Ridgeline, Lake Wanaka - Vineyard & Adventure Tours
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Contact UsWho is behind Ridgeline Adventures?
In terms of history the Ridgeline story is not very old, however Ridgeline's owner/operator Mark Orbell has been in the tourism industry for more than 10 years guiding for many of New Zealand's finest outdoor adventure companies.
So here is a little background on Mark.
Mark Orbell
From growing up on the family farm at Waikouaiti on the Otago coastline, to his to his tourism studies at university, Mark has a great appreciation and knowledge of the outdoors.
From an early age Mark realised the importance of conserving New Zealand's outstanding natural features while all along appreciating that visitors from all over the world find the same enjoyment in visiting Mark's "backyard".
Over the last ten years he has worked as a tour guide for many of New Zealand's finest, award winning adventure guiding companies - over six summers he guided the iconic Routeburn track, walking it over 100 times!- see www.ultimatehikes.co.nz, he has spent 4 seasons leading hiking tours all over the South Island for Hiking New Zealand -see www.hikingnewzealand.com.
Mark is also an accomplished landscape photographer, published in guide books, calendars and magazines with his own range of postcards of the Milford and Routeburn tracks. Feel free to browse his image collection online at www.photonewzealand.com
Mark is also a musician, playing drums and guitar. He has released many CD's over the years with his various bands, including a CD release of his own material.
Mark also wields a fly-fishing rod with considerable success and moonlights as a fishing guide in the well stocked waters of Central Otago.
After a decade living out of a pack 'on the trail' and extensive travels throughout the UK and Europe, Southern Africa and Asia, Mark now lives on the outskirts of Wanaka with his wife Ceri and their 2 boys Archie and Harris and Duma the Labrador.
Mark at recent trade show in Wanaka, promoting Ridgeline Adventures summer programme 2008-09
