Maddi Keurntjes

New Zealand Guide

We have another Australian in our midst! Maddi was born and raised in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. The city that likes to claim every title... most liveable city, sporting capital and best coffee to just name a few (her claim, not ours!) But unfortunately it does not claim adventure capital of the world, so that is why you will find her here in Queenstown

What has been your greatest outdoor adventure?
My greatest outdoor adventure was spending 28 days backpacking in the Nelson Lakes National Park and travelling off-trail for multiple days at a time, being far, far away from any civilisation, visiting tremendous alpine lakes that very few people have witnessed before. Being completely disconnected from the outside world (with no mobile phones or showers), I truly gained a connection with nature that I will treasure forever.

What are your hobbies?
If I had to only pick a few hobbies, I would have to say: snowboarding, hiking, camping and travelling the world. Although, anything that gets the blood pumping and being outside is a hobby of mine!

Do you have a favourite quote?
"Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity" John Muir.

Describe a life experience that has shaped you today?
Once I finished studying at University I decided to experience a Canadian winter in the Rocky Mountains. My original plan was to stay for 3-6 months, but I ended up staying for nearly 2 years once I realised my strong love for the mountains. It was then when I became fully aware that my true passion is to be adventuring in the great outdoors. Ever since then I have been chasing the mountain lifestyle.

Have you studied beyond school? If so in what?
Once completing high school, I continued my study and graduated as a Myotherapist (Remedial Massage) at RMIT University in Melbourne. I enjoyed the short years of practising as a Myotherapist, decreasing client's pain and improving functional movement. But now it's time for me to get serious about playing in the great outdoors!

Testimonials

• "Our guides - James and Maddi - were outstanding. They were both super responsible and had great personalities. James was a focused driver and did a good job of keeping us organized and on time. Maddi provided for us as a chef and "Jill of all trades". Specifically, she went out of her way to make sure that I always had an ice pack for my bum knee. On that note, this trip keeps the participants moving, but the guides were usually able to adjust the activities to suit the needs of each individual."

• "Our guides Simon and Maddi were extremely knowledgable and a joy to spend time with. Our tour was very personalized and we were able to see and experience much more than larger tour groups. Our guides made sure that we were able to get the most out of our experience and tailored our hikes and activities to fit our personal fitness levels and goals."