Michelle is a born and bred South Island “Kiwi”. Her love of the outdoors started in Dunedin my home town. She began tramping ( hiking ) with a local club and quickly became involved with search and rescue and volunteer instruction as well. She subsequently lived in Christchurch until significant earthquakes lead to a move to Wanaka, a beautiful lakeside town nestled in the heart of our southern mountains. She have travelled extensively, primarily in Europe, Asia and the Pacific for work and enjoyment and spent 4 years living in Colorado, USA. Career wise, she used outdoor skills and marketing degree to work for NZ Mountain Safety Council and a not for profit Fairtrade organisation while raising my four children, (now all outdoor adventurers). Subsequently she trained as a primary school teacher, leading to seven years as Principal in small remote schools in the South Island. Flexibility, self sufficiency and a great sense of humour was required every day! She now teach on a relief basis allowing me to enjoy family, follow her natural curiosity with traveling and continue to hike, ski, swim and bike. She is excited to now share my knowledge and love of Aotearoa with travellers. She have led tours for Nature Quest Zealand for the past three years.