feel like I already have the right balance
especially with adding in the freeride stuff
I do outside of racing.
Any future goals or ambitions you
have in the world of mountain biking?
Would love that rainbow jersey one
day haha! And to of course win the
overall would be huge. I also just want
to be a well respected rider within the
industry and someone that the younger
generation of girls look up to.
How do you approach the process
of analysing your performance and
identifying areas for improvement?
There’s always room for improvement.
I’m constantly wanting to be better and I
feel like with more experience over time
the more things you see can help you
when it comes to racing.
What does the does the rest of 2023
-2024 hold for Jess Blewitt? The rest
of 2023 sees Jess competing in the full
uci mtb downhill World Cup rounds and
also attending Red Bull Hardline. 2024
will be another big year of worlds cups
and potential other events here and
there.
26//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

Jess Blewitt at the Red Bull Mountain Bike Performance Camp in Machynlleth in Mai 2023, Wales.
Image by Dan Griffiths / Red Bull Content Pool

MOUNTAIN BIKING IS FOR EVERYONE
Some say mountain biking isn’t a great sport for middle
aged women. I totally reject that assumption! Women are
discovering that they can do their own thing in the sport, be
themselves and go as hard or easy as they like.
The sport combines fitness, the outdoors and a fantastic
comradery within the sport. Its relatively low impact (at my
level) and has been a fantastic family sport over the last
15 years. Mountain bikers tend to support each other in an
uncompetitive way. The sport focuses on skills rather than
competition.
I was not always into mountain biking, but when living
in Wellington I got to know this guy who loved mountain
biking (I ended up marrying him).
When we first met, I was like, there is no way I am getting
on a mountain bike and getting muddy and wet!! But I gave
it a go.
Typical boyfriend, for my first ride he takes me up the back
of Eastbourne on this really hard ride. And I sort of liked it.
Then he suggested Rotorua might be more my style for
a newbie. I discovered that Whakarewarewa Forest has
an abundance of lovely flowing green trails progressing
to blue and that's when I really got the bug for mountain
biking. Combine the forest with Rotorua’s hot pools and
awesome café options and you have a real winning
weekend combination.
Mountain biking is a really social sport, you go out riding
with your mates or family. There is something for everyone,
girls and guys can ride together on relatively equal terms
and it's a great excuse to get to outdoors.
For those who are after a bit of female affirmation there
are lots of women groups such as Mud Maidens. There are
also quite a few women coaches in the major MTB parks.
There are several ways you can get into biking, check out
your local mountain bike club, they will have often a ladies
group and lots of ladies are riding with friends and with
their daughters.
If you have a youngster who is keen to give it a go, in
Auckland there is Bella’s on Bikes. This group caters to
8 – 11 year old girls and are passionate about getting girls
into mountain biking. Bellas was started around 5 years
ago by a keen dad Mike Beale as a womens feeder to
Jafakids Youth Academy. The program has proved to be
a huge success with 40 percent of the 140 Jafakids now
women. Also the number of female coaches has increased
exponentially.
In Wellington, Christchurch and Wanaka there is Word, a
rad youth mountain bike club which also encourages girls
and women to ride.
There are still differences between men and women but
E-bikes mean that everyone can be on a level playing field
on the uphills. On the downhills you’re as fast as you want
to be.
The sport has evolved hugely in the last few years
and more women are discovering the amazing sport of
mountain biking.
I would encourage all women to give it a crack!
28//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

Experts at adventure travel since 2000
Your mountain bike travel specialists, with over
20 years experience ensures you have a fantastic
trip, crafted by people who really care.
Image by Greg Rosenke
New Zealand owned and operated
"We live what we sell"
0800 623 872
info@madabouttravel.co.nz
madabouttravel.co.nz

Cool Wakuhshima
Image by Miles Holden
/ Red Bull Content Pool
"It’d be cool to see more
girls in general up the
hill and I hope that by
watching me or other girls
hit the jumps, it inspires
them to hit the jumps
and come to the park
because I know it can be
intimidating. I know it
was intimidating for me
when I first started."

athlete
COOL WAKUSHIMA
While late to the scene, Queenstown
based athlete, Cool Wakushima, has
quickly made a name for herself in
snow sports.
MORE THAN
JUST A NAME
Cool represented New Zealand at the
Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games,
competing in Slopestyle. In the month
prior to Beijing she achieved her career
best World Cup result with a 5th place
finish at the LAAX Open Snowboard
Slopestyle World Cup.
Growing up with a mother and older
brother that were obsessed with
snowboarding it was only natural she
took a shine to the sport as well.
"As a family we have always
snowboarded together and on
weekend’s growing up in Queenstown.
When I was little, it came natural for me
to pick up (my brothers) old boards and
strap it on to me.
"I didn’t quite grasp the competitive side
of snowboarding till I was a bit older,
which may sound little weird since it is
a sport where you start young, but for
me, I take it as a win."
Cool's love and passion were evident
when we caught up with her recently
and the first question?
Is that really your name?
Possibly the best name ever for a snowboarder, is this
your given name? Yes, it is my given name! I wish I had
an incredible story to tell about how my name was made-up
but there’s no story to share. My mum just liked it name and
thought, ‘’this is it’’.
You were born in Japan. When did you come to New
Zealand? I spent my early childhood in Tokyo, Japan
and moved to New Zealand in 2012. It was very different
to what I had expected. For some reason, I thought we
were moving to New York not New Zealand, because I
didn’t really know about New Zealand. I arrived at the
Queenstown Airport expecting a big city and was very
surprised. I settled in nicely though – I liked it a lot more
than the city life. Nature was good for me too.

How did you first get into snowboarding, and what
attracted you to the sport? My family. My mum
snowboarded she since was young and then I also have
an older and a younger brother who snowboard. So it
was pretty natural for me to pick up. We always went
snowboarding together as a family on Saturday and Sunday.
Until around 16 years old, I was snowboarding as a
weekend rider with my family. But then it hit me that I
wanted to do it as a career. I wanted to learn new tricks and
travel the world.
In the beginning, I loved snowboarding but I wasn’t very
interested in hitting big jumps. But now I just want big
jumps! It’s weird how the mindset changes when you see or
get inspired by something. I’m really enjoying it now and I
like that I got to choose to do it at my own pace.
What challenges have you faced as a professional
snowboarder, and how did you overcome them? As a
professional, you are constantly wanting to learn new tricks
and land, but injuries always come with action sports. I think
the hardest thing I’ve faced was the injuries I’ve had in the
past year. It was a challenge but it was good that I was able
to go through that process and learn from it.
Are there any specific tricks or manoeuvres that you're
known for, or that you particularly enjoy performing? I
love front-side spins and front 7's with mute to tail grabs. It’s
something that I just do and whether it’s a small or big jump
it gives me a ‘’that was sick’’. It’s a trick that no matter where
I do it, I’m like ‘’I think that would’ve looked cool’’.
What does a typical training regimen look like for you
during the snowboarding season? I snowboard heaps
during the snow season but there’s a lot of behind-thescenes
training that I do as well. It’s essential to have a
strong body so strength and conditioning is a vital part of my
training because it’s a way to reduce the risk of injuries as
well as help to perform at your best. I snowboard five times
a week and have two days off and then I usually have two
or three gym sessions throughout the week. I also get to
learn about nutrition and psychology along the way.
You were at the Beijing Winter Olympics. How was
that experience? It was a pretty crazy experience! I got
injured there, which sucked. I actually didn’t know that I
was going to make it to Beijing until the last competition
that I did, which was around 2-3 weeks before. It was pretty
hectic. The level of riding was insane and although I didn’t
really get to compete the way that I wanted to because
of my injury, it was great to witness how much women's
snowboarding has grown in the past years and to see
everyone come together.
Have you ever had any significant injuries while
snowboarding, and how did you recover from them?
2022 - 2023 Northern and Southern season was pretty
rough. I had back-to-back injuries – around four. They were
pretty big which put me out of snowboarding for quite some
time. It was a big learning stage because I hadn’t really had
injuries from when I was 16 until now.
Since the Olympics, I had back-to-back injuries. I was pretty
bummed. Physically I was fine and the pain would pass. It
was mentally that I struggled to get myself back. It was hard
but there was a lot of time spent reflecting, time to learn
about myself and I had a lot of support from Snow Sports
and Red Bull.
I’m so excited now to be back on the snow, back to where I
was and able to snowboard with all my friends.
Cool Wakuhshima performs during a helicopter
snowboarding mission near Wanaka, New Zealand
Image by Miles Holden / Red Bull Content Pool
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ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//33

