Introducing - Nicky McArthur
From Kaikoura Wilderness Walks
Experience the Wilderness Walk of a Lifetime. This wilderness
encounter offers a very different experience, New Zealand at its
purest. Walk into the world of the gods. Rest, relax and rejuvenate
in this extraordinary alpine valley. Enjoy an exclusive 2 or 3 day
Private Guided Walk through internationally renowned Puhi Peaks
Nature Reserve, on the highest privately owned land in New Zealand.
Accommodation is at the eco-friendly Shearwater Lodge - nestled at
the bush edge in a spectacular alpine valley at 1000m.
1. What are your role and responsibilities at Kaikoura Wilderness
Walks?
I am jack of all trades and master of just a few - perhaps??
Having become the sole owner of KWW in 2008 - I have experience the
sharpest learning curve of my life - second only to having
children. Officially, I am everything from owner/operator to
Shearwater Lodge Manager but in between I drive the passenger
vehicle to the farm, then I climb into the Yamaha Rhino and drive
up the 7 kms to the lodge. There I become the chef, the hostess,
and on Sundays - clean the rooms and bathrooms alongside wonderful
helpers.
2. What's the first thing you do on a Saturday
morning?
Prepare breakfast for our guests at Eco-Friendly Shearwater
Lodge - on a good day, but on a challenging day it can include
getting the generator going, setting and lighting the fire if there
is snow on the ground, and/or waking my gorgeous guides to go and
sort out the Hydro Power Scheme!!! Or simply applying my lipstick
so that at least the guests think we are totally cool, calm and
collected and catering to every detail around their comfort and
wellbeing at Shearwater Lodge.
3. What are you reading at the moment?
Two books - The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (having been
really inspired by both Blink and the Tipping Point). And three
Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortensen. I am always inspired by those who
are dedicated to making a difference. I had two gorgeous months
wandering through Nepal in 2003 and was moved by all I saw and
experienced. One of my mottos is Sir Peter Blake's quote - "We are
here to make a difference". At Kaikoura Wilderness Walks I am
dedicated to making it the ultimate Wilderness Experience in New
Zealand. This on all levels and I am committed to each and every
one of our guests, believing in some small way they can make a tiny
difference to conservation and preservation of our earth. This is
strongly represented in my Art.
4. If you were to be stranded on an island, which three
things would you bring with you?
A pen and paper to be able to record my thoughts, drawings,
feelings etc. A box of matches could be handy to light a fire - how
cold is it???? A great heavy blanket would be pretty high on my
list - for cool/shade.
5. If I invited myself over to your house for dinner,
using only the contents in your fridge right now, what would you
make me?
Well you might just be in luck because I have just shopped
for our trip tomorrow, so we could start with Champagne. Food-wise
I could offer you delicious canape's made with smoked salmon and
cream cheese, asparagus wrapped in puff pastry twirls and small
toasted rounds with pate. For mains, all this is already on site so
perhaps I could whip up a delicious chesse souffle and salad -
something light, because for dessert we have strawberries,
Blueberries, Raspberries and Boysenberries to enjoy in a light
Mascarpone. Then if you still have room, I have my FAMOUS Christmas
cake which has been shared around the world. It's also known as
triathlon cake, it got me to the World Age Group Tri - Champs in
2006!! Good stuff - the places you'll go - the places you will
see!!!
6. Where would you rather be right now?
Nowhere else in the world. I have travelled widely and
Kaikoura has an extraordinary energy, there is something about
being by the sea. This extraordinary place, where Blue meets Green
(Eco Tourist Town), where the mountains meet the sea in as dramatic
a way as anywhere in New Zealand. Where people come for time out,
either from this country or overseas, it is a true meeting
place.
7. What advice would you give to your 15 year old
self?
Believe in yourself. By that I mean listen very closely to
what your head and heart are saying to you. Listen carefullt and
confidently, and TRUST in yourself and follow your dream. BE TRUE
TO yourself - and in being true to yourself you will true to others
and the world can become your oyster.
8. If you could only ever go one place in the world on
holiday for the rest of your life - where would it be?
Am I allowed a whole continent? If so, South America!
Otherwise the Highlands of Scotland at Ardvar where my parents
live. Here the skies are a grecian blue, the beaches have white
sand, the mountain tops high and imposing and the light soft moody
and continually changing. This is where I learned to love the
hills, learned to be with myself and learned the beauty of nature
in all things.
9. If you could acquire one new skill within the next 24
hours, what would it be?
Something in the art arena - probably
printmaking.
10. What's one thing most people do not know
about you?
Probably that I am incrediby shy. My friends just laugh when
I tell them that. Finally, at 50 I have learned to have the courage
to face my fears, live my dreams and be who I am. Also not wanting
to either a) run away b) hope the floor will swallow me up c)if I
do turn the colour of a beetroot, it simply does not matter! That's
me, it is who I am, I can deal with that. Trust and integrity with
myself and others in all areas will carry the day. Carpe
Diem.
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