The rugged landscapes of Mt Aspiring are known for bringing people closer to nature, but for two members of the Ryman family, they also created an unexpected connection.
When Beth Andrews, an independent resident at Richard Hadlee Village, signed up for a hiking trip with the Milton Rotary Tramping Club, she was doing what she has always loved. A lifelong runner, cyclist, tramper and former nurse, Beth has never let retirement slow her down. At 73, her calendar is still packed with tramping adventures, volunteering, golf, swimming, and family time.
On the same trip was Chris Moir, a Clinical Education Advisor for Ryman based in Christchurch. Chris, who supports the professional development of Ryman clinical staff including nurses across New Zealand, shares Beth's passion for the outdoors and had joined the trip alongside a group of 30 fellow trampers.
The group spent several days exploring the spectacular surroundings of Mt Aspiring, including walks to Rob Roy Glacier and Aspiring Hut. But it wasn't the scenery that sparked the connection between Beth and Chris.
One evening, a fellow tramper discovered she had a skin tear on her leg.
"This one lady, who is 79 years old, noticed she had blood all over her leg when she went to bed," Chris recalls.
As a registered nurse, Chris offered to assess the wound the next morning. When other trampers heard another nurse was also in the group, they suggested Chris connect with Beth.
"That's when I met Beth," says Chris. "Someone suggested she come and have a look as well."
The pair quickly discovered they had more in common than nursing. Beth, whose career spanned paediatrics, oncology, emergency nursing and rural Australian healthcare, had exactly the dressing needed for the injury. Together they treated the wound and shared their knowledge and experience to ensure the hiker was comfortable and able to continue enjoying the trip.
For Chris, it was also an opportunity to put some of the lessons she teaches at Ryman into practice.
"I've learned a lot about skin tears since coming to Ryman," she says. "It even gave me the chance to remind everyone about the importance of moisturising their skin twice a day."
As they chatted on the trail and around the lodge, another surprise emerged. Beth mentioned she had recently moved into an independent apartment at Richard Hadlee Village.
"I said, 'I've just moved into Ryman,'" Beth laughs.
"It's fantastic for me, I can lock up and get out to go meet up with friends to go for walks, get out on my bike, and go on extended hikes. It suits me perfectly."
For Chris, it was a wonderful reminder of the active lifestyles many Ryman residents continue to enjoy.
Beth is certainly a perfect example. Since moving into Richard Hadlee Village earlier this year, she has embraced the freedom and security of village life while continuing to pursue the activities she loves.
"My life didn't stop because I moved into a retirement village," she says. "I wanted somewhere that would let me keep doing all the things I enjoy."
Whether she's tramping with the Bishopdale Tramping Club, cycling, volunteering with Age Concern, helping travellers at Christchurch Airport, or taking her caravan away for long weekends, Beth remains as active as ever.
The Mt Aspiring trip also highlighted something else both women value deeply: community.
For Beth, Ryman provides a sense of security and companionship while preserving her independence.
"I feel secure here," she says. "Not just physically, but emotionally. There's a sense of community, and companionship if you want it. But you can still come and go and live life on your own terms."
For Chris, hearing stories like Beth's reinforces why she enjoys her role at Ryman.
On the same trip, another tramper recognised the Ryman name and spoke warmly about the care her sister receives at Hilda Ross Village.
"She couldn't speak more highly of the team," Chris says. "Those moments are really special because that's exactly what you want to hear."
What started as a chance encounter over a hiking injury became a story about shared values, professional expertise and the unexpected connections that happen within the wider Ryman community.