Cool Wakushima performs at the Swatch Nines in Mürren, Switzerland on April 22, 2023.
Image byt Lorenz Richard / Red Bull Content Pool
Are there any other athletes or snowboarders who inspire
you or whom you look up to? I love Zoi Sadowski-Synnott.
She’s someone I look up to. She’s my teammate and it’s cool
and crazy that I get to snowboard with her. Watching her at the
2018 Olympics was one of the reasons I was inspired to go in
the direction of snowboarding as a career.
I also love Hailey Langland. I’ve always looked up to her. I love
how she rides – it just looks fun.
I also look up to my friends. They’re not anyone famous.
They’re the people that I first snowboarded with that weren’t my
family and are the first crew I’ve had. They’re called ‘Platinum
Crew’. They were all boys and I was the only girl but they never
made me feel that way. They were all better than me – I could
see them being better and I was always trying to chase it.
They’re good friends and some of my favourite snowboarders
of all time.
What advice would you give aspiring female snowboarders
who want to pursue a career in the sport? They can do it;
just start. I feel like the snowboarding community, especially
for women, is so small. Just get amongst it. They don’t have to
go down the professional route. It’d be cool to see more girls
in general up the hill and I hope that by watching me or other
girls hit the jumps, it inspires them to hit the jumps and come
to the park because I know it can be intimidating. I know it was
intimidating for me when I first started.
I want everyone to know that anyone’s welcome in the park.
It’s never too late to start. I know we can get scared – for me,
it was scary until I was 16 and realised what I wanted. But
snowboarding is fun! It’s nothing to be scared of. And one day
the ‘’scary’’ part becomes funny – you laugh and think it’s funny
and fun to fall over.
What is your favourite snowboarding-related travel
destination outside of New Zealand? I love Switzerland. It’s
really nice. I actually love the whole of Europe. It’s beautiful. I
did two months there on my own and it was so much fun.
Do you have any specific rituals or superstitions that you
follow before or during a competition? I clear my mind
completely. I try not to think about snowboarding or anything
at all. I do think about the imagery of what my run is going to
look like before I drop in. But when I’m about to drop in, I look
around and try not to think about any snowboarding at all. This
works really well for me. For example, I’ll look around and try
to spot something like a parachuter up the hill and I’ll be like
‘’ohhh’’ and just drop in.
How important is teamwork and collaboration in
snowboarding, especially when working with your
sponsors, coaches or fellow riders?
It’s really important. Snowboarding is an individual sport –
when you’re on the course, you’re by yourself and it’s not like
someone is there to help. But teamwork is important, so is
communicating with all your support crew. They’re there to help
you and they want to help you. To me, it’s essential to have a
good crew on the hill and I really like to treasure the moments I
have up there with others and I love learning with them.
It also makes it easier to try new things. When someone else's
trying or pushing you, it becomes a big motivation. Although it's
an individual sport, there is a lot of teamwork that comes with it.
What are your goals and aspirations for your
snowboarding 2023 -2024? My vision is to make a name
for myself within the snowboard community and get an
international stage. To do that I need this domestic season, and
I’ve got to put my head down and work hard to be ready for the
2024 northern season!
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locals
WĀHINE TOA
PROUD TO CALL RUAPEHU HOME
From majestic mountains to sacred rivers, the living landscape of Ruapehu is
home to many wāhine toa proud to call this place home - where the natural
environment is a life force to respect, care for and preserve for generations to
come. Meet some of Ruapehu’s local champions and tourism operators inviting
visitors to connect deeper and discover authentic adventures here like no other.
Operator Profile: Rebecca Mead, Ngati Raukawa
Whanganui River Canoes, Raetihi Holiday Park,
Mountain Bike Station, Raetihi
Who I Am:
Kia ora, I am Rebecca. My partner Ben and I own and
operate our family businesses in Ruapehu. Operating
Raetihi Holiday Park, Whanganui River Canoes, and
Mountain Bike Station we meet manuhiri from all over
New Zealand and around the world.
We love raising our 3 kids in such a small, remote,
close-knit community, with plenty of opportunity for
adventure around the corner.
Top Recommendations for Adventure Seekers In Ruapehu:
When holidaying in Ruapehu there really is something
for everyone. Our small holiday park is a lovely spot for
adventurers to use as a base.
• Take a stroll along the beautiful Mākōtuku River Walkway
alongside our Holiday Park. Join our team for a 3-day
canoe trip down the Whanganui River, or our Mountains to
Sea Cycle Trail ride.
What I Love About My Community:
The last few years have been especially difficult, but all the
hospitality and tourism operators in Ruapehu want each other
to succeed, so it is always good to catch up with each other
and see how we can help each other out. Our community has
so many vibrant young rangatahi, with so many stories to tell, I
can't wait to see our industry grow even stronger.
My Favourite Childhood Memory:
I grew up in Aramoho Whanganui, overlooking the everchanging
Whanganui River. Most of my treasured childhood
memories are with my three brothers on the banks of the
Whanganui River. My oldest brother passed away when he
was 17 and I was 14, and although we spent our early years
paddling, swimming, and exploring the lower reaches of the
river, he never got to see the beauty of the upper reaches we
live on today. Each time I paddle, jet boat, or stay on the awa
with my children, I imagine my brother is with us.
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Operator Profile: Sheryl Simpson, Ngati Tuwharetoa
Rua Awa Lodge, Kakahi
Who I Am:
I’m a former ultra-distance, multi day adventurer,
triathlete, and yoga teacher. I live in Kakahi my
tūrangawaewae.
What I Love About My Community:
The connectivity, support, friendly chats and
waves, pace of life and everyday beauty in the
Ruapehu District.
What We Do And Services We Offer Our
Guests:
My husband Warren and I own and run Rua
Awa Lodge, relax, and reconnect is our mantra!
You can do as much or as little as you like, we
provide homegrown and homemade breakfast
provisions, you can order delicious food from
our farm kitchen for a true garden to plate
experience. If you are interested in food-based
workshops, we offer many and can also lead
Yoga & stretch sessions for guests, the lodge
has a spacious Yoga studio. With direct access
to the Whanganui and Whakapapa Rivers,
fishing, swimming, and walking are all available
from our doorstep. We are part of Tourism
Industry Aotearoa’s sustainability commitment,
and imbue the Tiaki Promise to care for people,
place, and culture.
Top Recommendations for Adventure Seekers In Ruapehu:
• Spend some time on the Whanganui River for the journey
of a lifetime - a completely immersive and must-do
experience. Owhango Adventures offer a cultural guided
journey down the Whanganui River with local Māori guides
who offer a unique perspective, cultural insight, and history.
• Cycle or hike the Timber Trail, the options are endless,
immerse yourself for a few days for a truly outstanding
experience.
• Adrift Tongariro offer a guided hike on the Tongariro Alpine
Crossing in winter amidst a magnificent snow-covered
landscape. Everything is supplied if you need it, so go for
it! You'll be talking about it forever.
• Ohinetonga Reserve is my absolute favourite. The diversity
of the track is what keeps me coming back weekly, it's
very well maintained by a dedicated group of locals
(Owhango Alive) with swimming and picnic spots along
the way. Excellent views of the Whakapapa River and a
boardwalk crosses Ohinetonga Lagoon. Easily accessed
with amenities.
My Vision For Our Place:
To offer our guests an opportunity to
experience a slice of New Zealand rural life,
in a small village environment. With beautiful
accommodation and surroundings that
encourage deep breaths, slow travel, and a
sense of wonder.
To read more stories and find your next adventure visit www.visitruapehu.com
ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//37

explore
TANGLES AND
TRIUMPHS
WOMEN FLYFISHING IN NZ
Flyfishing is a male-dominated sport.
Go to any river, any lake and if there
are people flyfishing, they will in the
main be men. But there is a growing
number of female anglers, who not only
enjoy the sport but are actively involved
in competitions. This number is growing
fast, and to find out we caught up with
Sarah Delany, one afternoon when she
was not on the river.
The location is half of the passion of trout fishing -
Sarah on the Whanganui River. ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//39
- Image by Cory Scott

40//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

Sarah tell us a little about your background. I’m originally from
Wellington and moved to Taupo about 19 years ago for a change of
lifestyle to get away from the corporate job. I chose Taupo so I could fish
and ski. But life has other plans for me and a combination of two spinal
operations and a baby kept me away from both for many years. However
now with a titanium l4/l5/s1 in my back in 2020 it’s given me the strength
to pursue my passion for fly fishing. I have fallen in love with all aspects
of fly fishing. I love the mental and physical challenges. I like being in the
outdoors, and love catching fish as well as the planning and fly-tying it’s an
all-consuming culture not just fishing.
Growing up in Wellington we lived near Evans Bay and always seemed to
have access to a boat where we fished Cook Straight and the Marlborough
sounds (this was the 70s there were fish in the sounds them!). I loved
fishing, but my older sister hated it. I believe you are born an angler or
not. Some people just don’t get it. From an early age, I simply loved it. Not
sure whether it was spending time with my dad, or actually catching fish,
I’m not sure, but I always loved it as a little girl. When I was at university in
Christchurch, I found out about fly fishing and realised you could go fishing
without a boat, and Malcolm Bell ran a fly-fishing course for beginners, and
I had a few outings before partying and travel took over for a decade or so!
I’ve always loved the outdoors. As a teenager through school, I got to go
to the outdoor pursuits centre in Turangi for a few days, which had a huge
impact on me. A few years later, I ended up graduating with a degree in
parks, recreation and tourism management from Lincoln University.
I then always dabbled with sea kayaking trips, tramps, rafting, and
triathlons. Just for recreation, nothing serious. I loved the adventure and
outdoors.
Your back injury issues sounds serious. How does it affect your
fishing? Before my fusion surgery I was too fatigued to go out for the
whole day and at one stage I couldn’t walk 100m without having to sit
down. It was a risky operation, and they aren’t always successful but
at that stage I was 50 years old with a 9 year old and I didn’t want to sit
around and do nothing for the next 40 years so I took the risk and the
operation was a success for me.
How do you get around the back issue? I’m not allowed to run ever
again (there goes my marathon career!) Nor use a rowing machine, or
anything jarring- so fly fishing is just great for me. I do kettlebell swings
and exercises and a lot of stretching otherwise I seize up. I am motivated
to exercise as there are places, I want to walk to and fish. This year I
walked into a doc hut 8km and fished and walked out again with a pack
and fishing gear. This was such an achievement for me. Planning the next
trip for 2 nights in November when we get back from the World Champs.
What is it that draws you to fly fishing? It is a pastime which ticks all
the boxes - physical fitness, and mental challenge trying to catch trout in
all types of water, be it a lake (shallow or deep), different rivers large and
small, deep pools, shallow runs tests your physically and mentally all the
time. So many types of water mean different techniques are needed to
catch trout, using different rods and flies. Knowing what to use in each
situation is a challenge and a skill; and it’s a lifetime of learning.
And the fish takes the hook, Koranga River - Image by Cory Scott
Tell us about competitive fly fishing? Competitive sports fly fishing is
run on both lakes and rivers. For lakes you have a 3x3 hr session in a
small fly-fishing boat. You catch, measure and release for points. On a
river, it’s 3x2 hr sessions where you are given a stretch of water to try to
catch, measure and release as many within that 2-hr period. There is a
minimum size, and you get points for the fish and length. It’s been going
on for many years.
ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//41

Koranga River
There are not a lot of women fly fishing – is there a bias?
Depends on where you are in New Zealand, Taupo has a lot of
women fishing. I think Taupo fishing club is 40% women which is
the largest proportion in NZ we think. I don’t know why more women
aren’t into it - it’s accessible, and a lot of women like fishing in general.
We have definitely seen an interest growing. I run a fly-fishing
tournament in Turangi each year it’s exploded to 40 anglers this year
when we started with about 9 friends.
Fly tying: surely it is cheaper to go buy a fly than make one, why
make the effort? In sports fly fishing barbless hooks are used, and
you can’t buy flies with barbless hooks, so I was kind of forced into
fly tying! But it does improve your angling- if you go somewhere and
you think you need a heavier nymph for a certain situation, you can
go home, tie them up and have them in your fly box for next time. I
think tying your own, you are more aware of the flies you need, their
weights, and even different hooks for certain situations.
What advice would you give anyone who is keen to learn to fly
fish? Join a club and meet people and learn how to fish the water you
want e.g., fishing small streams in the Waikato is going to be different
than fishing the Tongariro. Where are you going to fish you meet
people and often go with them.
Is there anyone on YouTube you follow and suggest that other do
too? I’m pretty focused on learning competition-style fishing so watch
a few competition anglers e.g., Tactical Fly Fisher, and smart angling.
For fly tying you can’t go past Davie McPhail and his lovely accent!
On the Tongariro with the kids
In terms of fly fishing what do you wish
you knew when you started that you know
now? I think I would say to someone sit back
and watch and ask questions. Watch someone
catching fish and ask them what technique they
are using, what gear they are using, and what
kind of water suits their gear. There are different
techniques to suit different types of water, which
can be confusing at first, but once you get it, it
opens up a lot of fishing space for you!
If there is one piece of equipment under
$100 that you would not be without when
fly fishing? A cord which attaches to my fly
box and to my vest, so all of the flies I have so
carefully tied, will never be lost down the river.
42//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

TWICE THE ABRASION RESISTANCE
AS OUR CLOSEST COMPETITOR
For more information visit www.kilwell.co.nz

All-inclusive
package from
$440 per person
(twin share)
Package includes:
• Track transfers
• Coffee and cake on arrival at
On the Track Lodge
• 2 nights in comfortable chalet
accommodation*
• All meals (Day 1 dinner & dessert,
Day 2 breakfast, packed lunch & dinner
& dessert, Day 3 breakfast & packed
lunch). Vegetarian/vegan/gluten free
meals available)
• Use of On the Track Lodge kayaks
and all other amenities, including a
hot-tub.
*Upgrade to stay in the newly
renovated vintage train carriages
(with private bathroom).
Discover the hidden wonders of the Nydia Track, it is not as well known or
busy as the Queen Charlotte Track but just as beautiful.
The track takes you through coastal forest (rimu, nikau and beech) with
superb views and is suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness,
boots are recommended and some of the streams are not bridged.
• Start from Havelock and take a shuttle to historic Kaiuma Bay, (4-5 hours).
• Dine then stay at On the Track Lodge in a comfortable chalet
or train carriage accommodation.
• Spend the next day relaxing at the lodge, kayaking or taking some shorter walks.
• The next day complete the rest of the tramp (carrying your freshly
prepared packed lunch) to Duncan Bay in time for another shuttle ride back to Havelock.
On The Track Lodge
Nydia Track, Marlborough Sounds
+643 579 8411 | stay@onthetracklodge.nz
www.onthetracklodge.nz

TOUGHEN UP IN
WHIRINAKI
FOREST PARK
Eric finding out that most of the track was in the river - Image by Antz
By Eric Skilling
The promise was for gentle climbs
through one of the most ancient forests
in New Zealand, encounters with the
native whio from the many rivers and
streams, followed by long evenings
in front of warm fires in the company
of like-minded friends. Weather
forecasters also promised at least one
cloudless day and we were due a full
moon. The perfect time and place for a
mid-winter long weekend getaway-fromit-all
and refresh. The sentence in the
guide stating “sixty-plus river crossings
in the first day” couldn’t possibly be
correct - could it?
The Reality was all of that plus many
more raucous bird encounters than we
could ever have imagined - including
kiwi. Add in plenty of treefall to clamber
over, some unwelcome encounters with
ongaonga, and full-flowing rivers of icecold
water after weeks of record rainfall.
Altogether an adventurous three days
full of great water-cooler stories.
Sharing Whirinaki Hut with Jacob,
a DOC contractor working from the
shelter, was another highpoint. Apart
from his entertaining company, his firelighting
skills are now legendary.
River Road carpark to Mangamate Hut:
5 Hours
Within the first hour of leaving the car
park we came across the DOC track sign
boldly alleging 6.5km or 3.5 hours to the
hut. Anything averaging less than two
kilometres an hour suggested challenging
terrain ahead. A little surprising
considering the topo map showed an
elevation gain of less than 350 metres to
the night’s accommodation.
It wasn’t long before we understood
why the going was so slow – we spent
as much time in the river as alongside
it. “Sixty river crossings” is just code for
“most of the track is in the river”. Not really
a problem in summer with warmer water
and lots of exposed rocks. But In winter,
with most of the rocks well submerged,
our boots were saturated in numbingly
cold water within minutes of starting the
trail to Mangamate Hut.
Treefall was not that common, but what
there was took us well off the marked
route as we clambered up steep banks
and around mangled roots of once mighty
podocarps. A steep sided river valley and
high canopy kept the sky hidden for most
of the journey, and the much-vaunted
sun was limited to a few patches of open
ground alongside the river.
Somehow this never seemed to bother
our little group of five. It felt good to be
immersed in these evergreen forests.
Matai, totara and kahikatea - trunks larger
than the reach of outstretched arms - lined
the trail. Masses of multicoloured mosses,
lichens and fungus coated the fallen
branches and trunks of trees.
Shrill warning calls of whio/blue duck
were quite common, as were the cries of
robin, piwakaka, yellowhead and what I
optimistically believed to be the chirrup of
the diminutive riflemen.
Reaching Mangamate Hut early afternoon,
with saturated boots but thawing feet
after exiting the river for the last couple of
kilometres, was very welcome. Our elation
was a little tempered when a couple that
had arrived earlier informed us they were
pitching a tent after discovering rats in the
hut. Fortunately, they had kindly swept
the hut of droppings, and sanitiser in
hand, we decided to brave the possibility
of uninvited guests. Luckily there was no
sign of the local vermin during our short
stay although we did discourage them by
hanging our food in bags from a hook,
strategically screwed into the pitched
ceiling.
ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//45

Left: Scrambling over treefall on
the last day.
Top: Making our way slowly up
Mangamate Stream
Above: Unwelcome welcome to
River Road Car Park
Right: Enjoying a good read over
coffee at Mangamate Hut
Saying it was quite cold is like describing
bungie-jumping as quite exciting. I can
assure you there are no brass monkeys
living around Mangamate hut – they all
became impotent and extinct a long time
ago. An hour after sunrise the next day
- and in full sun, the thin red line on the
thermometer nailed to a post on the deck
failed to reach zero. Hardly surprising but
still a shock after an autumn of warm, wet
weather.
It wasn’t long before we had unpacked
and joined our fellow hikers on the deck.
We gazed out at the undulating carpet of
green canopy draping the steep valley
walls around us while sipping hot coffee
and dunking gingernuts.
Managing to get a fire going made the
small hut very cosy, inviting a game of
cards in dim candlelight. Following a
few games of rummy, which ended up
with more rules than a Health and Safety
Manual on a Nuclear Submarine, bad light
forced us onto bunks. It’s been a while
since I have worn a thermal top all day, but
even longer since I have donned a full set
before climbing into a sleeping bag.
An hour or so later I was woken by the
moon as it appeared over the ridge.
Being miles away from the interference
of human-made light pollution, it shone
brightly enough to make it difficult to see
all but the brightest stars. One of those
incidents when you find yourself standing
and staring – despite the ice-cold air. Yet
another memorable moment.
Mangamate Hut to Central Whirinaki
Hut: 5 hours Unsurprisingly, within an
hour of leaving Mangamate hut we found
ourselves stepping off the end of a well
worm track into the crystal clear but cold
waters of the Whirinaki River.
Once again, we were cheered on our
way by several whio, robin, and other
native birds, clearly enjoying life in this
remarkable forest. Unfortunately, we
were also witness to some track damage
caused by rooting pigs. These trotting
swine clearly relish consuming the protein
rich native earthworm – competing
with our national bird for this source of
nourishment.
More personally three of us incurred
the wrath of ongaonga or nettle. Leaves
ranging in size from a few to almost
thirty centimetres, with “hairs” up to
10 millimetres high, ready to imbed
themselves in any exposed flesh.
Symptoms ranged from a painful rash
on the back of the hands to a curiously
irritating numbness. Potentially fatal
for dogs, the stings were more of a
nuisance to us and responded well to
antihistamines.
Even colder than the previous day it was
blissful to round a bend and see the river
flat and Whirinaki Hut ahead.
Typically slow learners, a short time after
arriving the two males in the party decided
to have a wash. They disappeared into
the mists in the direction of the river,
battered pots from the hut kitchen in
hand. The girls were far more sensible
– pulling collapsible buckets out of their
packs, boiling some water, adding some
tank water, and disappearing in the other
direction, leaving a trail of warm vapour in
their wake.
Minutes later the shrieks and yells from
the “tough” males resounded across the
previously tranquil valley. Half an hour
later there are no prizes for guessing who
46//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

equip
yourself!
was on their knees in front of the wood
stove - desperately blowing at a pile of
wet kindling, and who was sitting at the
table calmly drinking coffee and doing the
puzzles. Eventually the girls mustered
some sympathy and joined us as we
attempted to start a warming fire with wet
firewood and kindling. Two hours later we
were resigned to a freezing night in the hut.
Fortunately for all of us, Jacob, the DOC
contractor arrived at the door, poked
his head in to say a quick “hi” and then
disappeared. He returned a little later
loaded with a wheelbarrow of dry wood,
firelighters, and paper. He proceeded to
create a roaring fire within a few minutes
under the adoring eyes of five shivering
hikers.
Jacob’s knowledge of the bush kept us
entertained for much of the evening. Big
thanks to him for making this forest a safe
place for our native birds.
That night we were treated to a nice warm
hut, and the inimitable calls of our native
north island brown kiwi. Another treasured
experience.
Whirinaki Hut to River Road Carpark:
5 Hours Next day we were up before
dawn to meet a midday deadline with our
transport home. Setting off in the dark
was not that appealing, so we set off in
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dull light shortly before 7:30am. After two
days of taking an hour to cover 2km it was
quite the change to be covering nearly 5
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km an hour. It helped that it was superb
hiking conditions – cool, plenty of small
streams to refill water bottles, and a mostly
wide bench track. We covered the 16km in
less than 5 hours including stops at Vern
Camp, and to view robin and whio, and to
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appreciate the distinctive cries of a local
kaka as it escorted us out of its territory.
There was some change to the vegetation
with more stands of ponga and pikopiko,
and more mature podocarps. Closer to the
waterfall the forest trees included some
impressive red and silver beech.
We all arrived back physically feeling the
effects of a challenging three days, but
mentally revitalised after enjoying this
magnificent forest.
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Macpac and Keen products.
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ESPORTS
THE IMPACT OF THE OLYMPICS
Duane Motu directing the future
The inclusion of esports in the
Olympics has generated a significant
impact and sparked both excitement
and controversy. Esports, which
involves competitive video gaming,
has garnered a massive global
following in recent years, especially
among younger generations. By
bringing esports to the Olympic stage,
the Games have seen increased
engagement from new audiences and
a massive surge in digital viewership.
The question now begs, does this
allow the Olympics to stay relevant
and adapt to modern entertainment
preferences or does it water-down the
fundamentals of Olympic competitive
sport?
Despite the positive impacts, including
esports under the Olympic rings has
faced criticism from various quarters.
Traditionalists argue that esports
lack the physicality and athleticism of
conventional Olympic sports (which
does show a lack of understanding of
how esports are sometimes played).
The journey of esports towards
Olympic recognition has been gradual.
The International Olympic Committee
(IOC) first acknowledged esports'
potential cultural impact and began
engaging with stakeholders in the
gaming industry during the early
2010s. In 2017, esports made its
first appearance in the Asian Indoor
and Martial Arts Games, marking
a significant step towards broader
recognition was included as a
demonstration sport at the 2018 Asian
Games in Jakarta.
Earlier this year Singapore, hosted the
first in-person Olympic Esports Week
including 10 finals in the Olympic
Esports Series 2023.
It began with the Olympic Esports
Week Forum, which heard from
industry leaders in technology,
gaming, and real-world sports as well
as top players such as Ewok and
Jaime "Karma" Bickford.
Once competition began form the very
first event, the Zwift cycling final, to
the very last, the eFIBA on NBA2k23
exhibition, sports and gaming came
together to produce an impressive
show watched by huge numbers .
Tic Tac Bow (archery), Virtual Regatta
(sailing), Just Dance (dance), WBSC
eBASEBALL: POWER PROS
(baseball), Chess.com (chess),
Tennis Clash (tennis), ISSF Challenge
featuring Fortnite (shooting), and Gran
Turismo 7 (motorsport) all also got
their time in the limelight under the
traditional Olympic Rings.
The shooting and motorsport
competitions, played with large
followings worldwide, understandably
popular – but it was the Virtual
Taekwondo event, the last final of the
Olympic Esports Series 2023, which
drew one of the biggest crowds of the
entire Olympic Esports Week.
At the forefront of esports, worldwide
is the Kiwi, Duane Mutu, we caught up
with Duane found out more about who
he was and got a positive glimpse into
what some see as a controversial
future.
Who is Duane Mutu? I am an NZ
Maori with ties to the far north Te
Rarawa, Ngati Kahu but reside in
Orewa on the sunny Hibiscus Coast.
I have a wife, two kids, a dog, a cat,
two mice and a fish. I went to Uni
and left to travel the world and spent
time in Asia, Australia, and Europe
before coming home. Throughout
that journey I primarily worked in two
sectors which I think are very similar -
gaming and action sports.
I worked in UK launching Mambo
surfwear and spent time at other surf
brands too. I launched the NZ TV
channel Garage TV which was a 24-
hour action sport network. In gaming,
I was lucky enough to launch the
Nintendo Game Cube and worked
with the biggest gaming brands like
Ubisoft, Disney, EA. I have always
been fascinated with both sectors and
seen similarities. I grew up skating,
surfing and snowboarding before it
was mainstream and a lot people
frowned upon the sector and its
participants and that now is similar
to esports. Nobody saw surfing and
skating making the Olympics back
when I started surfing, but that is
true for Gaming now, and I have just
returned from the first-ever Olympic
esports week… history repeating.
Who or what is Letsplay.live?
Letsplay.live is a company I created
to grow the best video game players
in NZ and we were very early to the
48//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

sector - like globally early, it was
created to promote NZ to the world
but then we became a world leader
in the space. Now LPL is seen as the
leading esports media and tournament
operator in the region and we deliver
tournaments and content to all parts
of the world with the best players,
biggest game publishers and brands.
For those that live completely
under a rock or never spoken
with a teen. Describe esport –
what is it, what it is not and brief
development/ history and projected
growth? Esports is the term used to
describe competitive video gaming.
This can be 1v1, 3v3, 5 v5 or even
a game like Fortnite where it is 100
people. It is very similar to sport but
with a digital playing field. The games
vary as do the players so it looks more
like actions sports - surfing being
different to moto cross for example.
For people who think esports is a
passing phase, the video game sector
is already bigger than movies and
music combined so it is the largest
entertainment sector in the world.
People may feel that it is weird
watching other people play games
but isn’t that just sport? There are
more people watching esport content
globally than those that watch rugby!
Esports is already one of the most
watched sports on the planet. League
of Legends (A video game) finals
equalled the Superbowl in viewership.
How can Esports be part of the
Olympics when there is so little
activity – the same questions were
asked of chess and the IOC attitude
was, "Mind sports, by their nature,
cannot be part of the program."
Has this changed ? The Olympics
have gone a slightly different direction
to start the journey into esports and
have focussed primarily on “virtual
sports” where the competitor is
physically doing the activity in a
digital environment. It is interesting
you mention chess as that was one
of the events at the OEW and the
players played virtual chess. The
likes of Zwift is a great example also
where the athletes (of which some
were former elite global cyclists) ride
physical bikes and that propels them
in a digital bike race. Just dance was
another where the players danced
on stage, and they were scored with
the video game. This aligns to the
Olympic Values and helps translate
traditional athletes across the gaming
space. The push back has really come
from the gaming community who
would prefer traditional esport titles
like DOTA, LOL , CSGO but I am sure
this is only a start, and in time more
of the traditional esports will appear
at the Olympics. What I know is that
the Olympics will not leave esports
now as they have announced another
Olympic esport week in 2025 so it will
just be whether gaming does show up
as a medalled sport in either summer
or winter Olympics in time or it stays
as its own Olympic event.
Who needs who more? Does
Esports need the Olympics or
does the Olympics need Esport?
The Olympics needs esports more
than esports needs the Olympics
but this true for all traditional sports.
There is a decline in viewership on
traditional sport globally, be that All
Blacks, NRL, NFL etc hence why
sports are trying to engage in video
gaming. Gaming content is the most
watched content globally but certainly
in the youth demographic so it makes
sense for sports to try and embrace
this. It comes as no surprise that the
Olympics is trying to bring gaming
into the Olympic tent. If you speak
with a 17-year-old anywhere in the
world and asked them if they want
to watch synchronised swimming or
archery, or Fortnite, NBA2K or GT7
the answer will almost always be the
gaming content. This is a way for the
Olympics to modernise no different
than offering breakdancing, surfing
and skateboarding; it is to engage a
younger demographic. Esports is no
different.
ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//49

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Home to a tiny island
community of 212 people
jurawhisky.com

THE ILLUME
In June 2023 the public has a say in the semifinal of the Instagram
category of the Red Bull Illume 2023 contest. Normally, a panel of
judges consisting of photographers, industry experts, and others
decides the winners of the most prestigious action photography
competition in the world. However, these categories are an exception.
Out of the 25 semi-finalists selected for photos and reels, the public
decided which five will advance to the grand final and be invited
to the award ceremony in Sölden, Austria, from November 28th
to November 30th, 2023. Moreover, their work will be part of the
contest's travelling exhibition, and they will be in contention for victory
in this category.
The submissions include photos and videos of various action sports
like surfing, kiteboarding, wakeboarding, snowboarding, diving,
skateboarding, freeskiing, BMX, mountain biking (MTB), wingsuit
flying, kayaking, parkour, motocross, climbing, and adventure.
Photographer: Jeremy Blatti,
Athlete: Hamada Kamel,
Location: Soma Bay, Egypt

Photographer: Keenan Meyer,
Athlete: Murray Loubser,
Location: Maidens Cove, Cape Town, South Africa
54//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

56//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

Photographer: Yhabril,
Athlete: Alejandro Arellano,
Location: Malacara Peak, Spain.

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layers
rab Nexus Hoody $179.95
A lightweight hooded slim fit
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outdoor research Cirque Lite Pants $249.99
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Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket $459.99
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ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//59

puffers
outdoor research Women’s SuperStrand LT Jacket $319.99
4-season ultralight, packable, featuring VerticalX
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cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket $479.99
Cotopaxi’s Fuego Down Jackets are versatile, waterresistant,
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RAb Cubit Stretch Down Vest $379.95
For a quick boost of warmth, the
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rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket $399.95
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Outdoor Research Women’s Super Alpine Down Parka $699.99
Outdoor Research's warmest technical down jacket and
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60//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

feet
Crocs Classic Clog $89.99
It’s the iconic clog that started a comfort
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Crocs Classic All-Terrain Clog $109.99
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GLERUPS The Boot Honey Rubber $199.00
Made from 100% high-quality wool that provides
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glerups boots provide comfort, durability, grip,
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Go with natural this season, go with glerups.
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SALEWA PEDROC PRO MID POWERTEX $449.90
Our SALEWA® 3F system and Ankle
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Fit: STANDARD / Weight: (M) 390 g
(W) 290 g (pictured)
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SALEWA ALP TRAINER 2 $349.90
The Alp Trainer 2 is a low-cut alpine
hiking and trekking shoe built for
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Its high-quality, thick suede leather
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The Vibram® Alpine Hiking outsole
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Fit: STANDARD / Weight (M) 450 g
(W) 350 g (pictured)
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SALEWA RAPACE GTX $599.90
The Rapace GTX is a lightweight
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The 3F System provides ankle support,
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Fit: WIDE / Weight: (M) 740 g (W) 615 g
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SALEWA MOUNTAIN TRAINER LITE MID GORE-TEX® $449.90
Made for alpine hiking and long backpacking
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Fit: WIDE / Weight: (M) 565 g (W) 465 g
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SALEWA MOUNTAIN TRAINER MID GORE-TEX® $539.90
Our MTN Trainer Mid GTX is a lightweight
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Fit: WIDE / Weight: (M) 700 g (W) 570 g
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62//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

