Full-Time Fun: Asking Jack How to Find Flow in Queenstown

Originally from Taranaki, Jack grew up on a strict diet of hard work and adrenaline.

"We lived on a goat farm in New Plymouth, where there was only one mountain super close with a little T-Bar. I started snowboarding when I was 12; my family would come down to Queenstown and Wānaka for as many trips as possible. When I was old enough to drive, I'd head to Mount Ruapehu every weekend to ride as much as possible. I loved it!"

During one trip to Queenstown, Jack had an accident that bonded him to a place he's now called home for the last four years. 

"I broke my back at Cardrona, but I knew that wouldn't stop me. So, when I was fit and ready to come back down by myself, I went for it. I took my first sit-skiing lesson at Cardrona. It was like a new beginning of sorts. Like any adventure sport, renting gear and seeing what works best for you before buying anything is a good approach. I had a pass for The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona and Treble Cone, so I was skiing every day and trying new set-ups. By my third winter season, I'd gotten the hang of things, got my own sit-ski, and was having heaps of fun."

Flow State, a moment of intense focus on the present, is a rare gem in our fast-paced society. Having such an adventurous spirit, Jack knows all about finding his Flow and what it takes to enter that mindset.

"I've always liked the adrenaline; it's where I find my Flow. When my mind is clear and I'm having fun, everything seems effortless. It's the best feeling! I felt like coming down to Queenstown, with so much to do in the area, would be the right move. It was a bit scary at first because I didn't know what to expect. It's obviously pretty hilly here, and I wasn't sure what it would be like making new friends, but it's been the best move ever."

As much as Jack loves snow sports, living around Queenstown and Wānaka gives him plenty to do no matter the season.

"I have to rave about iFLY. That's what got me into skydiving. Not all activities can be adaptive, so it takes time to figure out which ones I can do. When I went into iFLY, it was no trouble for them. Everything was a breeze. My main activities have always been mountain biking and skiing. I'd never been in a wind tunnel before, so it was a completely new experience, and I ended up loving it. I'd rate it on the same tier as skiing and mountain biking. Next level fun!"

This region is bursting with things to do, making it the perfect destination for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts of all interests and abilities. This buffet of choice is not lost on Jack. He takes full advantage of being in such a unique part of the world.

"I spend a lot of time mountain biking on the Ben Lomond Trails. The selection is insane, with some gnarly tracks across incredible terrain. When I ski, whether traversing, going off-piste, or park riding, I can go anywhere the lift can take me, which is amazing."

Jack's experience since moving to the area is a testament to his positive approach to life. He's the type to make things happen without fearing getting involved and trying something new. Living in a region where an increasing willingness to adapt and be more inclusive is ideal for Jack's can-do personality.

"The team at Cardrona were unbelievable when I first arrived. I called them and had an appointment and a lesson the next day. As long as a sit-ski was available, I could ski there any day I wanted. So, I skied at Cardrona a lot and was able to mingle with other sit-skiers who were training up there. It was a really friendly vibe and a great way to learn from them. Once I got my own set-up, I started popping into Small Planet Sports every week or two to pick up whatever old skis they had lying around to fit the bottom of my sit-ski. So, learning the ropes and gearing up was pretty straightforward. And the people around here are great! If you're stoking, they're stoking. People want to come and have fun with you if you're having fun. Whether I'm sit-skiing or mountain biking, meeting new people and finding new riding friends has been easy. Of course, it comes down to your mindset. Queenstown and Wānaka have so much to offer, so buzzing and giving off a positive vibe is something people here are drawn to."

Access to activities is one part of the puzzle, while town access is entirely different. It hasn't taken Jack long to figure things out in this hub of adventure and ease.

"Queenstown's a very hilly place so biking doesn't fit every occasion. Uber's are one easy way to get around. Driving's also an option, although we could use some more mobility parks. There's plenty of scope for improvement, but I think that's just life. Society has been built around the majority, so we need to adopt the local mindset of making things happen. What's great is that people and businesses here want to learn and are willing to lend a hand. You can ask anyone on the street for help, and they're more than happy too, which is super cool. For example, there have been many times when I was in my chair pushing up a hill in Queenstown and every second person asked "Oh, do you want a push up there?" It's a really polite and friendly community."

A common theme with Jack is around adaptability. It's too easy nowadays to expect perfection. Perhaps adopting Jack's mentality of being grateful for the positives and navigating the hurdles would benefit us all. Adaptability is a mindset that can empower us to face any challenge with confidence and resilience. 

"If you visit and find there are one or two things you aren't able to do, you can make something else work. Nothing is a negative because there's always an opportunity to adapt and find an alternative. It's all about your perspective."

Jack's ability to remain flexible and adjust as challenges present themselves is both inspiring and transferable to other aspects of life. We can all learn something here.

"There's no doubt the climate is changing. Weather patterns, including snowfall, are much different than they used to be, particularly within the last few years. But seeing the local efforts to lower the overall impact is great. The local Carbon Zero by 2030 initiative is incredible. Also, my partner devotes a good amount of time to working with the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group, which is doing brilliant work in the area. Personally, I'm trying to drive as little as possible. However, that's tricky when I want to go skiing. The local ski buses run hourly between town and the resorts, but they aren't accessible. Having that option and cutting down on my driving even further would be really cool. Like I said, though, this community is open to change. I definitely feel comfortable suggesting local accessible ski buses, which is nice because I see a direct connection between accessibility and the environment. When you adapt and plan for different ability levels in all aspects of life, such as mobility spaces for parking, stairs, road layouts, walkable cities, accessible buses, and so on, you're investing in the future. Queenstown and Wānaka seem to have a similar view, which makes living here even better."

Jack's energy and passion for this region are infectious, which makes it a real treat to learn how someone oozing with so much stoke and positivity likes to spend their time in and around Queenstown and Wānaka. 

"Cardrona is the best resort to rent a sit-ski from. They have an unbelievable park, and the terrain is perfect for learning to sit-ski. The Remarkables is the closest option to Queenstown. Their park versus terrain balance is incredible. You can get off the new lift, and the shoots are literally right there. Coronet Peak is super fun when the snow's good. Wherever you go, you'll have a good time. You can ski in the morning, mountain bike in the afternoon, then grab some takeaway food, like Devil Burger or Fat Badgers Pizza, and chill down by the lake. If you're sore, there are heaps of saunas to choose from. In the evening, you can check out a movie, or pop into Póg Mahone's, the best Irish pub in town, for a Guinness. Regarding food, Cardrona Hotel is a good place to stop on your way back from the ski field. Yonder is also a sweet spot to eat. There are heaps of off-mountain activities as well. My favourite is frisbee golf. I'm obsessed with it. There are plenty of fun courses between Queenstown and Wānaka. Wastebusters in Wānaka is something worth checking out. It’s a thrift shop packed full of gems, including outdoor gear. Also, Arrowtown and Glenorchy are great little towns to visit. There's so much here. This place has everything. For me, every day's different."

Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Life is what you make of it." Easy words to live by in a region stocked with options like Queenstown and Wānaka. Turning up with a positive, can-do mindset and maximising your time here can be a rewarding experience for everyone. It was a big deal for Jack to move here after his accident, one he certainly won't regret. He loves this place, and so will you.

"Anyone can do anything, I firmly believe that. If you want to try something out, give it a go. You never know. And in a spot like this, the possibilities are endless. I'm so passionate about Queenstown and Wānaka, and love sharing that passion with people of all ages, interests and abilities. It's a wonderful place and anybody who visits is bound to say the same."

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Mike Bilo