Elize

Elize

Elize

Active Adventures Guide in New Zealand and in Europe

Elize is originally from The Netherlands, a beautiful country as flat as a 'stroopwafel'! From a young age her love for people, mountains and adventure got her traveling and exploring. Hiking, biking, meeting new people, discovering new places and eating good food is what really makes her tick. When she got the opportunity to move to New Zealand she did not hesitate. In New Zealand her love for multi-day hiking (in New Zealand called 'tramping') really took off. Elize is always out and about. So even on her time off you will find her hiking in the mountains, most likely chatting to everyone she meets. She loves giving people an experience of a lifetime. Be careful though, her enthusiasm is contagious! Famous quote: 'Let’s go! You will never regret a swim!

Elize Active Adventures Guide driving guests on the van  Elize Active Adventures Guide in the mountains Elize Active Adventures Guide in the mountains Elize Active Adventures Guide enjoying a break while hiking  

What's your favorite travel destination? 

Oeff, it feels impossible to choose... The time I have spent in Nepal and India were very special and have left a lasting impression. But my love for New Zealand has really taken over. Can I name the country I currently live in also my favorite travel destination? 

What's your favorite adventure activity and why? 

I love hiking! Can't get enough! I mainly love tramping (multi-day hiking). It's liberating to carry everything I need on my back. A big hike up a mountain makes me feel alive. I also love biking. Please don't make me choose between the two... Being Dutch I was practically born on a bike!

What has been your most inspiring adventure experience? 

Hiking the length of the South Island via the Te Araroa Trail. Incredible! 1,300km in 77 days. It was tough but so rewarding. Every day was different. It felt like walking within many different postcards while meeting some amazing people along the way. I highly recommend it to everyone who loves long distance hiking!

What's your favorite Active Adventures trip, and why? 

Ultimate South Island Adventure, which has lots of hiking and so much more all packed in a 2-week journey! I also love the Camino de Santiago trip in Spain. Love the combination of walking towards Santiago, and following in the footsteps of the many pilgrims that have gone before us, while eating delicious food!

When did you first get the travel bug? 

When I was 15 I traveled with a volunteer organization to rural Jamaica to build a school, and when I was 17 to Ghana to build houses. These journeys have made a big impact and have influenced many decisions I have made in my life. Lots more travel combined with volunteer work have followed after these first two trips.

Why did you want to become a guide with Active Adventures?

I feel so fortunate to combine the things I love the most, people and being outside, and call this my job! Loving it! Active Adventures delivers a high quality trip with a real focus on the people and fantastic hikes and adventures. I love working here!

What destination would you most like to travel to (that you haven't been to yet)?

Hiking in Japan and Patagonia. Would love to see and experience it!

Do you have any favorite hobbies or special talents you could tell us about?

My hobby is hiking! Classic, but it's the truth! It's my healthy addiction I can't live without! And my special talent... I can speak English with a very strong Dutch accent! Hahaha! Luckily, I can also speak English with a mild Dutch accent. And I can spontaneously break out into song, it's incredible, I know!