Russell
Lodge Director
Russell has been working at the Lodge for over 10 years now, and has enjoyed every minute of it. He has raised his family in the National Park, and loves waking up to the sound of students laughing in the buildings nearby.
Most used piece of equipment:
Nissan Safari. Russell is often recognized by the sound of his truck rumbling into the carpark, before he’s seen at the Lodge. He uses it to access some remote parts of the country.
Best part of working at the Lodge:
Getting to raise a family in the quiet little community of St. Arnaud. Adventures aplenty.
Anita
Safety and Operations Manager
Anita has worked here for a few years now, she started off here as an instructor fresh out of studying Outdoor Education at Aoraki Polytech down in Timaru. She loves the outdoors, so how cool is it to be able to work and play at the same time in an awesome environment.
She loves winters out here in the Nelson Lakes as she will be hitting the piste at Rainbow ski field whenever there is a day off.
Most used piece of equipment:
Her climbing gear. Anita just likes hanging around, preferably half way up a rock face. She’s always getting tied up in knots.
Best part about working at RLOEC:
Living and working in the national park. Every day is different. You might wake up to snow on the hills (outside the house is even better) or a mini flood running past your door but the scenery is always great.
Shepherd (Shep)
Instructor
Kia ora, my name is Shepherd. I’ve recently finished two years studying adventure tourism and outdoor instruction, and now I’m working here at the Rotoiti Lodge. I spent my childhood here at Nelson Lakes, so I have a strong connection to the area. There is almost nothing I don’t enjoy doing in the outdoors, so you’ll often find me outside doing something fun!
Most used piece of equipment:
My most used piece of equipment is my wetsuit. I’m often doing things in cold water, like rafting, canyoning, and freediving, so a wetsuit is essential!
Best part about working at RLOEC:
My favourite parts about working here are that I get to be outside all day in one of the most stunning parts of the country, and that I get to give people fun experiences that will hopefully stick with them throughout their life.
Caitlin
Instructor
Kia ora! Having grown up in Tamaki Makaurau, and recently transplanted from Otautahi, I now find myself in the amazing Nelson Lakes region. I’ve recently completed 2 years of study in adventure tourism and outdoor education. Having just come off a season of predator control work and guiding, I’m stoked to be a member of the Rotoiti team, and take on this new role.
Most used piece of equipment:
One of my many trusty coffee mugs. Any day in the outdoors is always made better with a warm brew in hand!
Most excited for while working at RLOEC:
I am most to excited to share my love and passion for the outdoors and give others the same amazing experiences I’ve been able to have, all while working in a stunning place!
Fiona
Caterer, gear shed lady, all round helpful human.
Fionas main role at Rotoiti Lodge is providing a catering service to those groups that wish to have food provided. When not in the kitchen Fiona is helping around the place hiring out warm clothes to students and cleaning the gear when it gets returned.