Meet our Guide: Luke Higginbotom

Luke had a wholesome upbringing on a farm near Rangiora in North Canterbury, but like many of us, the pull to travel and explore took him overseas. He lived in Canada, the USA, and most recently Hong Kong, before heading back home, excited to share New Zealand's wild places with our hikers. An adventure seeker through and through, when he is not guiding, you'll find him skiing, hunting, kayaking, surfing, or free diving. Luke's fave trail snack is Jetplane lollies, and he is a self-proclaimed "bird nerd", so it is well worth staying close to him on the track for birdlife facts and a sugary pick-me-up!

Luke Higinbottom - Guide

Tell us about your hometown

I grew up in North Canterbury, in and around the town of Rangiora. I was lucky enough to spend a lot of my childhood running a muck on the farm, there was no time for screen time. It was a wicked place for a young kid to grow up, having so many outdoor activities right on our doorstep. Over the last few years, I have been lucky enough to call some very special places abroad home: Canada, the USA and most recently in Hong Kong. 

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

I love all things outdoors! You’ll find me in the mountains skiing, in the hills hunting, in the rivers kayaking, in the lakes waterskiing, at the beach surfing, or in the ocean fishing and free diving. I also enjoy playing and watching rugby and dabbling in various other sports such as golf and squash. All these things I love to do with friends and family.

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

I really like knowing where I am and what’s around me. For me, this means having NZ Topo 50 downloaded. It also means I can create points on the map of places I’ve been and where I have seen different exciting things. 

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

While working for Southern Rewilding, it was always pretty special when a Toutouwai New Zealand Robin would decide to hang out and follow me around while I went from trap to trap looking for pests. 

As a guide, what's your top tip for someone new to hiking in New Zealand?

Two things: always check the weather, because it can be wild, and embrace your inner bird nerd. It will make your time in our forests truly exciting.

How do you stay motivated on a long day on the trail?

Taking a moment to appreciate where I am, the company I am with, and what’s around me. Oh, and thinking about what’s for dinner. 

Do you have a favourite trail snack or meal?

Can’t beat a cheeky packet of Jet Planes to keep you going through the day.

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

I would like to explore deeper into Fiordland and get over to Rakiura, Stewart Island.