About Us - Pakari

Pakari Adventure was born from a desire to offer something exciting and new in the adventure training space.

We recognised an issue in the resilience and wellbeing of people in these difficult times and have set about providing a solution. Pakari is staffed by a team of highly experienced people combined with fantastic facilities that together offer a unique and powerful life changing experience.

At Pakari we value growth, purpose and connection. We seek to grow ourselves so we can help others grow. We hold that our purpose is to provide the best adventure training programme possible. And we recognise the interrelated nature of the world and our ability to effectively engage in it.

We are continually refining our process and products, with the desire to meet current needs with comprehensive training options. Complex problems often need complex solutions, but we think we can provide a way through in a calm, thoughtful and relatable way. We want to be the best we can be.

Gregg Johnson

Kia ora, my path in life has taken me from a dyslexic boy to a team leader in the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZ SAS) and currently as a facilitator for Pakari. My journey has given me the opportunity to train and work as a trauma medic, a bodyguard, and an instructor for the military and Outward Bound overseas and in New Zealand. From combat operations in Afghanistan to my time on the Ambulances in South Auckland, I have learned valuable lessons that I now offer to others. I am incredibly grateful to have the ability to translate my learnings from combat into usable lessons. I’m a great believer in experiential learning and using Papatūānuku as the vehicle to teach life skills, test those skills, and grow. I live my life today with a focus on my mindset and physical strength, spending as much time in Papatūānuku as possible.
Nicole Walker

I have a special interest in empowering women through nature immersion which led to the creation of my business Strong Wāhine. I also facilitate Equine Therapy programs and believe this has given me a unique perspective. I am passionate about helping people to live their best lives, and the powerful therapeutic benefits of Papatūānuku. I worked in Police Forensics for 11 years and as a trainer in Forensics for Police recruits at the RNZPC. I am an elite athlete and have achieved World Championship level success in both trail running and triathlon. I am also an artist and an identical twin. My current focus is on being a strong woman, my holistic approach includes movement, nourishment and mindset. I continue my love of being outdoors running, tramping, riding, kayaking and paddle boarding
Ben Pointer

I served in the Royal Marine Commandos specialising in surveillance and reconnaissance as part of the UK’s elite Mountain and Arctic warfare unit. Conducting over a decade of operational tours across the globe, I later joined the UK’s domestic Counter Terrorism Unit before leading operations for a covert surveillance team in support of UK Government agencies. After moving to Aotearoa, I retrained as a mental health counsellor using evidence-based practice to support the military and veterans transitioning into civilian life. My passion is working with individuals and teams to enhance their potential of human performance using psychological skills I learnt through operational service in some of the most arduous environments on the planet. In my spare time I enjoy hunting, fishing, trail running and photography.
Jack Kelly

For over 20 years Jack has owned and operated multiple outdoor adventure companies in the Abel Tasman National Park. The last 15 of these years have involved a commitment to personal growth and leadership training facilitation of self and others. He leads programs both in New Zealand and through the high and lowlands of Nepal. The acquisition of Abel Tasman Kayaks in 2012 was born out of a desire to create change, to give back to the national park and have visitors leave with a greater sense of responsibility than when they arrived. The Pakari Adventure program is the realisation of this vision.
Michael Dickson

Michael began working in the outdoor education field in 2003. Working in community mental health he studied a BA Outdoor Ed and Grad Dip. secondary teaching at Canterbury Uni. This led to working with at risk youth over several years running programmes meeting high needs. He is a co-owner of Equine Inspired therapeutic horse interventions, gardener, and father of three.

Partners

“Working with the team at Pakari is nothing short of inspirational. The programmes they provide and the way it is facilitated is impressive and the effectiveness is evident. The participants we take into the challenging canyon environment are armed with newly gained skills giving them confidence and control. A step too far out of the comfort zone can be a bad experience, but the team at Pakari turns these moments into positive, valuable learning experiences. It is an honour to work alongside the professional and inspirational instructors.”

“Pakari groups have come stayed with us at Adventure Inn Marahau, we are predominately normally a backpackers hostel but in these trying times we have changed our focus to small group tours and family’s, and in the recent 12months we have seen a diverse range in groups come through. But none stick out more than the Pakari Group. They have been absolutely excellent in the way they conduct themselves, they work together in a kind and respectful way that can only be attributed to the way the group is lead with a focus on team building and helping one another. Their leadership team is very well organized with a genuine desire to inspire their groups.”