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enthusiastic New Zealand guides have a thorough knowledge of natural
history and will enjoy sharing and discussing this with you. Each
has over a decade of outdoor experience; their knowledge of the back-country
and its weather will ensure a safe trip. In addition, they are all
trained in mountain first aid. The guides enjoy meeting and getting
to know new people and have the skills to make everybody feel part
of the group. |
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Mark Brabyn founded Hiking New Zealand in 1993 (then known as NZ Nature Safaris). He has a MSc in zoology and did research on whale strandings for his thesis. He has assisted with conservation projects around the world including humpback whales in Tonga, southern right whales in the Sub-Antarctic and elephants and chimpanzees in Uganda. Mark has been active in the outdoors all his life, and his interests include tramping, sea kayaking, scuba diving and mountain biking. |
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Malcolm O’Neill started up North Island Safaris in 1994. He has a BSc in physical geography and studied climatology, volcanism and glaciation. He co-authored the popular guidebook Classic New Zealand Adventures which involved lots of adventurous research. Malcolm’s interests include mountain biking, travel, skiing, photography, making furniture, singing in the shower and leaping down staircases. |
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Daniel Murphy studied agricultural science and has worked in the tourism industry for several years including in Spain where he managed an adventure lodge. Dan is a part-owner of Hiking New Zealand and is the General Manager. He enjoys mountain biking and working on his small farm in his spare time. |
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André Booth has worked in parks and reserves through New Zealand and Canada, including the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. He enjoys tramping, scrambling, snowboarding, rock climbing, and mountain biking. He has also trained as a rural fire-fighter. André's clients always appreciate his extensive collection of local New Zealand music. |
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Juanita Miln spent five years in the New Zealand Army and travelled to Antarctica prior to becoming a hiking guide. She has a National Certificate in Outdoor Recreation and utilised her qualification guiding hikes on the Fox Glacier. Juanita "Wah" is a keen sports follower and enjoys tramping and mountaineering.
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Chris Steele was a veterinarian and vet instructor for 20 years before becoming a hiking guide. He is passionate about eco-tourism and recently completed further study in this area. He loves mountain biking and has a talent for backcountry cuisine. Pancakes never tasted so good!
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Jaron Frost may be mistaken for a hobbit but there's no mistaking his comfort in the outdoors. Jaron has worked as an outdoor instructor in New Zealand and the USA. He enjoys whitewater kayaking, rock climbing and surfing. He has also been compared to a wind-up toy.
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| Kath Watzig keeps bees, carves wood and is very active in Northland conservation groups. Kath is an outrigger canoe champion and lives in a mud brick house she built herself. |  |
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| Graham Frith has hiked, mountain biked, rafted and kayaked all over the world. In his limited spare time he likes to orienteer, sing, practice his thespian skills and stay as far out of the big cities as possible. |  |
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| Other
similarly qualified guides are used during peak times. Please be gentle with your guide - good guides are hard to find! |
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