Meet Marios, our grounded and generous guide based in the heart of the Motueka Valley—where fruit trees flourish, neighbours wave, and the Kahurangi ranges stand tall on the horizon. With deep roots in the land and a passion for sharing its gifts, Marios brings quiet wisdom and a touch of humour to every trail. Whether he’s harvesting the summer’s bounty or admiring the stealth flight of a kārearea in the bush, he reminds us that the real magic of hiking lies in slowing down, noticing the details, and soaking in the journey.
I live in the beautiful Motueka Valley, a gem of a place along the eastern fringes of Kahurangi National Park. The tight-knit community has a full societal spectrum from aging hippies to the rich and famous. Everyone shares a love for this awe-inspiring place.
My greatest pleasure is hanging out with my family. We live on a 2 acre property in the beautiful Motueka Valley, so have a limitless playground on our doorstep - whether taking a hike in Kahurangi National Park, a mountain bike, camping in Abel Tasman or just a mid-winter swim in the Motueka River. We live in a yurt on our property and have over 100 hazelnut trees, 40 fruit trees, berries and a vegetable garden. We love harvesting this produce and sharing delicious meals with friends.
Summer or winter, rain or shine, I will always carry a beanie. As a baldylocks, the heat retention from the possum/merino blend keeps me toasty and secure.
On the Hollyford Track I was walking through a tree tunnel. With noiseless grace and deft wings, a karearea, my favourite bird, flew within feet of me, then perched close-by on a branch for a slice of eyeballing.
Walk slow. Take your time. Get into the rhythms of Nature. These are more melancholy than our busy lives. Stop and listen to the birds. Smell the wet forest floor. Observe the insects. Reduce your pace when walking up hills. This gives you better stamina, keeps you more comfortable and ensures you are fresher for the hike ahead.
Whilst New Zealand sells itself and it is impossible to leave these isles without an enduring sense of wonder, for me it is the people which make this job. Having the opportunity to meet a diverse range of people from all walks of life, countries and cultures is a privilege. I love the deep and grunty conversations you get into whilst walking along a track. The mild exercise allows for clear thinking, the scenery is inspirational, and the exchange of ideas leaves me with the warm fuzzies.
It was early May and the group had made a stop at Blue Pools on the Haast Highway. This glacially-fed waterway takes it's name from the fine suspended particulate material held aloft in the flowing water. The light reflects an impossibly blue hue, making an inviting temptation for a frisky dip. Despite frost on the schist beach, the group were down to their undies and squealing with terror and delight having submerged themselves in the frigid waters. When it came to getting dressed again, the wet undies had frosty rocks welded to them. It gave a new meaning to 'dangleberries'
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