Hailing from Waiuku College, Sam’s got to be one of the most positive and friendly people you’ll ever come across. Studying his Adventure Tourism Management Diploma then moving into the fast world of jetboats. You might recognise him from our shoot with Air New Zealand. Find out more about Sam and his adventures below! 
What was your biggest takeaway from your days at QRC?
- People are key! This industry is based upon positive relationships with clients and your team so take every perspective onboard and work with the big picture.
Tell us about your journey since leaving QRC:
- After QRC I spent 2 years in Taupo driving jet boats and working as ground crew for a skydive company. Both operations taught me so much about the adrenaline aspect of tourism and how to deliver a great product to both people who live for adventure and those who are a little more nervous. Becoming a Jet Sprint Boat/ Racing Truck Driver for Oxbow is the cherry on top of my career to date. Getting to drive the only commercial four-seater jet sprint boat in the world accelerating at an incredible 0 to 100km in only 2.5 seconds is a privilege and absolute rush. It is the best feeling in the world when you get to see customers before and after reactions and be a part of that experience with them. Day to day operations see me checking off machines, maintenance in the workshop, greeting customers and guiding them on all of the 3 experiences.
What do you enjoy most about working in tourism? 
- The best part of tourism for me is the people. When customers come to us on holiday they are here for a fun time to relax and unwind. I think it is a pretty special thing when you can put a smile on someone’s dial and give them a holiday worth remembering.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on an internship or graduate?
- Go for what you are passionate about and give it your very best shot. I like to set a big overarching goal and then turn that into lots of little weekly achievable ones. There are so many aspects to this industry from guiding to marketing and everything in between. At the end of the day no matter what you choose I think if you truly love what you do then you will always find a way to succeed.
How was it being involved in the Air NZ shoot?
- The Air NZ shoot was unreal! Such a cool experience I will definitely remember for a long time. The team were great to work with and it was very exciting to feel like a movie star for the day. I was very excited to showcase what New Zealand has to offer and where you can end up after studying at QRC.
What are your plans for the future? 
- As for what comes next, who knows? I think with the international bubble reopening there will be new avenues and opportunities popping up everywhere and I am excited to see it all grow and where we end up. I can’t wait to welcome the world back to our beautiful Aotearoa and show them what’s on offer. I cannot thank QRC enough for the knowledge and support in getting me to where I am today. I still use everything I learnt in class and can still find instances where I call back on something I learnt in a lecture. Whether you are working front line, jumping out of a plane or driving a jet boat, the fundamentals and foundation will always remain the same.
Study Adventure Tourism Management.
