Meet Liz, your host at Okaka Lodge

Liz Van Beek
Lodge Manger: Okaka Lodge

Liz was brought up on a remote lamb and beef farm on the West Coast of the South Island. Being one of six children meant that there was always someone to go exploring with and learn the necessary skills for living off the land. After schooling in Hokitika was complete she quickly found her feet as an Adventure Guide both in New Zealand and abroad. After twelve years white-water rafting, caving and tramping Liz moved back to NZ and worked in the Abel Tasman National Park for the Department of Conservation for eight years before heading overseas again to experience the culinary flavors and ‘not so remote’ aspects of hiking and climbing in Europe.

Food, or rather eating, has always been high on Liz’s list of priorities, so mixing catering with the outdoor lifestyle at Okaka Lodge has given her the perfect excuse to do both. She is looking forward to a season of soaking up Southland’s majestic scenery, conserving and utilizing resources in a way that is sustainable, and enjoying the flavors of homegrown New Zealand.