Active Adventures Guide | New Zealand
Jack is an outdoorsy Kiwi who grew up in Christchurch but also spent lots of time in Central Otago with his grandparents. He has spent the last few years chasing adventures both in New Zealand and overseas, rock climbing and mountaineering in New Zealand, Peru, Thailand and Europe. He loves being outside, meeting new people and, perhaps most importantly, exploring new places and cultures.
When he’s not traveling or climbing, Jack works in the outdoor industry and spends plenty of time around ropes, heights and adventure activities. He’s naturally curious, enjoys a good challenge and loves sharing the outdoors with other people, as well as introducing it to the next generation. For him, the best adventures are the ones that leave you with a great story to tell afterwards and your legs completely wrecked.
What's your favorite travel destination?
Nepal, I've been twice and both times mainly just in the Khumbu region. The mountains are obviously jaw dropping but it's the people that pull me back.
What's your favorite adventure activity?
Basic mountaineering, flowing over mountain terrain quickly, and seeing a lot in a few days are my favorite trips!
What has been your most inspiring adventure experience?
Climbing and traveling in the Cordillera Blanca for 11 weeks. Being surrounded by enormous mountains and getting up into the high alpine environment was pretty humbling. Standing at over 18,000 feet (6,000 meters) and looking out over the mountains was unforgettable and has made me excited to plan more of these longer trips where you get to know a place well.
When did you first get the travel bug?
After my first time going to Nepal. I got super lucky and was invited on a trip when I was 17 to go to Everest base camp, the culture shock hit me hard and opened my eyes in a way that you can only get by going places. After the trip I was just more stoked on life than beforehand and that feeling lasted a long time, now every so often I have to go traveling for another top up!
What is your favorite trip to lead?
I'll have to go with the Ultimate South Island Adventure! So much of the country packed in to only 14 days.
Why did you want to guide for Active Adventures?
I love showing off our beautiful country and driving our scenic roads. Having a job where I get to do that everyday, along with working with incredible and like minded people is a privilege.
What's a destination you'd like to travel to, that you haven't been to yet?
Oh there are so many, Japan, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan! I think my next trip would ideally be to the United States tho, I've been there once before to work at a summer camp in upstate New York, but after getting so into climbing I want to go back and spend more time exploring all it has to offer.
Do you have any favorite hobbies or special talents?
When the weather doesn't allow for outdoor activities you can find me at the local bouldering gym touching colorful plastic rocks. I'm slightly embarrassed at how much I enjoy this form of climbing but it's always there for me when I need it and provides endless entertainment.