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packs
CamelBak Women's Hydrobak Light 50oz $109.99
The sleek and ultra-light Women's
Hydrobak Light is perfect for any
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CamelBak Rogue Light Women’s $149.99
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CamelBak Women’s Chase Bike Vest $179.99
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CamelBak Women's Trail Run Vest with Two 17oz Quick
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CamelBak Women's Zephyr Pro Vest with Two 17oz
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CamelBak Women's Rim Runner X20 Hydration Pack
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64//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack - Del Día $419.99
Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L Del Día Travel Packs
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osprey Sportlite 25 EF $199.99
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OSPREY/
osprey Kresta 30 $349.99
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osprey Sopris 40 $399.99
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osprey Ariel 65 EF $499.99
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ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//65

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Exped Black Ice 45 Pack $339.99
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Kiwi Camping Boost LED Light with
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Gasmate Turbo Butane Stove &
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kiwi camping Mamaku Pro -5 °C
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WWW.KIWICAMPING.CO.NZ
Exped Women’s Comfort -10 Down
Sleeping Bag (Medium) $599.99
Extra roomy while still maintaining
the thermal efficiency of a mummy
bag and has a separate foot zip
so you can open it out and use it
like a blanket. Features include
a side arm zip opposite the main
zip lets you use both arms without
leaving the warmth of the bag
and a custom-filled 3D footbox to
keep your feet warm. 675g RDScertified
700-loft European duckdown
fill for warmth and comfort.
1190g (Medium)
WWW.BIVOUAC.CO.NZ
Kiwi Camping Weka 2 Hiker Tent $339.00
Kiwi Camping's most popular hiker
tent with double-sided entry, sturdy
vestibules, and a user-friendly design.
With a fly that handles rain and
snow, the Weka 2 is perfect for hiking
adventures.
WWW.KIWICAMPING.CO.NZ
Kiwi camping Pukeko Hiker Tent $249.00
A spacious hiker tent that’s easy to pitch
and keeps you warm and dry even in the
worst conditions. Featuring dual pitch
design, 4000mm aqua rating and tri pegs.
WWW.KIWICAMPING.CO.NZ
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hydro flask trail series collection $79.99- $109.99
25% Lighter Hydration. Hydro Flask’s Trail
Series collection keeps your drinks cold
for up to 24 hours while keeping your pack
as light as possible.
WWW.HYDROFLASK.CO.NZ
BACK COUNTRY CUISINE:
The first thing you’ll notice is that the front
label on their pouches have changed for the
better by adding Health Star Ratings and
energy, protein, fat and carbs per pouch. They
have also improved the readability of our back
labels.Back Country Cuisine is available at
leading retailers. For more information or to
find your nearest stockist visit:
www.backcountrycuisine.co.nz
KEA STASH $60.00 (GO) - $80.00 (XL)
KEA STASH is the Leak free,
smell free, trash compacting bag.
Available in 2 sizes “GO” & “XL”
so you can say goodbye to messy,
bulky trash wherever you are.
WWW.KEAOUTDOORS.CO.NZ
tasty chicken mash $10.99 - $16.99
With smoky flavoured freeze dried
chicken, cheese and vegetables.
3.5 Health Stars - Gluten Free
Available small serve (90g) or
regular (175g)
WWW.BACKCOUNTRYCUISINE.CO.NZ
KEA lumen $100.00
KEA LUMEN is the powerful,
durable & versatile flashlight
to ensure that you’re never
left in the dark.
WWW.KEAOUTDOORS.CO.NZ
local dehy hummus $8.00
Sundried Tomato and Red
Pepper, also available in
Beetroot and Zesty Lemon.
Perfect for lunches on the trail.
Freeze dried. Vegan. Home
compostable packaging.
WWW.LOCALDEHY.CO.NZ
LOCAL DEHY CAJUN JAMBALAYA $17.50
A punchy peppery vegan
twist on a Southern American
classic! Refuel after a day's
adventuring. Vegan, totally
delicious, in home compostable
packaging.
WWW.LOCALDEHY.CO.NZ
Apple & Berry Crumble $14.99
A sweet mix of freeze dried apples and
berries topped with a delicious gluten
free cookie crumb.
3 Health Stars - Gluten Free
WWW.BACKCOUNTRYCUISINE.CO.NZ
JÄGERMEISTER COLD BREW COFFEE
Inspired by the innovative,
everchanging drinks scene,
we instinctively knew how a
drop of Jägermeister and a
backbeat of cold brew coffee
could transform any night. The
enviable result? A brand-new
mix. JÄGERMEISTER COLD
BREW COFFEE. A unique
fusion of JÄGERMEISTER’s 56
botanicals and intense cold brew
coffee.
WWW.LIQUORLAND.CO.NZ
Shackleton Blended Malt Scotch
Born from Adventure: Shackleton
Blended Malt Scotch is based on
the spirit supplied to the 1907 British
Antarctic Expedition, expertly crafted
using a selection of the finest Highland
Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. Available
at various Liquor Retailers .
WWW.GLENGARRYWINES.CO.NZ
INSTANT PASTA $5.99
Just add boiling water for perfectly
cooked pasta.
3.5 Health Stars
Sizes – Family 120g
WWW.BACKCOUNTRYCUISINE.CO.NZ
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ackcountrycuisine.co.nz
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF KEEPING YOU FED IN THE OUTDOORS
MADE FOR THOSE MOMENTS WHERE YOU WANT TO KICK BACK AND RELAX
HORIZON DRINKWARE
C O L L E C T I O N
FIND A STOCKIST: SOUTHERNAPPROACH.CO.NZ

FEED YOUR ADDICTION
Like a ‘perfect storm’, we have seen a dramatic growth and
development in online stores over the past 5 years.
We are dedicating these pages to our client’s online stores; some
you will be able to buy from, some you will be able drool over. Buy,
compare, research and prepare, these online stores are a great way to
feed your adventure addiction.
Never have a dead phone
again! Because now you can
charge straight from the Sun
with SunSaver. Perfect for
that week-long hike, day at
the beach, or back-up for any
emergency. Check us out at:
www.sunsaver.co.nz
Building versatile and reliable gear so you
can adventure with purpose.
www.keaoutdoors.com
Temerature. Taste. Transport.
Hydroflask, more than just a water bottle.
www.hydroflask.co.nz
The place to go for all the gear you need whether you're skiing,
snowboarding, hiking, biking or just exploring.
www.thealpinecentre.co.nz
Gear up in a wide selection of durable, multifunctional
outdoor clothing & gear. Free Returns. Free Shipping.
www.patagonia.co.nz
Stocking an extensive range
of global outdoor adventure
brands for your next big
adventure. See them for travel,
tramping, trekking, alpine and
lifestyle clothing and gear.
www.outfittersstore.nz
Specialists in the sale of Outdoor Camping Equipment, RV,
Tramping & Travel Gear. Camping Tents, Adventure Tents,
Packs, Sleeping Bags and more.
www.equipoutdoors.co.nz
Marine and industrial supply story
www.lusty-blundell.co.nz
Our very own online store where
you will find hard goods to keep you
equipped for any adventure.
www.pacificmedia-shop.co.nz

Waterfront accommodation on Nydia Track, Marlborough, NZ
www.onthetracklodge.nz
Meals bursting with flavour, combined with home compostable
packaging, means you really can have it all in the mountains.
Designed by ‘foodies’ for maximum plant-based deliciousness
and wrapped in earth positive, lightweight, packable pouches.
www.localdehy.co.nz
Bivouac Outdoor stock the latest in quality outdoor
clothing, footwear and equipment from the best
brands across New Zealand & the globe.
www.bivouac.co.nz
Shop for the widest range of Merrell footwear, apparel
& accessories across hiking, trail running, sandals &
casual styles. Free shipping for a limited time.
www.merrell.co.nz
Top NZ made health supplements delivered straight
to your door, with same day dispatch.
www.supps.nz
This small, friendly family-run company is based in Lake
Tekapo, New Zealand, specializing in guided outdoor
adventures throughout New Zealand's Southern Alps.
www.alpinerecreation.com
www.glerups.co.nz
glerups shoes, slippers
and boots are known for
their exceptional comfort
and unique design.
Over the years we have
perfected the wool mix
by blending Gotland
wool with quality wool
from New Zealand
farmers.
Fast nourishing freeze dried food for adventurers.
www.backcountrycuisine.co.nz
Your adventure travel specialists, with over 20 years
experience! They live what they sell.
www.madabouttravel.co.nz
Supplying tents and
camping gear to Kiwis
for over 30 years, Kiwi
Camping are proud to
be recognised as one of
the most trusted outdoor
brands in New Zealand.
www.kiwicamping.co.nz
NZ world class climbing centre.
Your climbing experience is at
the heart of what they do. They
provide trained and competent
professionals that are psyched
on climbing and passionate
about supporting others.
www.northenrocks.co.nz
Purveying the finest singleorigin
roasted Espresso
and Filter coffee in NZ since
2013 for you to enjoy at
home or work.
www.redrabbitcoffee.co.nz
10% discount on coffee use
ADV10%

f i j i j i
SPARTAN IS COMING TO FIJI
Get ready to take on the ultimate adventure race in the stunning
islands of Fiji- Spartan, the world’s largest obstacle race and
endurance brand. With a variety of races set to happen from
9-12 November 2023, there is no better place to experience the
fun of a challenge than in Fiji.
You can take on the best of both worlds by conquering the
Spartan race before making the most of your stay in Fiji, where
the activities, adventure and relaxation on offer are more than
enough to make the trip one to remember. Surf surreal waves,
dive colourful coral reefs, trek to remote villages and waterfalls,
or indulge in local massages. With great food, a unique culture
and Fiji’s famously friendly locals, there’s more than enough
to keep you on your toes before and after your Spartan
experience.
Fiji also offers a range of accommodation options from costconscious
to luxury-living, giving you a variety of comfort
choices for your Spartan holiday. With the event taking place
at the Aviva Race Course in Nadi, near the base of the iconic
Sleeping Giant landscape, accommodation options in Denarau
will be hard to beat. These properties are only a short walk from
Port Denarau, where you’ll have no issues finding your pre and
race day fuel amongst the variety of food spots. What’s more,
Fiji offers an archipelago of 333 islands, giving you the chance
to escape post-race to some of the best remote islands in the
world.
Book your spot for Spartan Fiji now and start planning an
unforgettable Fiji getaway. See you there!
www.fiji.travel/region/fiji/bula-spartan
Fijian Warriors representing the Spartan Fiji Race at the recent
event that took place in the Gold Coast, Australia

