How I became... an adventure tourism host

Sarah Greener, 28, enjoyed a Bay of Islands boat trip so much she and her husband bought the business.

"When my dad and I first went out on The Rock Overnight Cruise in the Bay of Islands five years ago we both thought what a great business it would be. I had trained as an accountant when I left school then managed my parent’s meat business in Auckland, making deliveries in a little white truck. Working with family definitely taught me a thing or two about being in business with your loved ones. Although it can be very challenging, it’s also great to be with people who share in the learning and the successes along the way.

"On my OE I spent four seasons in Thailand working on dive boats. I helped Jonny, who is now my husband, with his kayaking business in Krabi. He’s originally from the UK. When we came home for my sister’s wedding in April 2007, Dad insisted we show Jonny The Rock. He loved it and the previous owner was looking to sell. By December 2007 we had put a manager into our Thailand business and moved to the Bay of Islands. I was so happy to come back to New Zealand and it helped convince Jonny he wanted to live here too. What man could refuse skippering a boat and fishing every day of his working life?

"You spend so much of your life working that it’s important to fall in love with your career. Loving our job is easy. We are constantly surrounded by people from all over the world who are upbeat and excited about the moment. The Rock is New Zealand’s biggest house boat and reflects the adventurous Kiwi spirit for up to 36 passengers who don’t mind getting their feet wet. We get so many guests trying things for the first time: kayaking in the dark, seeing the glowing phosphorescence in the water; snorkelling in the open ocean; and catching their first fish. These are things New Zealanders often take for granted. It’s good to have a reminder of just how stunning our country is.

"We are now ready to take on our next goal. I would like to see The Rock give something back to the local community by working with teenagers and offering them some of the opportunities Jonny and I had while we were growing up.

"Being your own boss is a big challenge but it means the successes are all yours to celebrate. It’s important for newcomers to a business to make sure they listen. If you go in thinking you know it all you will never learn from people who are willing to offer their life experiences to you. My parents have been a huge inspiration to me. After farming in Piopio in the King Country for 15 years, they moved to Auckland to start one of their businesses. They taught me that no matter what gets in your way, there is always a way around, under or over it. It’s important to have a good support network of friends and family who will make sure you have a lot of fun achieving the goals you set for yourself – and keep you grounded."

Interview by Rosalind Le Bas Walker.