Derek Grzelewski

Derek is a well known adventure travel writer and photographer who spends most of his time travelling around the globe following stories. When he is “at home” in Wanaka you will find him on the river banks fishing, ski-touring behind Treble Cone, mountain biking on the forest trails, or playing his flamenco guitar on the porch. Derek lives for his writing following the age old saying “the best stories are always those we haven’t told.”

Derek’s Favourite assignments:
Tales from the Underworld (NZ Geo) - caving in NZ, including through-trip in Harwoods Hole and cave diving in the Riwaka.
Bikes with Wings (BMW), test-riding the new BMW mountain bike in Rotorua’s Redwoods.
Otterly Fascinating (Smithsonian), giant river otters in Brazilian Pantanal.
Newhaven for Wildlife (Australian Geographic), about an enormous wildlife reserve in the Tanami Desert.
Winter in the Land of Plenty (Signature), searching for powder snow in Switzerland.

Derek’s Favourite Areas:
Australia’s red outback, for widening one’s horizons.
A “hidden” valley above the village of St Stefan in Switzerland, for tree skiing.
The Tatra Mountains in Poland and Slovakia, where it all began (where I “woke up” to living).
Pantanal in Brazil, “a garden of Eden” for South American wildlife, jaguars, tapirs and hyacinth macaws.
Karol’s Bridge in Prague, for arty/literary strolls/conversations.
Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, for scuba diving.
Tasmania, for a walk amongst the world’s tallest trees (before the loggers get them).
Albayzin in Andalusia (Spain), for the source of flamenco.
Gore and the environs (New Zealand), for dry-fly fishing.
Wanaka for home.

The Grzelewski Wardrobe Favourites
Taslan Shorts - the best shorts I know. Over the years I’ve worn out a few pairs. I just keep reordering: same size, same colour (stone).
Proton jumper (now replaced by Orion) and matching fleece pants - my “office” suit, I live in them through the colder half of the Wanaka year.
Yamma Jamma (now replaced by Excalibur) ideal for skiing - when the southerly starts to blow and move the snow around.
Prolite® Trouser and Shirts fast drying easy care wear during assignments.

Links
http://www.smithsonianmag.si.edu/journeys/01/jan01/bio_jan01.html

http://www.aatraveller.co.nz/issues/autumn2004/wanaka.html