About Us

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BACKGROUND

Established in 1995, Bigfoot Adventures offers instruction, facilitation and management of adventure programmes designed for the education sector, as well as community groups, social clubs and individuals.

Due to an increased awareness of health and safety issues, schools are becoming less willing to organize and run adventurous activities due to the perceived risk and concern for the safety of pupils and teachers.

In 2002 the Ministry of Education published “Safety and EOTC”, (education outside the classroom). This document clarifies schools’ responsibilities regarding EOTC and to meet the emerging requirements Bigfoot Adventures has become familiar with the EOTC guidelines and has changed its code of practice and procedures to offer more information about the way in which its activities are run – often offering more than schools request.

Taking clients for an adventure seeking experience is all in a day’s work for our staff at Bigfoot Adventures Limited.

Our company provides exciting outdoor activities that are safe and well run for the school and corporate market. E.g. rock climbing, abseiling, caving, mountain biking, kayaking, map reading, and bushwalking. These activities and many more are provided for in a cost-effective way for schools to run their two - five day summer camps.

Currently Bigfoot Adventures services over 50 schools in the greater Auckland area, as well as schools in Whangarei and Hamilton. The relationship with the schools has led to further business initiatives for us with the creation of a “Cycle Safety in Schools” programme that is financed by Auckland City Council. This new business is proving to be so successful for us that we are negotiating with other schools and local councils to extend this programme.

We also organize half-day and weekend adventure trips for the tourist market providing a different experience for adventurous holiday makers.

For the corporate market our programme includes team-building and motivational days that are tailored to the individual needs of each company. Social club outings are also on offer. Come and experience a day or half-day mountain biking or sea kayaking or an afternoon hiking through our beautiful Auckland bush.

Call us now on 0800 BIGFOOT!!!

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EOTC PROGRAMMES

With EOTC activities now an integral part of school curricula, Bigfoot Adventures offers schools a stress-free way of delivering suitable programmes. We provide equipment, instructors, and activity sessions to students of all ages, as well as arranging the catering, accommodation and transport where necessary.
See our School programmes page for more details. [link to Schools page]

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CUSTOMISED TRIPS

We can create and develop programmes to suit corporate, social or community groups’ needs. Depending on the area you would like to explore, the activity you’d like to try out and the number of participants involved, we can come up with a fun day out for you.
Popular team fusion trips are caving, abseiling or kayaking activities followed by a BBQ where you can unwind and relax.

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CONSIDERATION FOR THE OUTDOORS

Bigfoot Adventures endeavours to protect the environment and uphold responsible camping ethics on all our trips and activities. We have a pack-in pack-out philosophy and recycle wherever possible. We believe that accountable and sustainable use of the outdoors is paramount to continued enjoyment of our wonderful wilderness.

See our day trip programmes [link to Trips page]
Contact us to discuss your trip. [link to Enquiry page]

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MANAGEMENT

Kris Bartley - Director kris@bigfootadventures.co.nz Mob 0274 955966

Kris bought Bigfoot Adventures Ltd in 2000 & became sole owner and Managing Director in 2003.

Kris graduated from AUT with a Diploma in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and has been involved with the Auckland Mountain Bike Club for many years. His friendly and accessible approach translates to good rapport with industry reps, colleagues and clients.

“Having a passion for what I do and building relationships within the outdoor industry means I can offer more to my clients. I love taking people out of their routines and giving them the opportunity to experience the outdoors themselves.”

Liz Tye- Liz@bigfootadventures.co.nz

After 6 years of gallivanting around the globe and enjoying 5 back to back summers, Liz has returned home to face her first winter.... and somehow survived!

Having previously contracted to Bigfoot during her short stints back home, Liz has this year come on board as our Programme Manager.

Liz has over 10 years of instructional experience across a broad range of activities and after 6 years of study emerged with degree's in Physical Education and Commerce, and a Certificate in Outdoor Recreation and Leadership.

Growing up with countless outdoor experiences Liz is now excited to be able to help create a pathway and opportunities for many more to follow suit.

Francesca Marcellino-Logistics Co-ordinator admin@bigfootadventures.co.nz

Francesca has been instructing with us for the past 7 years on and off (in the middle of tripping around the world) and has now decided to take on a different challenge and go behind the scenes.

She spent 4 years at AUT University, graduating in 2008 with a Diploma of Outdoor Recreation and Leadership, majoring in White Water Kayaking, and a Degree in Sport and Recreation with an Outdoor Education and Event Management Major.

"Paddling down a pristine river in the middle of nowhere, 5 days from civilisation with a bunch of like minded people is what makes me buzz"

Riki Brown-Operations Manager ops@bigfootadventures.co.nz

Riki is also one of our head instructors. Riki graduated from the Bachelor of Sport and Recreation with an Outdoor major at A.U.T University in 2009 and holds a current Wilderness First Responder certificate.

"I am passionate and energetic when it comes to the outdoors and enjoy sharing it with friends and clients. Although I love all things outdoors recently most of my time out there is taken up by white water kayaking and tramping adventures both personal and instructional".

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INSTRUCTORS

Tony Church- Head Instructor

Tony is passionate about showing off the great New Zealand outdoors and having adventures.

His qualifications include a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation majoring in the outdoors, a Diploma in Applied Sports Studies, NZOIA Rock 1, NZOIA Canyon 1, Project Adventure Safety Skills and Standards, and PHEC First Aid.

He has over 10 years experience instructing, and has also worked as a canyoning guide, industrial abseiler, tour guide, and safety officer on the set of tv shows, film and commercials."

Matt Harris - Bike Mechanic + Instructor

Back in NZ from 3 years playing and working in the Canadian Outdoors.

Matt is our number one mountain biking instructor with a life time of experience riding, competing and instructing.

Matt graduated from the Diploma of Outdoor Recreation Leadership in 2007 majoring in rock climbing instruction.

Jonny Moncur - Cycle Safety Coordinator + Instructor info@cyclesafety.co.nz

Jonny started at Bigfoot Adventures as a placement student and is now a full time staff member. Being an avid cyclist, Jonny took on the task of becoming the Cycle Safety Coordinator and works to implement courses throughout the Auckland area.

Jonny has recently graduated from AUT University this year with a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation and a major in Outdoor Education. He also majored in Sea Kayaking.

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INTERN

Rebecca Wissman - Intern

Beks has recently joined the Bigfoot team as an intern. She is from Michigan, USA and will be working with Bigfoot Adventures until the end of April.

Beks has spent 3 years at Central Michigan University and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Recreation, Parks and Leisure Service Administration with a focus in Outdoor and Environmental Education.

"I am real excited to be experiencing new aspects of the outdoor recreation world. From learning whitewater kayaking skills to performing logistical management-I want to be immersed in it all!"