Helen Walker run’s Wild Footprints in the Abel Tasman and organises Ultimate Women’s Wild Weekends, here is how she started:
That’s it!
‘Wild Footprint’s’
I shouted
My students at the time must of thought me a little crazy. While they were feeling challenged trying to navigate their way through thick Marlborough bush, I was to them merrily wandering along like I was have a great old time. And I was. And that’s when the name came to me.
Let me back track to explain. One of my life goals was to be an Outward Bound NZ Instructor, this I achieved in 2006 and lived this dream for four years. While here I empelled students into a vast array of challenging situations and facilitated their growth and learning from it. One thing that was important to me (then and now) was to be true to yourself and teach from the heart, it’s more impactfull. I believe of living my dreams not sitting around dreaming of living.
Wild Footprints is the name of two of my dreams that came to me while living another. I decided when I left Outward Bound that I would embark on an adventure that had been manifesting for years. To walk the length of the South Island, through the wilderness. After planning the route, sorting logistics and gaining support I took my first step on this journey at Te Wai Wai Bay November 2010. After a fantastic and challenging 68 days I was sitting drinking ice cold ginger beer at a friends place in Mt Cook. Although only half way I felt a huge sense of accomplishment and a great need for human interaction not to mention rest. This dream is ‘to-be-continued’ and will be, I have already ticked off a bit more of my route.
In 2012 I had the opportunity to buy Abel Tasman National Park concessions to operate commercially. I have always wanted to own and operate my own Nature type business so I took a big breath and Wild Footprints Guided Nature Tours was born. I want to build a business the fit with my values. The environment and its preservation and protection. Shared experience, helping people have enjoyable experiences in the outdoors. And fun, this is what life is all about.
Helen Walker, Wild Footprints Guide
The Ultimate Women’s Wild Weekends
Apart from guiding half day, day and multi day trips in the Nelson/Tasman area, Helen organises The Ultimate Women’s Wild Weekends especially for women of all walks of life.
Women who like a bit of adventure but may not have anyone to do it with or would feel more secure having an adventure with other women. Wild Footprints understands that it’s nice to have a few luxuries at the end of the day.
Enjoy Nelson/ Tasman’s fantastic outdoor environment during the day then enjoy fine dinning, wine and accommodation at night. This weekend is aimed at providing you with an amazing experience.
- Ultimate Womens Wild Weekend 15-17 February 2013
- Ultimate Pink Womens Wild Weekend for gay women 25-27 January 2013
More info: Wild Footprints
