Blake hornblow

Source to Sea on the Taieri River

A group of five locals have completed what they say is the first source-to-sea kayaking expedition of the Taieri River - taking in its entire 288km path. Group member Blake Hornblow said the expedition highlighted the river's beauty and shed light on the river's environmental challenges. He talks to Nights about the adventure as well as why it's so important to protect these incredible places.

Hear more about the river trip on RNZ

Listen to Blake speak about the trip and his Tawaki research here:

Fiordland’s Dusky sound, trapping on Resolution Island

Volunteering can take you to the most amazing places and give you opportuni'es and experiences you can’t get from work, or as tourist or even from a personal adventure. This summer I was lucky enough to volunteer with DOC Te Anau’s biodiversity team on one of New Zealand’s most extensive and significant conserva'on projects. The pest and predator control of Resolution Island and greater Dusky Sound. Check my blog to see the full write up.

Kayaking the Inside Passage public talk

In October 2019 I gave a public talk in Mapua, NZ about my recent kayaking trip down the Inside Passage as a fundraiser for Salmon Beyond Boarders and the Alaska Whale Foundation. I gave information about the logistics and challenges of paddling in this region as well as the immense rewards of paddling in the largest temperate rainforest in the world. I was so grateful to share this story and the conservation issues facing the Pacific northwest with over 150 people so thanks so much or coming!

Kua Kelp

In May 2019 I worked with the social enterprise KUA in Sydney to help develop a solution to the ocean plastics crisis. Kua is in the early stages of developing plastic-alternatives from seaweed. Food containers which redefine single-use…

A six week adventure on the MV Ocean Nova, location: Antarctic Peninsular

In February & March of 2019 I found myself in my dream job as a kayak guide on the Antarctic Peninsular, Traveling the coast in an expedition cruise ship and paddling among ice, whales, seals and penguins twice a day was a surreal experience. Here are a couple of photos of my time on the ice.

Two weeks in Patagonia with the Bandidos. location: Chile & Argentina

Darcy, Josh and myself had 2 weeks to explore Patagonia together in March 2019. We went straight to the mountains of Torres Del Paine & then to the Fitz Roy Massif to see the amazing granite spires and glaciers of Patagonia.

Alaska whale foundation. Location: South East Alaska

In June, July and August of 2018 I lived in Warm springs bay on Baranof island as a summer volunteer for the Alaska whale foundation. This two months was spent researching humpback whales that come to feed on Herring during the Alaskan summer. Often using an incredible bubble-net feeding technique.

Kayaking / Canyoning the Rio Marañón River. Location: PERU

Rio Marañón – http://avocadocollective.maranonwaterkeeper.org

in 2017 I joined a of a group of passionate river protectors called the ‘The Avocado Collective’ We decided to explore the Marañón River, Peru. It is the largest free flowing tributary to the Amazon River and we aimed to make a difference while doing so. The Marañón basin supports plants, animals, and ecosystems that exist nowhere else on earth, many of which are already endangered. Sadly, despite its huge environmental, cultural, and economic significance to the local communities, the Marañón River is in danger of being dammed. More than twenty large hydroelectric dam projects have been proposed along the length of the Marañón.

The trip was a month long rafting / kayaking trip down the Marañón while stopping and making first descents of unexplored canyons the drop from the Andes into the Maranon. The expedition was a huge success and we managed to make first descents down at least five amazing canyons.

Our goal was to raise awareness of the fragile ecosystem here and to fundraise

to support local NGO, Marañón Waterkeeper, our goal is to protect key riverine habitats and prevent the damming of the river, while also creating opportunities for ecotourism & environmental education to develop.