AKU Ambassadors

Mark is a New Zealand-based photographer, author and blogger specialising in landscape, adventure and travel photography. His passion for climbing, bikepacking, mountain biking and photography have taken him all over New Zealand and many places overseas in search of great rock, beautiful roads and tracks, and epic light.

With his partner Hana Black, Mark spent just over four years cycling the length of the Americas – from Alaska to Patagonia – via the road less travelled, generally following the American Cordillera. The pair were forced home from Chile by Covid-19 for three years, but returned in 2022 to complete their 51,500km bikepacking journey.

The author of three three books of outdoor and landscape photography, Mark also created the Bikepacking & Off-road Cycling Touring Guide (e-book). Mark's photos have been published internationally in books, magazines, advertising, catalogues, calendars and websites. He is a regular contributor to Wilderness Magazine. His blog is a widely read resource for tramping and bikepacking.

He has an unquenchable curiosity and drive to explore, an open mind, and an endless stream of ‘what’s next’ ideas – combined with a drive to document and share his adventures to a wide audience, in the hope of encouraging people off the couch and into the wilderness. 

Sarah is a Wānaka based outdoor enthusiast who spends as many days in the mountains as possible. Hiking, climbing, mountaineering... she loves all of it! But her favourite has to be a good transalpine mission or a rock scramble that tows the line between scary walking and need-a-rope climbing. When she’s not gallivanting around the hills she work’s as a mental health practitioner. 

She has a Masters in psychology and is a passionate mental health advocate. For Sarah, getting outdoors and climbing mountains is what supports her mental health and has helped her through tough times. Making those memories with friends, whether it be having lots of fun or trudging uphill at 2am, helps her to remember that even if the uphill seems to go on forever it will end and it will get easier again. 

Sarah’s goal is to inspire people of all physical abilities and skill to connect with nature, and to help everyone find moments of beauty and awe that uplift the body and mind!

Sarah is a brand Ambassador for Aku Footwear, Big Agnes & Madrock

Benjamin Kellett, originally from the UK is a professional paraglider pilot based in Queenstown New Zealand. With a deep passion for exploring new and remote areas, Ben thrives on the freedom and discovery that comes with life above the clouds. Some of his most memorable flying moments include soaring through the towering peaks of the Karakoram in Pakistan and navigating deep lines in the rugged mountains of New Zealand.

For Ben, paragliding isn’t just a career, it’s a way to connect with nature and inspire others to embrace the thrill of the outdoors. Whether guiding tandem flights or venturing into untouched terrain, Ben is always in pursuit of awe-inspiring adventures. As an ambassador for AKU Footwear, Big Agnes and Ozone Paragliders he relies on high-quality gear to push boundaries and share unforgettable experiences with others.