Our Guides

Growing up in Auckland Alan spent his youth, Sailing, surfing and exploring the North Island of New Zealand.

After a stint working in the family automotive business, he spent a few years travelling overseas to some of the less-travelled parts of the world. Eventually, he ended up studying in Christchurch, and he never left. He says “why would you live anywhere else! It’s close to the mountains, it’s got amazing rock climbing, great surf beaches, and a stunning harbour, what more could you want; I’ve been incredibly lucky over the past ten years and have guided people all over the world, and I still think this place is pretty special.”

Qualifications & Experience

Alan has a degree in Adventure Recreation and Outdoor Education. He holds certification with NZOIA (the New Zealand Outdoor Instructors and Guides Association) in Bush, Rock, and Alpine disciplines. When Alan’s not at work, you can find climbing at the local crag, in the mountains or hanging out with his family.

A local girl through and through. Sarah spent her childhood in Christchurch and then moved to North Canterbury with her family as a teenager. The outdoors lifestyle was introduced to her in high school and she has followed her passion for guiding and educating people in the outdoors ever since. Sarah says ” I love working with people and sharing in their adventures, especially when I have the opportunity to create something unique for them along the way”.

Qualifications & Experience

She has completed a Diploma in Adventure Guiding & Instructing as well as a Degree in Adventure Recreation and Outdoor Education. Sarah has travelled and explored most of the UK and Europe. She has also guided numerous overseas trekking expeditions in developing nations.

Sarah holds NZOIA (New Zealand Outdoor Instructor & Guides Association) certification in Bush, Rock, and Alpine disciplines. When she’s not working, enjoys trail running, mountain climbing, and spending time with her family.

Michelle loves being in the outdoors and on the water and has brought her knowledge and experience from Canada to us here in New Zealand. She has worked with Adventure By Nature &  OENZ- Outdoor education New Zealand (our sister Company) since 2024. 

Qualifications & Awards:

Sea Kayak Guide Level 2 – SKGABC. Wilderness First Aid Certificate.

Before working with Adventure by Nature, Nathanael was a Senior Sea Kayak Guide and Rock Climbing Instructor in Wellington and Lead Sea Kayak guide in Abel Tasman National Park as well as a glacier guide at Fox Glacier. Passionate about all things outdoors.

Qualifications & Awards:

Certificate in Outdoor Education, Tai Poutini Polytechnic, 2013. Diploma in Outdoor Instructing and Guiding, at Tai Poutini Polytechnic, 2014. NZOIA Rock Leader, NZOIA Abseil Leader, NZOIA Rock1, NZOIA Bush Leader, NZOIA Sea Kayak Leader, PHEC first aid, New Zealand Drivers License Class 1.

Nathanael is currently working overseas in Canada. We wish him all the best in this experience and look forward to him returning to work with OENZ when he gets back to NZ.

Arnas’ primary passion is rock climbing, followed closely by tramping (hiking), mountain biking, and sailing, and for her, being able to share these passions with others is hugely rewarding.

Qualifications & Awards:

Bachelor in Sustainability & Outdoor Education, NZOIA Rock 1 + Sport Endorsement, NZOIA Bush 1, PHEC. NZ Drivers LIcence Class 1.

Rebecca has always had a passion for the outdoors since her first tramp. Her main pursuits are the bush and, recently, the rivers. She loves the excitement and knowledge she can pass towards other people, starting their journey of the outdoors.

Qualifications & Awards:

Oliver is a lover of people & the outdoors. Being able to combine these two passions into work has been a privilege for him. He loves trail running, kayaking, canyoning & skiing.

Qualifications & Awards: