On the couch with Adventure South guide Angela Sexton

Angela Sexton - New Zealand guide
Angela Sexton - New Zealand guide

On the couch: Adventure South guide Angela Sexton

It would be fair to say incredible tours would only be tours if it weren’t for our dedicated cycling and hiking guides. With their extensive experience, knowledge, and abundant energy, they are fundamental to the success of every trip we undertake.

We caught up with our guide Ange to discover how she got into hiking 16 years ago. Why her favourite trip is the Moonlight Valley and Ben Lomond Backcountry Hike trip. She even shared a few top tips for eager travellers considering a multi-day tour.


How did you first get into hiking?

I was living in Colorado and the Rocky Mountains were my backyard. Whether it’s in my blood or completely random I decided I wanted to climb all of the highest peaks in Colorado. It’s a lot of hiking just to get to the base of them. That was 16 years ago and I've somehow managed to make it a career. I think it’s pretty amazing really.
 

What does hiking mean to you, and what does it give you? 

Hiking has always been a gateway in my life. Whether to access adventure, connect with people, stay fit, or a means to simply clear my head. It’s provided me with a rewarding career, leading people into places they wouldn't ordinarily explore or experience without a guide. Hiking has opened my eyes and heart to connect with nature in a way that revives me, and enables me to grow as a person. Hiking can be confronting when it’s not blue skies and clear paths. It can reveal our weaknesses and our strengths. It’s just a beautiful thing that never gets old. There’s always more mountains to climb, tracks to explore, and of course new people to share it with.  

HIKING CAN BE CONFRONTING WHEN IT'S NOT BLUE SKIES
AND CLEAR PATHS. IT CAN REVEAL OUR WEAKNESSES
AND OUR STRENTHS. IT'S JUST A BEAUTIFUL THING
THAT NEVER GETS OLD
 

All time favourite New Zealand trip?

Definitely the Moonlight Valley and Ben Lomond Backcountry Hike trip. It’s a new Adventure South itinerary, but I've been guiding in that area for four years. With tourism in New Zealand increasing every year the public trails are getting busier, with the feeling of being remote on a guided trip harder to obtain. This area is a vast high country sheep station with breathtaking scenery whatever the season. The station owners host us, providing a warm atmosphere and real authentic kiwi experience.
 

Climbing up the Ridge line on Ben Lomond |  <i>Colin Monteath</i>

 

Most memorable moment on the trails?

Without doubt, getting an entire group to the summit of a mountain. The journey up can always present physical and mental challenges, dynamic weather, and false summits. The collective sense of achievement at the top however results in a camaraderie I love being part of. Naturally the views, treats, and hot drinks add even more to the memories.
 

 

The collective sense of achievement at the top
however results in a camaraderie I love
being part of..

The Remarkables Mountain Range from Ben Lomond Summit |  <i>Colin Monteath</i>

 

 

What advice do you have for people choosing a guided walk? 

Research thoroughly, and then choose an activity level that is realistic to train and prepare for. Look at the weather patterns for the region / season you’re interested in. Read reviews, ask questions and invest in a good rain jacket. There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.

 
"There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear"
 

What are your top tips for people preparing for a multi-day walk? 

Training is the best way to get the most out of your guided walk. You might get by with a low level of fitness, but you won't enjoy the experience as much as those who’ve trained beforehand. Don’t let bad weather deter you from training, as it’s the best training. We don't get spectacular blue sky landscapes everyday. There's always a chance we'll endure adverse elements. Embrace the rainy and windy days once in awhile in your training routine. You might even begin to enjoy it.

Join us on Ange's favourite Adventure South Hike; the Moonlight Valley and Ben Lomond Backcountry Hike.

Comment (0)

Your comment will be visible after the administrator's approval.







b i u quote


Save Comment
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips