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Mark Orbell

Our lead naturalist guide is a sixth generation Kiwi, a descendant from a migrant family aboard one of the first ships from England in 1849. Born and raised on a sheep farm, Mark developed an intrinsic bond with the outdoors and a personal ethic of conserving New Zealand's outstanding natural features knowing that visitors would find similar enjoyment of his country's wild places. Since his college days, he has escorted groups along the world famous Routeburn Track in Fiordland well over 100 times! His appreciation for New Zealand's natural beauty has also led to a passion for photography culminating with the release of postcard series of the Routeburn and Milford Tracks. His images have been published in many magazines, brochures and calendars; and he is fast becoming one of New Zealand's top outdoor photographers. An accomplished musician with three records, his guitar often accompanies him on tour but don't expect to hear the "old favorites"- his style is loosely based around folk/pop with a distinctly New Zealand flavor. Mark's appreciation for his homeland has been enhanced by his adventures around the world, having traveled extensively throughout the UK, Europe, Southern Africa and Asia.

Jon and Allison Imhoof

Jon and Allison are our Field Coordinators in New Zealand. They have hosted thousands of clients on adventure tours in New Zealand as well as Hawaii, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. In 1989 Jon and Allison started a river surfing business, the first company in the world to offer whitewater body boarding trips. A year later they opened an adventure lodge and in 1994 they commenced the first specialized heli-snowboarding operation in the country. In 1996 Jon and Allison started another river surfing operation, this time on the Zambezi River in Southern Central Africa. Their latest endeavor is to start a boutique vineyard and guest house on their 22 acre property beside the Kawarau River. They are part of a close knit community of professional guides and outdoors people who regularly combine talents to provide the ultimate combination of comfort, safety and serious fun in adventure travel!