PHOTO OF THE MONTH:

Photo gallery of pictures from our ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND adventure vacation
Rimu Feb 2009
2009 PHOTO COMPETITION WINNER! Congratulations to Darcy Thompson, whose moody shot of Okarito Lagoon beat out 1500 others for an Icebreaker top and $200 off his next trip.

MEET OUR GUIDES:

ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND adventure travel guide
Barry Hughes
"Barry is a fantastic guide. I enjoyed his wry sense of humor and his patience with my fear of heights. "
Michelle Morel (Pennsylvania, USA) November 2008 Rimu
"I would say that the whole trip was a huge big buzz. An awesome trip, well run but in a relaxed friendly manner - you do not feel that you are a sheep on a conveyor belt. Plenty of laughs, activities and amazing surroundings. Found the countryside awesome (bit like home in some places), enjoyed the people on the trip, and liked the New Zealand people. "

Claire Wishart (Edinburgh, United Kingdom) December 2002 Rimu
New Zealand TeamNew Zealand Guides
New Zealand adventure guides
Cristina
Cristina 		Name:  Cristina Simpkins
Position:  Co-Guide/Cook
Bio:
I love travelling, exploring unknown territories, meeting people from all walks of life and learning about new cultures. Hiking is also a passion of mine, especially the unspoken reward of reaching the top! In the past, I've studied creative arts and literature and used to guide backcountry expeditions by horseback. I've also done a fair bit of travelling, having explored parts of Europe, Australia, South East Asia, Canada, USA and Indonesia.
What our clients have said:

"Cristina was always supportive, went out of her way to find food for us lactose/gluten intolerant folks. Appreciated her enthusiasm and concern for each of us."
-- Sandy Leach (Washington, USA) November 2009 Rimu


"Cristina was awesome! Really listens well to everyone's needs. Almost felt like all I had to do is think something and it would show up. Good food - great cook. Very approachable and fun to have around."
-- Scott Thiede (California, USA) November 2009 Rimu


"Perfect cook, perfect chaperone, perfect guide. She was there for our every need. "
-- Derek Portlock (Oklahoma, USA) November 2009 Rimu


"Christina was amazing, she is a wonderful person and full of knowledge. You can tell she loves her job and it shows. Did I mention how amazing of a cook she is?"
-- Josh Reeves March 2009 Rimu


"Cristina was Cheer Leader Extraordinaire. Her enthusiasm was contagious and was always upbeat and positive. Her attitude did a lot to keep up the group's morale whenever it was dragging - especially during the arduous hike on day 2/3."
-- Aruna Singh January 2009 Rimu


"Cristina is such a lovely person with such an enthusiasm for life and experience that she enchanted all of us. She was flawless and made us all want to be a bit more like her. I think she is the most likable person I have ever had as a guide."
-- Margaret Gill February 2009 Rimu


"Cristina is a gem!"
-- Geoff Sam (Australia) May 2008 Winter Rimu


"Loved Christina! She accommodated everybody's pace and food interests. She was pleasant, humourous, patient. She tries to include and engage all participants in conversations and has a genuine interest with each person."
-- Heather Thompson (ON, Canada) March 2008 Rimu


"Cristina is lovely, very patient, always concerned about your wellbeing and that you're enjoying yourself. I think she'll be an excellent lead guide with a bit more experience."
-- Cecilia Strandell (Sweden) February 2008 Guide's Choice: Hoiho


"Cristina was great, especially at mingling and chatting with all of us during the drives. She was a great cook and the venison she prepared for dinner was better than any that I had in any restuarant."
-- Yining Chen (NY, United States) February 2008 Tui Queenstown


"I really enjoyed having her on the trip. She is a great cook and made sure we eat healthy. She was so calm (I'd panic if I'd have to cook for 7!) when preparing the meals and also very good organized. She was great company."
-- Angela Bissig (Switzerland) January 2008 Rimu