Bearing all on a New Zealand survival adventure with Chief Scout Mr Grylls

By Dan Wootton

Published: 04:32 EST, 9 May 2013 | Updated: 07:35 EST, 9 May 2013

It’s 7.30am and I’m about to be helicoptered into the heart of New Zealand’s beautiful natural bush to, well, 'go bush' with TV adventurer Bear Grylls.

I can't help feeling a sense of dread about my impending adventure - after all, Bear is a man known for spending weeks in the wild at a time, surviving on nothing but the odd ant for dinner, a far cry from my usual existence.

While I was born and raised in this very special country, I’m ashamed to admit that, until this moment, I haven’t exactly made the most of its natural wonders. In fact, for the last eight years, I have been much more accustomed to spending my time in newsrooms or television studios in my job as a showbiz reporter and broadcaster in London.

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Getting into character: Bear paints mud on Dan's face before they embark on their survival adventure

But when Britain’s Chief Scout (his official title within The Scout Association) asked me to fly halfway around the world to receive a crash course in survival skills amongst the unsurpassed beauty of my homeland’s South Island, it was impossible to say no.

As we touch down in a freezing cold valley in the Crown Range Mountains, between Otago's adventure capital Queenstown and Lake Wanaka, I’m instantly beginning to regret my decision. It all looks a bit, well, rustic.

Luckily, within minutes Bear makes his entrance - dangling from a rope hanging from a helicopter. I should have expected nothing less. As he effortlessly drops to the ground, the slight 38-year-old charges across the same rocks that have just taken me ten minutes to navigate in a matter of seconds.

He greets me with a firm handshake and thrusts a large backpack at me.

"In there is all you need to survive out here," he assures me. There’s a very large knife, a smaller knife and binoculars. His own survival kit contains a satellite phone, a box of anti-inflammatories and anti-venom treatment.

Wild at heart: The Crown Range Mountains dominate the landscape between Queenstown and Lake Wanaka

Flames of glory: With a few tips from Bear, Dan manages to spark up a fire

I gulp and warn Bear that I’ve never done anything like this before. "Some people thrive and some people crumble," he admits. "You have to use your brainpower and tune into your environment. Slowly, you will begin to get it. My responsibility is to look after my buddies and get back home safe to my family."

Without a second thought, Bear orders me to climb up to the tallest rock in sight. He stretches both my arms out and starts painting my face in dark brown mud. My transformation into bush warrior has begun.

As we head towards the fast-flowing river which cuts through the mountain range, I ask Bear just how much danger there really is on his shows. I don’t get the answer I want.

"I remember Steve Irwin being killed when we were in the middle of the Ecuadorian jungle," he remembers. "I’d just had a very near miss after falling 20 feet down a waterfall when a vine broke. My head missed the rock by two inches, it would have killed me outright. That’s just one reminder that TV doesn’t guarantee any protection."

Equal footing: In the wild, water filtered through a used sock is just par for the course

The cameras are here today because Bear is filming a video for Air New Zealand. His Bear Essentials safety video for the airline, also filmed on the country’s South Island, has become a viral internet sensation with over two million views on YouTube.

Next, Bear wants me to get to a rock in the middle of the river. This is much easier said than done. After numerous failed attempts where I am inches from ending up in the rapids, he puts out his arm and simply flings me across.

As we sit down, he asks me to take off one of my boots and socks. What? Why?

"I’m going to use your sock to filter our drinking water," he replies matter-of-factly. This really is a whole new world.

 VIDEO  Bear Grylls shows you to stay safe in Air New Zealand ad

Everybody has a dream – or a nightmare – about whether they could survive on a desert island. In my case, it is most definitely a nightmare. I ask Bear if he fundamentally believes anyone can survive in the wild.

"We’re all a lot stronger than we give ourselves credit for," he answers. "Life batters us and people cover it up in different ways. It’s not until we come out to places like this, where we have to do it, because there’s no one else to carry our backpack, that people come alive. As humans, when we’re pushed we are incredibly resourceful. It’s why the human race has survived – we are survivors."

Bear loves seeing mere mortals like me forced to cope without the modern technology we’re usually so reliant on.

"What I’ve always enjoyed, whether it’s through my SAS work or climbing Everest, is to see the most unlikely people grow. I’ve seen it many times. My vision is to take regular people and empower them."

Some celebrities crave Bear’s back-to-basics approach, too.

"I remember taking Jake Gyllenhaal into the wild after he’d just come off this huge movie," he explains. "Jake said to me: 'After two days out in the wild with you, I feel a closer connection to my environment.' It was because he was doing something real and raw. There was no ticking boxes about harnesses like on a movie set, it was just me and him. You create bonds that are incredible."

Away from the bright lights: Bear Grylls took actor Jake Gyllenhaal on an adventure into the wild

One of Bear’s priorities has been to get around health and safety regulations that can make adventure travel so difficult these days. 

"When I took over as Chief Scout, I said one of my missions was to strip all that back to empower people again. You don’t empower people when you’re trying to negate risk. Life has risk," he argues.

"I always say: 'What we’re about to do today is super dangerous. But we are going to manage each other and look after each other so we make it super safe.' Every single person leaves with a few bruises, a few cuts and a few scars. But I tell them they’re stories for you when you’re old and bald. We never get complacent. But bar the odd scar and bruise, everybody’s safe."

Next up Bear teaches me how to use one of his specially designed bow and arrows to hunt for food. Bear’s ability to eat almost anything to survive has become legendary.

On the waterfront: Lake Wanaka proves a soothing place for Dan to recover from his outdoor adevnture

"You need to put your prejudices aside," he warns me ominously. "It’s never going to taste nice or look pretty. I’ve had countless times where I’ve forced down on my own during the night grub after grub, scorpion after scorpion, eyeball after eyeball or even camel intestinal fluid and raw snakes. It’s horrible, but you need energy to move!"

As dusk is about to set in, Bear sets about teaching me how to light my own fire. There are no matches here so it takes a lot of effort. As he prepares for another night in the wild, I wonder how much he misses his family.

"I have three young boys, so I’ll always speak to them. I managed to convince the producers of my TV show to come to New Zealand. Usually they want me to go to the worst hellhole on the planet where communication is a nightmare."

While I have enjoyed my time in the wild, I admit I can’t wait to be helicoptered back to my room at a resort on the edge of beautiful Lake Wanaka where tonight I’ll be able to enjoy some divine New Zealand wine and food.

Not surprisingly, Bear doesn’t feel the same. "If someone said to me at aged seven that I could have a job that involved covering you in mud, teaching you to use the bow and arrow, climbing mountains and taking people on the adventures of a lifetime then I would have thought life was brilliant. It genuinely has never felt like work," he explains.

"I love what I do. The struggle is being away from my family. But when I’m home, I’m never on the red carpet. I try and take as much of the school holidays off which we spend on a little island in North Wales. That’s the driving force in my life."

DAN WOOTTON'S TOP NEW ZEALAND EXPERIENCES

Sun to snow: Take a helicopter tour from Queenstown and you'll find snowy peaks within your reach

1…HELICOPTER HEAVEN

The aerial view over virtually all of New Zealand is absolutely spectacular. As we know by now, it makes up all of the locations for Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. My pick is a guided private helicopter ride from Queenstown to the spectacular Milford Sound on the South Island. It was probably the most exciting three hours of my life, with a tour that even topped flying over the Grand Canyon. What’s amazing is that even in the middle of summer, you can make a stop on a stunning mountaintop covered in snow. Milford itself is a sight to behold.

2…THE MAGIC OF NARNIA

There are many leisurely walks in New Zealand that aren’t too testing. My pick is a 50-minute stroll to Cathedral Cove, one of the most idyllic spots on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. I spent every summer holiday in this area growing up, but I was still blown away by the beauty of the natural rock formations set against the perfectly clear turquoise ocean. It’s no wonder some of the Narnia films were shot here. I also recommend visits to beaches at Hahei, Tairua and Whangamata. Plus, don’t miss the legendary Hot Water Beach where you dig to create your own natural hot spa.

Cathedral cove on the Coromandel Peninsula

3…ADVENTURE IN THE SKY

The adventure capital of Queenstown, the home of the bungee jump, is a must visit. The Skyline, which can only be accessed by gondola or helicopter, offers luxury New Zealand food and a Maori cultural experience. But most exciting is the Luge, an 800-metre scenic go-cart run that features incredible views of the township, lake below and surrounding mountains.

4…CULTURE IN THE CAPITAL

My hometown of Wellington is New Zealand’s cultural and political hub, being the home of film director Peter Jackson and parliament. The gorgeous waterfront plays host to regular food and craft markets and street performances, as well as the renowned national museum Te Papa (Our Place). Opened in 1998, it is a truly modern museum with technology at its heart. There is also an innovative outdoor adventure walk, some of the country’s most expensive artworks and fascinating historical exhibitions documenting the country’s official relationship with Britain.

5…FUN AND FOOD IN THE BIG SMOKE

Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city, but it often used to be left off tourist itineraries. That has all changed over the last decade, in part thanks to the central city’s makeover to host two major sporting events (the America’s Cup in 2003 and Rugby World Cup in 2011). The new Hilton Hotel on the renovated Viaduct section of the waterfront is excellent. For fun, a jet boat ride around the beautiful harbour is a must. For wine, the vineyards of Waiheke are exceptional. For food with a view, try the rotating restaurant atop the Sky Tower.

Travel Facts

Air New Zealand (www.airnewzealand.co.uk) flies daily from London Heathrow to New Zealand from £1,271 via LA. Upgrade to Economy Skycouch from £359 one way per couple. Domestic add on flights available to 26 destination points across the North and South of New Zealand.

To discover more about New Zealand visit www.newzealand.com/uk.