Lauren
Active Adventures New Zealand Guide
Lauren grew up in Christchurch on the east coast of the South Island, New Zealand. She's from a big outdoorsy family, so she's spent a lot of time tramping, camping, fishing and playing sports growing up.
What's your favorite Active Adventures trip and why?
Ultimate North Island Adventure — it has such a range of scenery, fun activities, and lots of ocean time in the first half.
What's your favorite travel destination?
Indonesia - for amazing diving and surfing!
What's your favorite adventure activity and why?
Freediving and SCUBA diving.
When did you first get the travel bug?
Right after I finished high school in Christchurch I moved to Fiji for a year to be a teacher. I lived in a remote village with a local family, taught at the kindergarten and primary school, and spent my free time swimming in the river, riding horses, fishing, and helping out on the farm. It was a very simple life full of connection, food and smiles!
Why did you want to become a guide with Active Adventures?
It was kind of a happy accident actually. After a tumultuous adventure working at a refugee camp in France, I returned home and was in need of a job, I saw the job advert for Active Adventures as a Cook Guide and thought that looked fun. I started guiding for Active Adventures in 2017 and haven't looked back!
What destination would you most like to travel to (that you haven't been to yet)?
Japan and India.
Do you have any favorite hobbies or special talents you could tell us about?
Gardening! I am slowly turning my backyard into a food forest, we have fruit trees, berries, lots of veggies and hopefully soon oyster mushrooms!
Testimonials
“Lauren, she’s a gem. Prepping, cooking and serving a bunch of hungry guests. Very professional and such an encouraging gal. I felt such accomplishment when I made it to the Summit on our last hike and without Lauren ‘s patience and encouragement, it wouldn’t have happened.”
- Terri (San Antonio, Texas, United States)
“Lauren is a dedicated, top-notch guide. Kind, friendly, fun, encouraging and helpful everyday in every way. AND....an incredible cook; meals were not only perfectly cooked but presented beautifully....a real surprise and treat on an adventure trip. And, she responded to the many different diet considerations, which I think is a hallmark of your prior planning as a company. ”
- Cheryl (Berkeley, California, United States)
“ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! She was, patient, fun, energetic, caring and had a good energy with her co-worker. She worked so hard making us amazing meals. Not only did she wake up early to prepare breakfast, but when we got back from a long day of fun activities she had to cook and clean. I was impressed!”
- Vicki (Jamul, California, United States)