Meet our Guide: Juanita Miln

Meet Juanita — Christchurch local, seasoned guide, and rescuer of baby oystercatchers mid-surf. With the Port Hills as her backyard and her 19-year-old cat Token as a loyal sidekick, she lives and breathes adventure. When she’s not guiding in Aotearoa, you’ll find her exploring trails abroad, painting, reading, or pottering in her garden — always bringing the same warmth, curiosity, and quiet determination that make her such a valued part of our Hiking New Zealand family.

Tell us about your hometown

I grew up in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, and, although I've lived in other parts of Aotearoa New Zealand, I've come back to make this my permanent home. I have the Port Hills on my back doorstep, with ample running, walking and mountain biking trails on them. It is such a great position to be able to access multiple outdoor opportunities, with the ocean, rivers, forests and mountains all nearby

What do you do when you're not working or hiking?

When I'm not working, I am often hiking, usually solo trips as I feel more connected to nature when I'm on my own. I also do some trail running and enjoy getting out on my mountain bike. I like to head overseas for adventure travel, having just returned from two and a half months in Europe. Books are my one addiction in life and I usually have one or more on the go at a time. I also do a bit of painting from time to time. I recently bought my first home, so pottering around my garden is another pleasure. And, when I'm home I cherish my quality time with my amazing cat, Token, who I've had since he was 3 weeks old and is now 19 years old.

What piece of gear can you not live without on the trail?

If I'm carrying my pack or on steep terrain, I like to use a hiking pole, or two. I find some of our trails are not wide enough for two, or that you may need a free hand to grab a rock or tree along the way. However, a pole is great for keeping balance on technical terrain, checking the depth of mud, crossing rivers, and of course taking some of the load off your knees, amongst other things.

Can you share a memorable encounter with wildlife during a hike?

I was guiding a trip on the West Coast of the South Island and we were down on the beach below the Truman Track doing a short day hike. There was a noisy, distressed oystercatcher, Torea pango, flying around and walking to and from the crashing waves. West Coast beaches are wild and rough, not for swimming. As I got closer I noticed three tiny chicks in the surf. They would try to climb their way up the pebble beach as the waves retreated only to be demolished by the next incoming wave and dragged back down. The chicks were clearly tiring and losing the fight. I quickly pulled my shoes and socks off and ran to the water to scoop up the chicks, one at a time, and deposit them each safely well above the high-tide mark. All while being circled and abused by the parent. At least my group gave me a round of applause.

How do you prepare for a multi-day hike?

I have an equipment list I go through to make sure I have everything I need. If I try to do it by memory there is often something I forget. I lay it all out to make sure I have all I need. Fitness-wise, I like to keep as fit as I can because I know I will enjoy myself more and hurt less if I do.

Sharing a laugh is such a benefit of group travel – share with us one of your funny moments on a trip?

We'd stopped at a pie shop that had a sign outside saying 'Kiwi pies'. One lady from the group went up to the counter and asked for a kiwi pie. The lady behind the counter looked at her funny and said, "We don't have kiwi pies". The lady from the group persisted, stating that the sign outside said 'Kiwi pies'. The lady behind the counter looked a little angry and told her, "We don't eat kiwi here, they're endangered". To which the lady from the group replied, "What, the fruit?". She also happened to be a vegetarian, which made it doubly amusing, as she had hoped for a fruit pie, not a meat pie, hence why we call them kiwifruit in New Zealand.

What’s one place you haven’t hiked yet but would love to explore?

I have visited Rakiura/Stewart Island twice now but only explored around Halfmoon Bay and Ulva Island. I would love to do a big multi-day hike down there one day and see more of the rugged, barely touched terrain.