FOR NATALIE DUCHESNE & JAYDEN MEADS

J: Goats Pass is worth the hike up the rivers. Punakaiki Beach Camp is amazing, the scenery is incredible.

NATALIE: John the Baptist. I respect him eating locusts (insects - sustainable meat!). He experienced wilderness in rugged ways. I'm intrigued by the ways he lived differently to norms and his connection to creation.

JAYDEN: Moses. He demonstrated deep love for God and others, humility in his approach to God and his own abilities, and was passionate to serve God, and His chosen people.

Do you have a special Bible passage or song?

N: I love 'The Road to Emmaus' as a rich example of manaakitanga; being hospitable in spirit and in home. It's also an example of pilgrimage, walking with intention and purpose - something we apply on our camps.

J: Song, ‘The Goodness of God’ by Jenn Johnson.

Inside tips on the best campsite in Aotearoa New Zealand?

N: I appreciate DOC huts more than I can put to words. Love Waikawau Bay Conservation Campsite.

Do you have a secret snack stash... what’s in there?

N: Dried mango! Roasted chickpeas! Baked pea crisps! Green apples and peanut butter!

J: Haribo Gummy Bears, dried mango slices, Whittaker's chocolate berry forest and Pringles chips!

Tell me about finding shelter outdoors.

N: I have a habit of scanning my surroundings for natural shelter —a hollowed-out log, a complex root system, or overhanging rock/cave. Would it be pleasant to sleep in there overnight? Likely not. But it’s a great way to develop your imagination and observation skills, and good practice if you do get stuck outdoors overnight.

J: A tutor at Ara liked leaving for hikes early afternoon. We thought he just loved sleeping in but turns out he loved hiking and navigating in the dark. On one hike into Deception Valley, we went up the wrong river. Our tutor knew but allowed us to figure it out ourselves and find our way back to the hut.