Cristina Simpkins

"Christina was caring, personable and warm and also a very experienced guide. She is a great cook! Ben and Christina made a great team together."
-- Kris Donna Mack (Camarillo, California, United States) November 2011 Rimu

"Cristina had a lot of enthusiasm and seemed to genuinely be enjoying the trip with us. She tried hard to cater to food preferences and requests. She also worked hard at trying to figure out alternative activities for us due to poor weather conditions. Despite those challenges, she was always positive and enthusiastic. We had a lot of laughter and sharing on our trip, which was fun."
-- Linda Frederick (Bicton, Western Australia, Australia) March 2010 Rimu

"Cristina was just as amazing. Her kind and fun nature made this a special trip - from her magnificent dinners that she appeared to just whip up, to her nothing was any trouble attitude keeping everyone happy with plenty of food choices. Her patience must have been really tested with the number of people on my trip changing their 3-day option from the hike mid-trip. But nothing was too much trouble. I would especially like to thank her for her support on the the three-day hike, helping me to achieve something I have always wanted to try. On those challenging parts of the hike, she was always there to help me put my foot in the right place or to pick me up, so thank you so much. "
-- Kym Stockman (Happy Valley, South Australia, Australia) February 2010 Rimu

"Cristina is an incredible cook. I have never had such amazing meals on a trip like this. She did a great job of cooking with local produce, veggies, cheeses and meats to create flavorful unique meals. I loved every one. Plus, I was amazed at how well she was able to accommodate the many different dietary requests. She also excelled at managing our group. Her professionalism, enthusiasm and patience was outstanding. Somehow we went the entire trip without me ever knowing that she was buying our groceries - they would just appear! Both guides were very receptive to my/our needs and wishes and did their best to make us happy. "
-- Julie Byrd (Birmingham, Michigan, United States) February 2010 Rimu

"This girl can cook!!! She has a great personality, is easy to talk to, and on top of that is beautiful. Mature way beyond her age. I'd love my son to marry her [ sorry Ben ]."
-- Matt Smith (Lakeland, Florida, United States) February 2010 Rimu

"Cristina was always supportive, went out of her way to find food for us lactose/gluten intolerant folks. Appreciated her enthusiasm and concern for each of us."
-- Sandy Leach (Washington, USA) November 2009 Rimu

"Cristina was awesome! Really listens well to everyone's needs. Almost felt like all I had to do is think something and it would show up. Good food - great cook. Very approachable and fun to have around."
-- Scott Thiede (California, USA) November 2009 Rimu

"Perfect cook, perfect chaperone, perfect guide. She was there for our every need. "
-- Derek Portlock (Oklahoma, USA) November 2009 Rimu

"Christina was amazing, she is a wonderful person and full of knowledge. You can tell she loves her job and it shows. Did I mention how amazing of a cook she is?"
-- Josh Reeves March 2009 Rimu

"Cristina was Cheer Leader Extraordinaire. Her enthusiasm was contagious and was always upbeat and positive. Her attitude did a lot to keep up the group's morale whenever it was dragging - especially during the arduous hike on day 2/3."
-- Aruna Singh January 2009 Rimu

"Cristina is such a lovely person with such an enthusiasm for life and experience that she enchanted all of us. She was flawless and made us all want to be a bit more like her. I think she is the most likable person I have ever had as a guide."
-- Margaret Gill February 2009 Rimu

"Cristina is a gem!"
-- Geoff Sam (Australia) May 2008 Winter Rimu

"Loved Christina! She accommodated everybody's pace and food interests. She was pleasant, humourous, patient. She tries to include and engage all participants in conversations and has a genuine interest with each person."
-- Heather Thompson (ON, Canada) March 2008 Rimu

"Cristina is lovely, very patient, always concerned about your wellbeing and that you're enjoying yourself. I think she'll be an excellent lead guide with a bit more experience."
-- Cecilia Strandell (Sweden) February 2008 Guide's Choice: Hoiho

"Cristina was great, especially at mingling and chatting with all of us during the drives. She was a great cook and the venison she prepared for dinner was better than any that I had in any restuarant."
-- Yining Chen (NY, United States) February 2008 Tui Queenstown

"I really enjoyed having her on the trip. She is a great cook and made sure we eat healthy. She was so calm (I'd panic if I'd have to cook for 7!) when preparing the meals and also very good organized. She was great company."
-- Angela Bissig (Switzerland) January 2008 Rimu