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When Loche arrived at Queenstown Resort College, he already knew one thing for certain, he loved the outdoors.

Originally from Auckland and Whangamatā, Loche grew up surrounded by adventure. With a PE teacher for a father and active parents who made the most of every opportunity to get outside, his childhood was filled with surfing, water-skiing, hiking, mountain biking, travelling around New Zealand, and exploring new places. After years of adventure, he realised that the outdoors was more than a lifestyle. It was where he wanted to build his future.

Today, Loche is back in the Whitsundays, working as a Manager on Hamilton Island, where the Great Barrier Reef is part of his everyday workplace. His journey has taken him international, from Queenstown to California, Croatia, Canada, Finland, and beyond, with each role building on the skills, confidence, and industry foundation he developed at QRC.

Loche’s Adventure to QRC

For Loche, choosing to study Adventure Tourism Management at QRC was a natural step after high school.

“I spent most of my childhood outside as much as possible, enjoying the great outdoors,” he says. “After several incredible adventures, I realised my true passions in life were the outdoors and adventure-based tourism.”

QRC’s Adventure Tourism Management Diploma offered the perfect combination of practical learning, industry exposure, and the opportunity to study in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.

Looking back, some of Loche’s most memorable QRC moments were the hands-on familiarisation visits that brought the industry to life.

“How unreal is it that we got to go jet boating, bungy jumping and plenty more as part of our diploma!”

For Loche, it wasn’t just the adventure experiences that made his time unforgettable. The QRC Lodge, the people, the views, and the overall student environment all played a part in creating memories that have stayed with him long after graduating.

A Mountain Internship That Shaped His Future

A key part of Loche’s QRC journey began on the mountain, completing his internship with NZSki as a Lift Operator at Coronet Peak.

Working in a fast-paced adventure tourism environment gave him first-hand experience alongside people who had built their lives around the industry. During his internship, Loche developed a strong understanding of what it takes to succeed in adventure tourism, from professionalism and guest connection to one of the industry’s most important lessons, safety always comes first.

“In any adventure-based company, safety is the non-negotiable top priority.”

Beyond the technical side of the role, Loche also learned how much the guest experience is shaped by the energy, attitude, and atmosphere created by the team. Building genuine rapport with guests and bringing enthusiasm to each day showed him how small moments can turn a standard experience into something memorable.

Life beyond graduation

Since graduating from QRC in April 2019, Loche’s career has taken him around the world. He has worked as a water-skiing instructor in Yosemite, California, an Activities Attendant and Guide at Hayman Island on the Great Barrier Reef, a Waterfront Director in Pakoštane, Croatia, an Operations Manager at Raglan Kayak in New Zealand, a Deckhand at a luxury fishing resort in Haida Gwaii, Canada, and most recently, an Aurora Representative and Aurora Manager in the North Pole, Finland.

“It’s safe to say that QRC certainly helped pave the way to all these incredible opportunities.

One of Loche’s proudest achievements has been stepping into the Aurora Manager role with Santa’s Lapland in Finland. After beginning as an Aurora Representative, he was determined to keep growing, worked hard throughout the season, and earned the opportunity to return the following year in a leadership position.

“I personally find being thrown in the deep end is one of the quickest ways I can learn.”

The role marked a major step forward in his career. Managing in such a unique luxury tourism environment gave Loche valuable insight into large-scale tourism operations, leadership, guest expectations, and the level of detail required to deliver unforgettable experiences in a high-performing team.

Back in the Whitsundays

Loche is now back in the Whitsundays, working as one of the Managers on Hamilton Island. With the Great Barrier Reef as his backdrop, he is continuing to create meaningful and memorable guest experiences in one of the world’s most recognised tourism destinations.

For Loche, one of the best parts of working in adventure tourism is being able to call the outdoors his office.

“Being immersed in stunning landscapes every day is pretty special.”

While the landscapes are a highlight, the most rewarding part of the industry is the opportunity to connect with people and create experiences they will remember for a lifetime.

Shaping the future of Adventure Tourism

Looking ahead, Loche is excited by the fact that adventure tourism never stands still. There are always new ways to explore the outdoors, rethink adventure travel, and help people connect with the natural world.

“I feel lucky to have a front-row seat to this evolution, helping to shape the future of how people connect with the outdoor world.”

From mountain peaks to tropical islands, luxury tourism operations to outdoor adventure experiences, Loche’s career shows where an Adventure Tourism Management qualification can lead when it is paired with passion, energy, and a willingness to embrace every opportunity.

Loche’s advice to future students