NYINGGULU
WHERE THE DESERT
MEETS THE SEA
Words © Gabi Steindl 2023,
Images by Gabi, Andre Rerekura and Bluemedia
“Holy s***, what’s that?”, I shrieked pointing at the big shadow gliding just below
the water's surface towards our 14ft tinny. “That’s a tiger!”, Vee, the skipper and
a renowned underwater photographer, exclaimed in delight “jump in Gabi, jump
in!” I dived head first into the crystal clear water, with the most magical shades
of turquoise. After checking out the second largest predatory shark right behind
the great white through my dive mask close up, I realised I had underestimated
its size from the boat. Two dark eyes stared at me from a wedge-shaped head
with a conspicuously blunt snout. Nearly as long as my Landcruiser and at least
as round as a horse, several remora fish were hanging off the tiger shark's grey
body that had distinctive vertical mottled stripes running down its sides. “I’m not
sure this is a good idea” briefly crossed my mind, but my fascination with Mother
Nature’s marvels was stronger than any lingering doubts. So I spent a good five
unforgettable minutes snorkelling side-by-side with this apex predator in the
shallows of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef.
With a massive area of 2.6 million km2 (ten times larger than the UK) and home
to some of Australia's most iconic landscapes, Western Australia (aka “WA”), is
the perfect place for an iconic road trip. Remote and vast get completely new
meanings here in Australia’s largest state. Some 1,200km north of the WA’s capital
Perth (the most isolated city in the world), the fringing Ningaloo Reef is a sparkling
gem in Western Australia’s crown. With a length of 260km and home to around 300
species of coral and 500 species of fish, it is one the largest fringing coral reefs in
the world. Interestingly it is also only one of two coral reefs in the world that have
formed on the western edge of any continent.
My Landcruiser was bursting at the seams when I hit the road in Margaret River,
where I live, a good 1600km south of my destination: three surfboards, four
kiteboards, six kites, a foil, a couple of kite bars, a tent, a gas cooker, lots of shade
cloth, a gazebo, a Dometic car fridge, cameras, computer, supplies and more
camping gear.
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Where desert meets the sea - Image by Andre Rerekura
w e s t e r n a u s t r a l i a

Driving this far on your own on the West Coast is already a rather
unique experience in itself. There are several stretches of many
hundred kilometres without any phone coverage, no fuel station or
town. If you have any car problems, it might be a while before you
even encounter someone who might be able to help. Being stuck
literally in the middle of nowhere without the ability to call for help,
can be eerie and rather unsettling. I’ve been in this situation before
and don’t really want to live through it again. But this risk is part of
any road trip in Western Australia and the rewards usually make it
all worthwhile.
Once you pass the 26th parallel, i.e. 26 degrees south of the
Equator, you’re entering the wild North West. One of the last true
wilderness areas on Earth, where only a tiny fraction of the already
sparse WA population lives.
My destination was the small coastal town of Exmouth, the
gateway to the World-Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park. The
waters off the coast here are one of the only places in the world
where the mysterious whale shark, the largest fish in the ocean,
reliably congregate each year. Drawn by the annual spawning
of more than 200 species of coral, these gentle giants of the sea
grow to 16 metres long and weigh around 30 tonnes, but they
remain effortlessly elegant as they cruise along the reef, feasting
on fattened krill.
The many views
of Australia's
North West
Coast
Situated on the west side of Exmouth is the Cape Range National
Park, a spectacular place of rugged limestone ranges and
breathtaking deep canyons. Here the arid coastal plain of Cape
Range adjoins the pristine waters of Ningaloo Marine Park with
striking contrasting scenery, this is raw nature at its best. And that’s
precisely where I set up my first camp. Still “only” 35 kilometres
from town and with shower facilities and drinking water from the
taps provided in the campground, it was a good compromise for
my first week to get my head around the area before moving my
base deeper into the National Park.
Image by Bluemedia
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Image by Bluemedia
The word ‘Ningaloo’ comes from the Aboriginal name
Nyinggulu (pronounced Neen-ga-loo) which means a
‘promontory’ or a headland of elevated land. It refers in
modern-day terms to the Cape Range National Park and
the surrounding areas which are very culturally significant
to the local Aboriginal people. The Yinikutira people, also
recorded as the Jinigudira, are the traditional Aboriginal
owners of the country along the Nyinggulu (Ningaloo)
Coast and have lived here for over 30,000 years.
Driving out the gate of the campground the first morning,
I spotted two emus, nearly as tall as my car, majestically
strolling through the scrub next to the road. The second
largest living bird on earth and the largest bird found in
Australia is a strange creature. Born to run rather than fly
with tiny useless wings, and long and powerful legs, they
can sprint at 30 miles (48 kilometres) per hour for quite a
distance.
Image by Bluemedia
ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//77

Wreck on the Ningalooroo Reef - Image by Bluemedia
After hanging out with the emus for a good half hour, I drove to
the coast, where Mother Nature immediately had another gift
for me. Walking along an incredible beach of the finest white
sand, I stumbled onto some rather strange-looking impressions
in the sand which resembled the tracks of a monster truck tyre.
There were many of them, some ended in large holes dug in
the sand, and others made huge loops or led into the water. It
wasn’t long before I spotted two mating turtles drifting on top of
each other just a metre from shore. Further up the beach, a few
more dark blobs caught my eyes — more turtles. The Ningaloo
Coast is one of the most important turtle-nesting rookeries
in the Indian Ocean for three of the world’s seven species of
marine turtles: the endangered Loggerhead turtle, as well as the
Green turtle and the Hawksbill turtle, both listed as vulnerable.
From November to March, many thousand turtles return to
their nesting sanctuary here each year. Sadly, due to natural
predators and human-related factors, only one hatchling out of
every 1000 eggs will survive to adulthood.
I love seeing native wildlife in their natural habitat and over
the weeks along this coast I truly got spoilt. Another encounter
that I’ll never forget happened super early one morning, driving
through the National Park. Suddenly a dingo appeared out of
the spinifex next to the road. Living in WA for over 15 years,
this was my very first dingo sighting. I stopped right next to
the ginger-coloured wild dog and said “G’day”. Two intense
almond-shaped eyes in a mixture of brown and yellow stared at
me questioningly from a broad handsome head with a pointed
muzzle. With a big yawn, he showed off his large teeth. The
dingo as an apex predator contributes to the control of many
feral species that threaten Australia’s wildlife. While dingoes
have the potential to be dangerous to humans, in reality, the
incidence of attacks is relatively rare. The risk of dangerous
behaviour is greatly increased in dingoes that have become
familiar and habituated to humans through feeding or other
encouragement. That’s why you should never feed a dingo.
When I drove off, my dingo friend calmly trotted right beside my
car for a few 100 metres before vanishing in the bush again.
A picture-perfect bay with spectacular turquoise butter flat
crystal clear water became my daily foiling playground. The
wind in the mid-afternoons can get pretty strong (6m2/7m2)
along this coast, however, saying that I also enjoyed a number
of magical light wind sessions on my 9m2 and 10m2 Neo
SLS cruising in perfect see-through water with the most mindboggling
reef and coral formations below. It was better than
any glass-bottomed boat. With regard to waves, things get
tricky in this area. The most popular stretch of surf breaks is
78//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

completely protected from the Seabreeze, and other breaks are
so far out to sea on the barrier reef you need a boat to get there.
If you somehow do manage to score, it’s an unspoken rule in the
Northwest to celebrate it quietly amongst your mates instead of
shouting it from the rooftops and plastering it all over the socials. I
would highly recommend not ignoring this advice.
Eventually, I moved my camp deeper into the National Park which
meant no more facilities and having to bring everything: sufficient
water for drinking and washing, fuel, all my supplies etc. I even
had to rent a portable camping toilet from the camp store in
Exmouth as bringing one is a requirement for all visitors by Parks
& Wildlife WA (the government body in charge of all National
Parks). Renting a portable toilet — interesting! I’ve been to over
80 countries, but that was a first for me.
Camping literally on the water’s edge on an amazingly long,
stunning windswept beach, was my highlight camp set-up of the
trip. There’s nothing better than falling asleep to the sound of
the ocean. At night the lack of light pollution in this remote area
creates an experience, I would call a “bucket lister” that most
people don’t even know exists: getting blanketed by the Milky
Way in the middle of the desert. Watching the night sky lighting
up as our galaxy slowly materialises after sunset is a soul-filling
experience. The sheer beauty of a million stars twinkling in all
their glory kept me awake and wide-eyed even after the longest
day on the water regardless of my sunburnt little red eyes. Who
needs a 5-star room, when you can sleep in a 5-billion-star tent?
One kite session that cemented itself in my personal history books
of epic sessions, was kiting at the SS Mildura shipwreck on the tip
of North West Cape. The SS Mildura sank in June 1907 when it
hit a shallow reef during a cyclone. Luckily, no human life was lost.
The wreck sits in 4 metres of water prone to strong surges and
currents. With two big boilers and the engine mount in the centre of
the still upright and relatively intact hull, it is an intriguing site, even
more so from up close, on my 12m2 Neo SLS.
For my last sunset, Mother Nature gifted me with a live “David
Attenborough moment”. It was a windless day with bright blue
skies and I had parked my car on a snow-white, sheer endless
beach. Like so often along this coastline out of peak tourist
season, there was not a single soul in sight. The Indian Ocean
sparkled as if millions of stars had sunk into it. I let my gaze slide
through the expanse of pristine and untouched nature when I
suddenly spotted a tiny black dot way up the beach that I hadn’t
noticed just minutes earlier. I grabbed my camera and some
water and set off on foot. After a good long walk on the snow-
ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//79

