Our Team
Laurie - Walk Guide and Skills Tutor
Aroha Abel Tasman is a small, locally run adventure company owned and operated by Laurie Adams. Originally from the UK, Laurie has found his true home in the Tasman region and has developed a deep passion for the ecology, history and culture of the area. He loves nothing more than sharing this passion with people who come on our adventures. When not working in the outdoors, he is playing in the outdoors; tramping and mountain biking with friends and family, and often to be found in the bush on a micro adventure with his eight-year-old son.
Laurie is a qualified International Mountain Leader and has been guiding and providing training in the outdoors for over 20 years. He has been fortunate enough to have worked as a guide in far-flung places such as the European Alps, Indian Himalaya and Mongolia. Previously, he had a varied career including the UK Fire and Rescue Service, New Zealand Emergency Management and Royal Marines, and was humbled to be awarded an MBE for services to the community along the way.
Some awesome people we work with!
Nat - Trail Running Guide and Coach
A passion for adventure, curiosity and learning has fuelled Nat’s life and career. Over the last decade, her love of physiotherapy has taken her from the UK to the frigid sub-Antarctic Falkland Islands, and now to beautiful Aotearoa/New Zealand. Along the way she has served as medical support at the London 2012 Olympics and as a Team Physio at the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games. Driven by a desire to continually develop professionally, she earned a Post-Graduate Diploma in Sports & Exercise Medicine (Hons.) from Otago University in 2019. But her deepest passion lies in the world of running. Whether that is through technique analysis, outdoor natural play or just getting her clients to discover the true potential of their feet! In 2019 she embarked on a 3000km adventure across New Zealand; running the length of the country unsupported on the Te Araroa Trail.
While running the Te Araroa Trail, which she describes as a life changing experience, she learnt so much more about her own physical and mental capabilities, allowing her to develop even greater empathy towards her clients. She sees every day as a chance to play barefoot, to run wild, to find a sense of calm, to learn new things, to challenge herself, all whilst working passionately towards chasing the things that make her tick… Find out more here.
Kelly - Yoga Teacher
Kelly’s love of adventure, nature & wellness has led her to a career teaching Yoga, Standup paddleboard (SUP) Yoga, Bodybalance as well as working as a personal trainer & an outdoor instructor. Her nurturing & warm nature is evident in her teaching style, creating an inviting & supportive space for students to explore their yoga journey. Through sharing her feminine approach to yoga Kelly provides an opportunity for others to nourish their mind & body. She aspires for people to step off their mat feeling more grounded & at ease. Follow Kelly on Facebook @KellytheStokedYogi
Merisha - Yoga Teacher Trainer
Merisha describes Yoga as her slow-burning bed of embers. The tools that weave in a little more self awareness and curiosity. She thrives outside, usually in the mountains, sweaty and slightly out of breath, grinning from ear-to-ear. But can’t always be there, and the access to a peaceful solid ‘self-centre’, crafted through regular practice of yoga, keeps her feet earthed and filters a calm awareness through life’s daily little tornados.
Outside of facilitating the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Course with Ashram Yoga, she is a NZ adventure guide and rock climber. A seeker and lover of limits, and explorer of the body as best and life-long friend - what a relationship! Her style is a ‘guiding-style’ whilst using a traditional framework. She tends to focus on encouraging inner exploration of possibilities rather than flexibilities. Working with and increasing strength and resilience are things that brings a sparkle to her eye. ‘Opening the door and turning on the light’ for others, so maybe we can all step out together into the world and care for it and ourselves a little better. In her past life she was a Commercial Pilot (no, really!), Glacier Guide and Yoga Studio owner in Brazil. As well as sometime ski-bus driver and lifty!
