Martin’s interest in, and urge to explore the natural world has been a consistent theme through study, employment and pastimes. Following a few seasons work with Hiking New Zealand as a guide after a career in education, he couldn't have been happier to gain his management role with a bunch of like-minded enthusiasts, which still allows him to get out on trips and introduce others to the wonders of nature.
I am originally from Nelson, an area blessed with beautiful coastal and mountain environments and a great climate. Growing up active in the outdoors developed a strong connection with this natural heritage and interest in fostering the same appreciation and care in others.
After university study of earth sciences and some experience working with children in the outdoors in holiday jobs I chose to train and spend a long career as a high school teacher focusing on outdoor and environmental education. During a break from teaching nine years ago I started guiding hiking tours for Hiking New Zealand and never went back!
In my spare time I am mostly outdoors and as well as hiking I enjoy cycling, sailing, sea kayaking, and skiing. Chief among those pursuits is time exploring backroads on my gravel bike. I also enjoy furniture making and a bit of gardening and carpentry around home.
With the arrival of 4 grandchildren (3 of them on the same day to our two daughters!) interest in international travel has been put on the backburner for a while in favour of greater focus on time as a family locally.
Very rare has been the summer I haven’t headed back to the Nelson region with family. The draw has chiefly been the lakes and mountains of Nelson Lakes National Park, location of some of my earliest tramping exploits as a teenager.
This is a hard call as they all traverse landscapes I love! I do have a penchant for our alpine trips. The unimpeded views you gain with tops travel above the bush line on such trips make the climbing to get there worthwhile. However, the revamped Scenic South Hike and Bike looks set to be my favourite, having enjoyed guiding its previous format.
Its multi-activity nature – cycling on internationally renowned cycle trails combined with hiking is such a great way to experience the variety of stunning landscapes – from the high peaks of Aoraki/Mt Cook through the lakes region of Central Otago to Fiordland.
I enjoy the pared back nature of life out hiking but never deny myself good chocolate and coffee! To this end I wouldn’t be without a good brewing method, either the coffee press kit with my MSR WindBurner stove, or MugMate reusable coffee filter.
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