white sand, my presumption was confirmed and my heart
started pounding. Getting down on my hands and knees
super conscious of not getting too close, I watched a
pregnant turtle mama haul herself up the wide, fine beach.
Evidently, an arduous journey for her, it took her a fair while
until she was finally high enough up the beach at the base
of the dune where she started to dig her nest. I almost
didn’t dare to breathe. Through my 400mm lens, I could
focus on every little detail of this beautiful Green turtle:
the mottled olive green, brown and black pattern on her
smooth, high-domed shell was like a painting, her thick,
crusty, scaly skin, the webbed feet, her cute head and her
horny beak. She worked hard and massive sprays of sand
shot into the air around her.
Observing this fascinating creature that shares a common
ancestry with dinosaurs, push out her eggs, each one
obviously requiring a great effort, was a mesmerising
spectacle. After laying all her eggs, the turtle mama flung
sand behind her in a methodical manner for at least half
an hour to cover her nest, before dragging herself back
down towards the ocean again. Witnessing the motherly
commitment and incredible effort of this beautiful creature
to dig, lay and protect her eggs was a mind-boggling
experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. The
mama turtle made it to the waterline just at sunset. Watching
her glide off into the golden water, I bowed my head in deep
and humble gratitude to the universe — what a trip!
80//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//81
Ningalooroo Reef - Image by Bluemedia

v a n u a t u
Image from Facebook / Vanuatu Surfing Association
SURFING IN VANUATU
Vanuatu's not typically associated with surfing but there's
a growing reputation among the global community that
surfing in Vanuatu is on par, if not better, than some of
the best spots in the South Pacific (such as Fiji, Tonga
and Sa'moa). Surfing, as an activity, is still in its infancy
but offers excellent and accessible surf spots which aren’t
crowded and at a much cheaper rate.
Surfers willing to travel to the outer islands will be rewarded
with breaks that offer perfect hollow waves and temperate
waters (thanks to the stunning Vanuatu weather) for those
ideal surfing conditions. With excellent conditions all year
round and the perfectly shaped group of islands, there is
plenty of potential for surfing in Vanuatu.
Surfing Conditions in Vanuatu
Vanuatu offers perfect surfing conditions all year round,
but the best time to surf here would be between March and
December when the Antarctic lows send over consistent
southern swells.
Moderate rainfall during the hot and wet season between
December and April bring in huge swells, but cyclones are
also likely to occur during this time. The Northern coastline
receives swells during this time due to the low-pressure
system brewing there.
With 40 to 50-metre ride lengths and waves ranging from 5
to 6 feet, Vanuatu offers some incredible surfing locations.
Best Spots for Surfing.
Vanuatu offers some of the best and untouched surf spots
in the world. With surf spots scattered around Vanuatu
that provides the perfect opportunity for newbies and
experienced surfers alike. Black Sand Beach, British
Beach, Epao, Forari Bay, Mangea Reefs, Pango Point,
Soumabal Point, Port Resolution, Dany island are just
some of the beaches which offer a great surfing experience
for everyone.
For someone looking for more of a challenge, spots like
Breakas, Devils Point, Erakor Reef, Pounders and Tapi
Point are just perfect. The adventurous surfers might want
to travel to islands such as Tanna to enjoy some of the
genuinely untouched surfing locations.
The best way to enjoy surfing in Vanuatu is to explore it
island-by-island, exploring the full gamut of surf breaks
available. Efate (where Port Vila is located) holds most of
the best surfing spots here and plenty of accommodation
options are available here. Some of the more remote
locations can be accessed by boats. Dany Island in Santo
is known as an amazing surf spot for keen surfers. The
wind is often blowing the opposite direction to the swell - so
waves are nice and perfectly clean. The waves pump in
from the Northeast and break on the north of Dany Island,
also the south. So both rights and lefts, generally around
2-5ft. Dany Island is nicely protected and is a private venue
so it's perfect for a day tour visit and for a surf away from
large crowds.
Vanuatu Surfing Association can offer further assistance
to surfers who are new to the place. Comprising of locals
and expats from Australia and New Zealand, they organise
local surfing events along with domestic and international
competitions. So, if you are looking for new and exciting
surfing challenges, Vanuatu should undoubtedly be your
next destination. Check out our accommodation pages to
book your surfing holiday today.
For more information visit www.vanuatu.travel/nz
82//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

1.30pm Siri Falls, Gaua
Hiking Diving Culture
Volcanos
Go explore at vanuatu.travel

84//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

frenchpolynesia
polynesia
EMBARK ON A
MESMERIZING
YACHT CHARTER
UNCOVER THE ISLANDS OF TAHITI
Picture yourself sailing through crystal-clear turquoise waters,
with warm sun rays gently caressing your skin and a gentle
breeze guiding your journey. The Islands of Tahiti beckon you
to embark on an extraordinary adventure, and there's no better
way to explore this paradise than through a yacht charter.
Tahiti offers a wealth of natural wonders and vibrant cultures,
all waiting to be discovered as you sail from one breathtaking
destination to another. Let's dive into the enchanting world
of yacht charters and discover why it's the ultimate way to
experience the wonders of the Islands of Tahiti.
A World of Exclusivity and Freedom:
A yacht charter in the Islands of Tahiti offers a unique blend
of luxury, privacy, and freedom. As you set sail, you'll be
welcomed into a world of exclusivity, where every moment is
tailored to your desires. Whether you're seeking a romantic
getaway, a family adventure, or a rejuvenating escape, a
private yacht charter allows you to craft your own itinerary,
choosing the destinations, activities, and pace that suit your
preferences. With no fixed schedules or crowds to contend
with, you have the freedom to immerse yourself fully in the
beauty of Tahiti.
Unparalleled Natural Beauty:
The Islands of Tahiti are renowned for their unrivaled natural
beauty, and a yacht charter provides an unparalleled vantage
point to appreciate this tropical paradise. From the moment
you set sail, you'll be greeted by majestic volcanic peaks, lush
green valleys, and pristine white-sand beaches. Marvel at the
vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life as you snorkel in
warm, turquoise lagoons. Explore hidden coves and secluded
bays accessible only by boat, where you can relax in solitude,
surrounded by nature's wonders. The beauty of Tahiti will leave
you breathless at every turn.
Exquisite Island Hopping:
One of the greatest joys of a yacht charter is the opportunity
to explore the diverse islands of Tahiti. Each island possesses
its own unique charm, from the bustling markets and vibrant
nightlife of Tahiti's capital, Papeete, to the untouched natural
splendor of Bora Bora's iconic lagoon. Sail to Moorea, known
as the "Magical Island," where lush mountains cascade into
the azure sea, or discover Huahine's ancient Polynesian
temples and unspoiled landscapes. With a yacht charter, you
can hop from island to island, experiencing the distinct flavours
and cultures of each destination.
ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//85

Nuku Hiva baie Akatea_© Bertrand
Raiatea © Audrey Svoboda
Luxury and Comfort at Sea:
A yacht charter promises an exceptional level of luxury and
comfort throughout your journey. Indulge in the finest amenities
and personalised services, ensuring that your every need is met
with the utmost care. Expert crews are dedicated to providing a
seamless experience, from gourmet meals prepared by private
chefs to watersports activities. The yacht becomes your floating
sanctuary, where you can relax on spacious decks, soak in
sunsets, and dine under the stars, all while being pampered by an
attentive crew.
Immersive Cultural Encounters:
Tahitian culture is rich and captivating, and a yacht charter
offers opportunities for immersive cultural encounters. Interact
with friendly locals as you visit remote villages and witness
traditional dance performances, showcasing the vibrant heritage
of Polynesia. Learn about the ancient art of tattooing or participate
in traditional outrigger canoe races. The warm hospitality of the
Tahitian people will leave a lasting impression, allowing you to
connect with the soul of the islands in a profound way.
Preserving the Natural Paradise:
By choosing a yacht charter, you contribute to the preservation of
the Islands of Tahiti's delicate ecosystem. Eco-friendly practices,
such as using sustainable energy sources and respecting marine
conservation
Top 10 Reasons to Choose a Yacht Charter:
1. Island Hopping Extravaganza: With a yacht charter, you can
explore multiple islands during a single holiday. Experience the
diverse landscapes, cultures, and activities of Tahiti, Bora Bora,
Moorea, Huahine, and more, all in one unforgettable journey.
2. Affordable Luxury: Contrary to popular belief, a yacht charter
can be surprisingly affordable, especially when traveling with a
group of friends or family. By sharing the cost, you can indulge in
a lavish holiday without breaking the bank.
3. Availability Advantage: The Islands of Tahiti are a soughtafter
destination, and hotels often have limited availability. With
a yacht charter, you bypass this issue entirely, ensuring that your
accommodation is always with you, offering complete flexibility
and peace of mind.
4. Privacy and Exclusivity: Escape the crowds and enjoy the
utmost privacy and exclusivity onboard your chartered yacht. The
entire vessel is yours to enjoy, creating a serene and intimate
environment for you and your loved ones.
5. Tailored Itineraries: Customise your itinerary according to
your preferences and interests. Whether you desire adventurous
water sports, relaxing beachside escapes, cultural immersion, or a
blend of everything, a yacht charter allows you to craft the perfect
journey.
6. Unmatched Freedom: Say goodbye to fixed schedules and
hello to the freedom of sailing. Enjoy the flexibility to anchor in
secluded bays, explore hidden gems, and set your own pace as
you embark on a truly liberating adventure.
7. Uninterrupted Tranquility: Unlike traditional holidays, where
you move from one crowded tourist spot to another, a yacht
charter offers uninterrupted tranquility. Find solace in the serenity
of secluded anchorages and untouched natural beauty, away from
the hustle and bustle of popular tourist areas.
8. Seamless Luxury Onboard: Indulge in the epitome of luxury
as you sail the pristine waters of Tahiti. Immerse yourself in the
opulence of spacious cabins, gourmet cuisine prepared by private
chefs, and personalised services delivered by a dedicated crew
committed to creating a memorable experience.
9. Unbeatable Scenic Views: Revel in the awe-inspiring beauty
of the Islands of Tahiti from the deck of your chartered yacht.
Enjoy panoramic views of majestic mountains, vibrant coral reefs,
and turquoise lagoons that stretch as far as the eye can see.
10. Unforgettable Memories: A yacht charter in the Islands
of Tahiti guarantees memories that will last a lifetime. From
swimming with manta rays and exploring hidden waterfalls to
savouring Polynesian delicacies and witnessing breathtaking
sunsets, every moment is a treasured experience that will stay
with you forever.
86//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

Call of the Sea and
Polynesian Lagoons
Treat yourself to a luxury Archipels Croisières Polynesia Dream
cruise with this exquisite sailing adventure visiting Tahiti, Moorea,
Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a and Bora Bora.
12-night Cruising Holiday
$12021 *
return per person twin share
From
* Price includes Economy airfares ex Auckland, 10-night Archipels Croisières cruise, 2 nights hotel
accommodation and transfers. Travel date and other conditions apply. Seasonal surcharges apply.
Subject to availability. Price shown in New Zealand Dollars. Visit airtahitinui.com for details.

