ABOUT US
POSSIBLE IS EVERYTHING.
Luke Middleton
General Manager
NZOIA Bush 2, Rock 1, Sea Kayak 1 & Alpine 1
National Diploma in Outdoor Recreation (Instruction) (Level 5)
National Award in Risk Management (Level 3)
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
Luke comes to Adventure Southland with a wealth of experience in both hands-on instructing and managerial roles.
He is skilled across a variety of disciplines, and enjoys sharing his extensive knowledge. If you’ve got a problem to solve, want to upskill, or are just keen to chat about your latest mission, Luke is your man.
Amy Sutherland
Programme Manager
Certificate in Outdoor Recreation (Instruction) Single Pitch Rock Climbing
Certificate in Outdoor Recreation (Leadership) Bush Walking
Outdoor Recreation Bush Walking
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
Industrial Rope Access (Elementary Rope Skills), and Fall Arrest Systems Training
Amy is our amazing Programme Manager. With her ability to make the impossible happen, she helps keep everything and everybody going in the right direction.
Every now and then a group will be fortunate and have her instructing them out in the field, where Amy has a fantastic energy and an ability to get people to push well past their limit.
Dave Fenton
Industrial Coordinator
Bachelor of Sport and Recreation
NZOIA Rock 1, Bush 1, & Sea Kayak 1
NZOIA WWNZ River Rescue 1
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care + Instructor Certificate of Resuscitation
Asbestos Identification & Safe Removal
Industrial Rope Access (Elementary Rope Skills), and Fall Arrest Systems Training
Dave is a fun, engaging and energetic instructor who works in all branches of Adventure Southland. He is one of the most experienced members of our team who can tailor his teaching to any audience.
A keen kayaker, rock climber and alpinist, Dave has dedicated a huge amount of his personal time to building his expertise in these areas. As a volunteer member of Land Search and Rescue these skills have been called on many times.
Nick Edwards
Outdoor Instructor/Rope Tech
Diploma in Outdoor Instruction & Management
NZOIA Bush Walking Leader
NZOIA Kayak Leader
NZOIA/WWNZ River Rescue Level 1
NZ Cert. in Outdoor Recreation (Instruction) Rock Climbing (Level 5)
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
Industrial Rope Access (Elementary Rope Skills), and Fall Arrest Systems Training
Nick tells us he’s pretty awesome… and we tend to agree. His wide range of skills make him a very versatile member of our team, and a favourite amongst our regular clients.
Nick is passionate about getting out and active, so when he’s not off for a run with his 4-legged friend Cooper, you might find him scoring on the footy field.
Charlee Bluck
Outdoor Instructor
National Diploma in Adventure Tourism Management
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
Wilderness First AId
A recent addition to our team, Charlee brings a positive attitude and passion for working with young people.
Charlee’s previous experience as an outdoor instructor in New Zealand, and her time at Camp America has left her with a range of skills. She loves guiding our clients through challenging activities, and helping to make lasting memories.
Karisa Webster
Outdoor Instructor
Diploma in Outdoor & Adventure Education
NZOIA Bush Leader
NZOIA Rock Leader
NZOIA Abseil Leader
NZOIA Sea Kayak Leader
Karisa joined our team in 2023, and she’s already making quite the impression! Her positive, can-do attitude is inspiring for both our team and clients.
With experience across a range of activities, Karisa enjoys working with our clients to reach their full potential. And the best part? She gets to play outside all day!
A Southland local, you might find Karisa up bright and early to take advantage of the legendary Colac Bay surf before work.
Rachel Crago
Southland ALIVE Co Ordinator
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise (Level 7)
NZ Cert. in Youth Work (Adventure and Nature Based) (Level 4)
NZ Cert. in Outdoor Leadership (Level 4) Bush
National Cert. in Outdoor Recreation (Leadership) Bush-Walking
NZ Cert. Assistant Outdoor Leadership (Level 3)
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
Certificate in Mental Health First Aid
Surf Lifeguard Award
Rachel joined our team in 2020 after completing work placement with us during her study. As well as a passion for the outdoors and a wealth of knowledge, she brings a bubbly personality and infectious energy that our clients can’t get enough of.
Her passion for helping others shines through on her work with the Southland ALIVE programme, where she thrives on creating opportunities for our clients to go out of their comfort zone and achieve their goals.
Rach grew up at the beach, so any excuse for a swim, kayak or fishing trip is good enough for her!
Paula Brown
Youth Mentor
Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary)
Certificate in Mental Health First Aid
Paula is a highly motivated member of our team, who strives to get the best results for our youth development clients. Her background as a secondary school teacher means she is quick to build a strong rapport with those from a variety of backgrounds—an essential skill when asking young people to step out of their comfort zone.
Community service is important to Paula, and she volunteers with a variety of organisations within her local community, including the Bluff RSA and Senior Citizens Centre.
If you’re working with Paula, bring your sense of humour and a willingness to work hard!
Kristin Fenton
Administrator/Graphic Designer
Bachelor of Applied Media Arts (Visual Media)
More of an inside person, Kristin can usually be found chasing up paperwork or creating some sweet promotional material. Her background in graphic design, and an eye for detail, mean that she keeps everything running smoothly and looking great.
On occasion, she’s tricked into heading into the wilderness with Dave and their two boys. Lake Hawea is a favourite camping spot.
Kai
Chief Motivater
All-round good boy
An avid Frisbee enthusiast, Kai is full of energy which translates brilliantly to his role as Team Motivater.
Kai draws a crowd wherever he goes. When he’s not getting all the pats, you might find Kai out walking with friends.
In memoriam
Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing the lawns. Climb that goddamn mountain.
– Jack Kerouac
Will Impelmans
Industrial Coordinator
Certificate in Outdoor Recreation (Instruction) Single Pitch Rock Climbing
NZOIA Bush 1
Archery Foundation Coach
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
Asbestos Identification & Safe Removal
Industrial Rope Access (Elementary Rope Skills), and Fall Arrest Systems Training
Ropes That Rescue – Team Rescue Skills
Our industrial coordinator, Will, is the leading force behind our industrial training. With a huge amount of knowledge and lots of time spent working on ropes he loves to share his skills and passion with groups. Will is always looking to make each course just right for the client, making their job easier and safer.
When he isn’t teaching you can often find Will out rock climbing, hunting, or mountain biking.