I Am Rotorua – Danni Cripps

Business Lifestyle I Am Rotorua

Meet Rotorua local, Danni Cripps, team leader at Redwoods Treewalk. She and her partner moved here for the outdoors, she says.

“We like to muck about in nature, whether that be whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, canyoning, or just simply going for a hike. We were driving down to Rotorua most weekends to escape the smog and traffic of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and it seemed like a no-brainer to make the move. Since moving, our work-life balance has improved tenfold. We’re grateful to now call Rotorua home.

“Studying a Master’s in Ecology at university and spending all day indoors, behind a screen, was leaving me drained. Redwoods Treewalk offered an opportunity to do work that I found fulfilling, rather than taxing. Physically engaging with the ngahere while facilitating fun and memorable experiences for customers makes for an enjoyable workday.

“We get visitors from all walks of life, nationalities and ages. For some, the Treewalk is quite literally a walk in the park. For others, it is one of the greatest challenges and achievements of their lives. Hearing people’s varied stories and witnessing them pushing their comfort zones never gets old.”

A favourite spot for the couple?

“The Kaituna River in Okere Falls. You can go for a swim below Trout Pool, go for a raft or kayak down Tutea Falls, and finish the day with a meal and a drink at the Okere Falls Store.”