Beautiful Samoa awaits you, and we are welcoming our international aiga
with open arms! Experience Samoa’s untouched beauty, unique cultural
experiences and rich heritage. Self drive, bike or stroll through the wonders
that make this island life one to cherish just like the locals do.
88//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

n e w c a l e d o n i a
c a l e d o n i a
SOLO ADVENTURE THROUGH
NEW
CALEDONIA
New Caledonia is a haven for solo travellers seeking
immersive experiences as it is teeming with incredible
landscapes, culinary delights, captivating attractions,
and warm-hearted locals. We guarantee you’ll never get
bored! Whether you want to experience fine dining or
swimming with turtles, try a new sport or immerse yourself
in local culture, there is something for every type of solo
traveller in New Caledonia. One of the archipelago’s
biggest drawcards is its adventure experiences. For
female travellers looking for a solo adventure, New
Caledonia is the perfect destination with extensive hiking
trails through rainforests, mountainous cycling routes and
underwater experiences that will allow you to explore the
immense beauty of this Pacific Gem.
New Caledonia is one of New Zealand's closest
neighbours, accessible with a short flight in just under
3 hours from Auckland. Hidden in the middle of the
Pacific to the east of Australia, New Caledonia is a vast,
unique and diverse French overseas territory offering an
exceptional variety of landscapes, cultures and activities.
New Caledonia invites solo travellers to embrace its
warmth, beauty, and endless adventures - perfect for you
to embark on a voyage of self-discovery. Here are the top
reasons why your next solo adventure should be in New
Caledonia!
Lifou caves- © Dean Cropp
Ile des Pins-© mi1_moonstagram
Learning from the locals © Oneye Production
ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ//89

Clockwise from top left: Exploring New Caledonia via horseback, La Foa Randonnee-© Masaaki Hojo
Hiking in the Great South-© NCT
Sailing in New Caledonia -© Toko NCT
Mountainbiking in Blue River Park-Yaté-© Oneye Production
Affordability:
One of the reasons why New
Caledonia is a solo traveller's
ideal escape is because
the destination is just so
affordable. Consider staying
in a guesthouse that is much
cheaper than a traditional
hotel. Guest houses offer a
social atmosphere where you
can meet other travellers and
you can learn more about the
culture and customs of New
Caledonia's residents from
your friendly host. If you want
to save a little on your dining
budget and practice your
French, the local markets in
Port Moselle have fresh, local
produce such as pineapples,
spices and yams at low prices.
Make friends with the local
vendors and test your culinary
skills as you try to emulate
traditional Kanak dishes.
Accessibility:
New Caledonia's main
attractions such as its world
heritage-listed lagoon and
natural parks are just a short
walk or bike ride away, with
public transport options readily
available throughout the
islands. One of the simplest
ways to get around New
Caledonia is by car, with a
well-maintained road system
making for a great self-drive
adventure around the main
island. But there are countless
other services available for
solo travellers to choose from
including buses and coaches
to flights, water taxis and
airport shuttles that’ll take you
to the Loyalty Islands. The
RAI coach network is an easy
and affordable way to see
the sights, but the fastest and
most stunning way is definitely
by air, gliding over the azure
waters of the lagoon.
Adventure Galore:
At the heart of New
Caledonia's allure for solo
travellers is its exhilarating
adventure experiences. Go
below the surface in New
Caledonia to discover the
beauty of New Caledonia’s
extensive reef system.
Home to the second-largest
coral reef in the world and
a UNESCO Heritage-listed
lagoon New Caledonia is
a sanctuary for whales,
dugongs and turtles. To meet
these creatures face-to-face,
take a guided diving and
snorkelling tour, that allows
you to join a group and
make new friends. In-land
solo hiking and biking crosscountry
adventures may seem
daunting to consider doing
solo, but New Caledonia’s
trails are well-marked and
worth the challenge. The Sud
route through the Blue River
Provincial Park is a stunning
track to explore with the redearth
desert, rich blue lakes
and rivers, and iconic drowned
forests. Many tour operators
also offer hiking support
services that are great for
solo travellers assisting with
transfers to give you one less
thing to worry about on your
adventure!
Culinary Delights:
Perfect for a solo traveller,
New Caledonia has an
abundance of restaurants
boasting unique fusion cuisine.
If you’re after a fine dining
experience, reserve a table at
Le Roof offering unbeatable
views of the lagoon and some
spectacular seafood too. With
a refined menu of French
and Caledonian specialities,
Nouméa’s unique over water
bungalow restaurant presents
an unforgettable dining
experience. For something
more lowkey, but just as tasty,
Les 3 Brasseurs brew their
own beers and regularly hold
trivia, karaoke and live music
entertainment!
Rich Cultural Tapestry:
Beyond its natural wonders,
New Caledonia boasts a
captivating tapestry of cultures
that beg to be explored. The
island's intriguing blend of
French colonial heritage and
indigenous Kanak traditions
beckons solo travellers to
delve into vibrant customs,
arts, and traditions. On
quieter days, solo travellers
should check out The Tjibaou
Cultural Center. Housed within
beautifully designed buildings
and landscaped grounds, the
centre is the perfect place
to discover the local Kanak
culture and Melanesian
customs that will enrich your
solo travel experience.
New Zealand passport holders
do not require a short-stay
visa to visit for up to 3 months,
making New Caledonia the
perfect destination for a solo
traveller wanting a short
overseas adventure.
90//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#239

RACE THE LARGEST MTB EVENT IN NEW CALEDONIA
Exclusive package includes flights from Auckland, 5 nights, race entry
and much more! PACKAGE FROM $2140 NZD* | 1-5 September 2023.
www.newcaledonia.travel
* T*Cs apply

SUPPSNZ
Support
muscle growth
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RUN10023
Arrive as a visitor and leave as a friend. No crime,
no traffic and no queues. Relax or explore. Swim,
fish and dive in the clearest waters in the pacific.
The world’s only Dark Sky Nation welcomes you
to the way life used to be; the way life should be.
Contact: info@wildsidetravel.nz | 027 436 9025

A l p i n e R e s o r t
Plateau Lodge
Family Sled & Explore
Take time to explore our backyard
Terrace Restaurant & Bar Open daily
5 minutes from Whakapapa Ski field
Backpacker to Superior Family Accommodation
On-Site Ski & Snowboard gear hire
Skotel Alpine Resort | SkotelAlpineResort
Ngauruhoe Place | Whakapapa Village, SH 48
www.skotel.co.nz | info@skotel.co.nz
+64 7 892 3719 | 0800 756 835
Whakapapa Ski Field just 20mins away!
3 Nights in a Two Bedroom Apartment $790
Includes Sled, Jacket, Pants for Two Adults & Two Children *T&C’s
Book Now for your winter escape
www.plateaulodge.co.nz | Tongariro National Park
17 Carroll Street, National Park Village
Ruapehu
Ph: 07 892 2993
Located in the heart of the Ruapehu District
...the outdoors capital of the North Island!
Gorgeous unique bespoke historic Vacation Home:
Ideal for families and groups.
Whirlpool Suites | Double Spa Rooms | Queen & King Size Beds |
2 x Conference Rooms | Breakfast Restaurant | Free Wireless
Broadband | Air-Con/Heat Pumps in all Units | Gym
Centrally located to: Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Pureora Timber Trail
The mighty Whanganui River
The Forgotten Highway (& Bridge to Nowhere)
30Mins to Whakapapa & 60mins to Turoa
Plus central to numerous other treks and trails
(& Waitomo GlowWorm Caves en route from Auckland)
www.TheOldPostOfficeLodge.co.nz

www.makahika.co.nz
Rebalance, Relish & Revitalize
Experience the luxury of Skye Candle and Body Care’s range of
eco-friendly home fragrance and self-care creations. Lovingly
crafted in Wellington, discover our selection of scented soy
candles, tea lights and wax melts,bath,body, skin care and
aromatherapy products online, from the serenity of your home.
New Zealand-wide shipping available!
www.skyecandleandbodycare.co.nz

Feed your adventure!
Vegan
Sustainable
Made in Wānaka
Order online: www.localdehy.co.nz
LOCAL DEHY
FOOD FOR THE HILLS HILLS
E-Bike Rentals
Skibiz @ The Alpine Centre, National Park
NEXT-GENERATION
All your biking
essentials
available for hire!
ebikes now available
For local Mountains to Sea trails |
Fishers Track | Marton Sash & Door and more…
bookings and availability ph: 07 892 2717
www.thealpinecentre.co.nz for online bookings

“Escape ordinary”
Caring luxury | Local flavour | One of a kind
Mountain bike clean up area and a secure mountain bike storage area available
1191 Pukaki Street, Rotorua
p: +64 7 348 4079 | w: regentrotorua.co.nz
S.A Shuttles are a specialists when it comes to Auckland Airport shuttle
services. We pick-up passengers from the Airport and deliver to; hotels,
motels, CBD and the suburbs (door to door). This service is available to
meet every flight arriving into Auckland Airport.
• BOOKED shuttle services to meet flight
• On demand shuttle services for group bookings
• Direct shuttle for individual needs
• Corporate Transfers for Business Client
We also do tours around the North Island | www.southaucklandshuttles.com | bookings@sashuttles.com | 0800 300 033 (Toll free)

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Available to download on

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4Xe PLUG-IN HYBRID
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