From adventure to award-winning film

news Date published 29 7 2026 , Age 2 days ago

NMIT Adventure Tourism tutor Oscar Hadley and partner Aimee Jules have won Best Film at the MD Outdoors Adventure Film Festival for ‘Knob by Knob | Humble Beginnings’.

Adventure Toursim Tutor Oscar Hadley Knob by Knob Web Narrow Medium 1470x680px — Oscar and Aimee summit 'Beebys Knob', a 1,442-metre peak in Mount Richmond Forest Park, Aorere | Tasman district, Te Tauihu.

As an Adventure Tourism and Guiding tutor at NMIT, Oscar Hadley teaches canyoning, white-water kayaking, sea kayaking, rock climbing, tramping and outdoor safety, inspiring students to embrace challenge, explore the outdoors and discover where adventure can take them.

Now, he and partner Aimee Jules are leading by example after Knob by Knob won Best Film at the sold-out 2026 MD Adventure Film Festival(external link).

This grassroots festival showcases authentic stories celebrating the people, places and adventures that make Te Tauihu so special.

It's all about the journey

The award-winning documentary follows Oscar and Aimee on the first chapter of an ambitious lifetime mission to summit every named ‘knob’ in New Zealand - 138 in total.

“Knobs are ‘underdog’ lumps of land - places that are often wild, untouched and somewhat unloved! After 18 months, we've climbed our first 22!” says Oscar.

For Oscar, the project has never been about pursuing records or ticking off summits. Instead, it is about slowing down, embracing the journey and discovering unique places that they might never otherwise have visited.

So far, the mission has taken them through remote landscapes, from the stunning Kahurangi National Park in their own backyard to the epic Tararua Range in the lower North Island, with plans to explore as far as Stewart Island.

The festival judges said the film stood out for its authenticity and heart.

“Oscar and Aimee's film stole the show because it reminds us that the greatest adventures aren't about the summit, but they are about the experiences, the people, and the journey along the way.”

Kyle Mulinder, MD Adventure Film Festival judges team

Oscar and Aimee at Richard’s Knob,in the Tararua Range, lower North Island Web Medium 1470x980px — Oscar and Aimee at Richard’s Knob, in the Tararua Range, lower North Island.

For Aimee, the film is as much about curiosity and storytelling as it is about adventure. She hopes it inspires people to look beyond the most famous tracks and highest peaks, reminding them that unforgettable adventures can begin with a simple idea and a willingness to explore.

Sharing the mission has made the experience even more meaningful. Aimee says Oscar's extensive outdoor knowledge, planning, navigation and informed decision-making skills make it possible to confidently and safely explore remote places together. Exploring alongside him has deepened her appreciation of the knowledge, judgement and responsibility required of exceptional outdoor professionals.

Learning through adventure

Oscar says teaching Adventure Tourism at NMIT allows him to share that philosophy every day.

“One of the best things about teaching at NMIT is that our classroom extends far beyond four walls. With rivers, mountains, coastlines and three national parks on our doorstep, Te Tauihu is one of the best places in the world to learn adventure tourism”

He enjoys seeing learners' skills and confidence grow while working alongside a passionate team of tutors in some of New Zealand's best outdoor environments.

Oscar hopes Knob by Knob encourages students to think differently about adventure and create challenges of their own.

“I hope this film inspires our students, and adventurers of all ages, to get out there, give things a go and create adventures of their own.”

This is just the beginning

Winning Best Film was a proud moment, but Oscar and Aimee see it as just the beginning.

"We have been overwhelmed with the love and support that our wee mission has received. It's been amazing to see people connect with the story, and we've only climbed 22 knobs so far, so there are still 116 to go! We can't wait to see where the journey takes us next," says Aimee.

Oscar hopes the project inspires more people to get outdoors and even pursue a career in adventure tourism, turning a passion for the outdoors into meaningful work. His advice for aspiring guides and instructors is simple: build strong practical skills in an outdoor pursuit you love and make genuine connections within the industry.

He says NMIT's experienced teaching team and strong industry connections give students an excellent start, whether their future adventures are in Te Tauihu, elsewhere in Aotearoa, or take them overseas.

Learn more about Adventure Tourism at NMIT

View more about Oscar and Aimee’s mission, or plan your own:

Watch Knob by Knob \| Humble Beginnings:	Follow along on Oscar and Aimee’s journey:	Interested in exploring the Te Tauihu outdoors?
Here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iBcbUKYrxk (external link)	Find them on Instagram: @aimeejulesphotography(external link), where they’re documenting every knob, one adventure at a time.	Set up by MD Outdoors: Join the growing membership of the new Nelson Tasman Outdoor Community Facebook Group(external link).