Claire 

New Zealand & Nepal Guide

Claire was born in Invercargill (the southernmost city in New Zealand) and grew up in the nearby town of Gore. Adventure’s always been on her doorstep, she spends a lot of her spare time exploring the nearby Catlins, as well as the rivers and mountains of the Southland region. She speaks English and basic Spanish, while her hobbies include hiking, biking and kayaking into some of the most stunning parts of the world… basically everything she does here at Active! She also enjoys sailing, fishing, cooking, music, playing sports and creating an amazing veggie garden.

Greatest adventure memory? "It’s hard to pin down - there’s so many!". One that stands out is a 3 night/4 day sea kayaking trip with 8 of her friends around Stewart Island (just off the South Coast of New Zealand’s South Island). One night they shared a mountain hut with a group of 8 deer stalkers, they exchanged fresh fish for venison and compared adventure stories before an evening full of robust discussion and singalongs! After a sleepless night (due to snoring hunters) they bid each other fond farewells and the hunters helped them launch their kayaks. The two groups were from quite different walks of life but they all came together through sharing a love for the outdoors, in this amazing place that is Stewart Island.

Before guiding with Active, Claire worked as a Youth Mental Health and Addictions clinician (she trained as a social worker and she’s been working with youth for the past 9 years).

Favourite quote: “I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship” – Louise May Alcott

Testimonials

“AMAZING. Her knowledge of New Zealand and the South Island is incredible. She is an absolute asset to your team. Claire went above and beyond to make sure each and every one of us was having a great time. She was enthusiastic about every activity and her commentary as we were driving through different landscapes about history, legends, etc., was fantastic. She got to know each of us personally and made sure we got the most out of our trip.”
- Tessa H. (victoria, British Columbia, Canada), Tui October 2018

“Claire gets my vote as the ultimate all time guide. She was fun to be with, knew her stuff, could answer any questions and would make touring the garbage dump fun.”
- James C. (Port Townsend, Washington, United States), Beautiful South December 2017

“Claire is an OUTSTANDING guide and the epitome of professionalism. She is a natural leader, strong and fit as hell, patient, caring, passionate about sharing her beautiful country, an amazing driver, and so incredibly knowledgeable about everything I threw at her question-wise (history, culture, places to explore, food, you name it!). I honestly cannot speak highly enough her or recommend her more strongly. She worked her ass off for us so that we were able to do so much, so seemlessly, in such a short period of time and for that, I am eternally grateful. She made this trip. Period. I would go on an adventure with her anywhere, anytime, and I say that of very very few people (most of whom I've climbed with and known for years). Claire is a quality person who is an exceptional guide. She is very much an asset to Active Adventures as well as an advocate for New Zealand as a whole. ”
- Christina G. (Seattle, Washington, United States), Tui December 2016