Who Is The New Zealand Nature Guy?

My name is Mark Danenhauer and I’m the self proclaimed New Zealand Nature Guy. I love nature and hiking.

I moved with my family from Salt Lake City (USA) to the Taranaki area of the North Island of New Zealand in 2015. Since then, we have explored from Invercargill in the south to Cape Reinga in the North. We have also managed to get out to some of the islands: Stewart Island, Great Barrier Island, and predator free Matiu-Somes and Ulva Islands.

On the Kepler Track.

What Is This Blog About?

This blog is my effort to share with you readers just some of the amazing parts of the natural world of New Zealand, both the flora and fauna, and the great day and multi-day hikes.

I write a new post about once a week. The posts cover two main topics – nature facts about New Zealand, or hikes/trails in New Zealand.

Want To Know More About Me?

I have loved being outside for as long as I can remember. As a kid I explored around our house and the nearby canyons.

It was during my time at the University of California at Santa Barbara that I truly fell in love with hiking. My friends and brother took me exploring to Yosemite, Big Sur, Joshua Tree, and the Grand Canyon.

This is where I lived and worked for two years in Madagascar. One other year was in a coastal town. Photo via Flickr.

I earned a BA from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a degree in Environmental Studies and Accounting. After university, I travelled the US in a van, lived in Boulder, CO, and then worked in Madagascar for three years with the Peace Corps at Andringitra National Park. That was a truly life changing and eye opening experience.

Mark Danenhauer
Exploring the Zion Narrows in Southern Utah.

After Peace Corps I studied environmental policy from the University of Illinois at Springfield, earning a Master’s degree. I then spent several years with the Utah Rivers Council, working on water policy before stopping work to be a stay at home Dad.

I used to explore the Rocky Mountains with my family as often as I could,  but now we spend our time exploring the natural world of New Zealand.

A trip in early 2021 to Tama Lakes.

I have written two books, Jake’s Nature Guide: Rocky Mountains, a pocket size book that introduces readers to the natural world of the Rockies, and The Real Guide to New Zealand.  Additionally, I have written an eBook on Hiking With Kids: Advice On Gear, Tips, and Tricks For Parents.

I write another blog about exploring the Rocky Mountains with kids, Jake’s Nature Blog. Check it out if you’re looking for nature facts about the Rockies or tips on hiking with kids.