Meet our Staff: Daniel Murphy

Dan grew up in the rolling farmland of the Pohangina Valley, where muddy boots and wide-open spaces were a way of life. After guiding hikes through Spain and the backcountry of Aotearoa, he now heads up South Island operations - when he's not off on a research mission disguised as a hiking holiday. Dan still has a soft spot for topographic maps and the kind of days that stretch on along wild trails. He relishes the challenge of uncovering new terrain and turning it into unforgettable adventures for others. Whether he’s planting trees on the Chathams or chasing trails in the high country, Dan brings passion, purpose and a good dose of Kiwi ingenuity.

Dan Murphy - Co-Owner and South Island Operations Manager 

Tell us about your home town?

There were no towns involved. I was lucky enough to grow up a country kid in the bucolic setting of the Pohangina Valley, which is in the Manawatu province of the North Island. It was New Zealand rural splendor at its best, well that’s how I remember it!

I ‘emigrated’ to the South Island with Anne back in 2000 after four years or so of living and travelling overseas. As much as I loved the travel and the experience of living in the Northern hemisphere, it did make me truly appreciate New Zealand and what a privilege it is to live here and call New Zealand home.

What do you do when you are not working or hiking?

Surprise, I enjoy going for a hike, and even though I get to do a lot of it for a job, I still love doing it in my spare time. It’s also a great way to spend time with family and friends while exploring some new country.

During COVID we set up another business, Southern Rewilding, that does conservation work, such as trapping and planting trees, so I get to spend a bit of time doing this as well, mainly planting trees. We have a multi-year contract on the Chatham Islands, so that also gives me something else to do, and although its work it is fun and very rewarding.

How do you prepare for a multi-day hike?

I check the route on a topographic map, these days that would most likely be online, but if I have a paper map, that’s even better. Assessing a map always adds to the anticipation, helps me build a picture of the terrain and see if there are any side trips worth checking out. I would also look at what the hut and camping options would be. I like to plan a menu, as I would hate to run out of food! Of course, I check the weather forecast on multiple websites until I find the forecast I like the best! And then the night before I would probably pack and curse myself for leaving it until the last minute.

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

After a lifetime of hiking I don’t think there is anything that I have not forgotten to take at least once, and you always find a way of improvising. I recently started using a small inflatable Nemo pillow, which has been a bit of a game changer when it comes to having a comfortable sleep.

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

I keep looking around me and appreciating where I am. I also remember that all I need to do to get to where I am going is keep on putting one foot in front of the other, life is rarely so simple.