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WILD TWINS
Seeking adventures
"We like to think this book will inspire people to get out
there and adventure in this ever-increasing digital world."
Growing up on the family farm in rural Waiuku, twins, Amber and Serena Shine,
found their shared love of the outdoors early in life. After leaving school they
both trained in the army before heading the Australia to work in the mines. With
the money they earned, they travelled the world embarking on some incredible
adventures from working in a Bolivian animal sanctuary to being dog-sled tour
guides in Italy.
As with any adventurous lifestyle, it does come with its risks, and they have both
had their shares of injuries and discomforts, from extreme mosquito bites to
broken backs.
There is not a lot these ladies have not achieved; they have competed in the
world’s highest marathon on Mount Everest, walked jaguars in the Amazon,
sailed treacherous seas, navigated ice falls and raced 322 km on a dogsled.
The in 2019, the twins were approached by the makers of Naked and Afraid, an
extreme outdoor adventure (albeit naked). However, they both saw the mental
and physical challenge as something right up their alley and set off to Africa for
the show.
Their latest adventure was to write a book about their experiences, and to share
some of their most extreme achievements and the secrets behind their strength,
endurance and approach to life. “We wrote this book as over the year’s people
love hearing about our adventures and always want to hear more. Our stories
inspired people to get more out of life and we often got the comment “I am going
to bring my kids up like you” so we like to think this book will inspire people to
get out there and adventure in this ever-increasing digital world. Throughout our
adventures we kept diaries so we have an accurate account.”
Of all their adventures, their favourite and closest to heart was summiting Mount
Cook. NZ highest mountain is often a training ground for mountaineers and
the fact that it was on home soil made it all the more special. “S: Climbing Mt
Cook would be one of the more special ones being on home turf and NZ highest
mountain.”
Not all adventures are ones they want to relive. In 2015 Selena broke her back in
a snoboarding accident and was not sure she would ever be able to walk again.
“It doesn’t stop me from doing anything or limit me. However at times it does hurt
but it’s nothing to dwell on, I’m just thankful I can still do any kind of adventure
and keep fit working out.”
Amber and Serena on the Kepler Track
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