Mary Somervell

Mary is a published author and poet and an outdoors enthusiast. She lives in Nelson, New Zealand with her partner, Steven Vaughan, a landscape and underwater photographer. Her writing and poetry draw on rich and varied experiences living in New Zealand, Australia, U.S.A. and U.K. She writes inspirational stories about living well, connecting with nature, and redefining adventures, and encourages us all to lead authentic and adventurous lives at any age. Mary’s second published work is a collaboration with her partner, Steven Vaughan. Her lively poems are partnered with Steve's striking photos in ‘A Poetic Journey through Aotearoa: Unforgettable Images of New Zealand and the Pacific’. After completing an online Poetry Masterclass with Mark Tredinnick, she penned a collection of poems to showcase Steve’s beautiful images, captured during their adventures throughout New Zealand and the Pacific. Mary has always loved being active outdoors with activities like scuba diving, sea kayaking and cycling. Her first published work is ‘Going AWOL: Inspiration and Insights from Adventurous Women on the Loose’. Mary founded AWOL (Adventurous Women on the Loose) to share her passion for being active outdoors with other women, and organised over 70 different shared adventures. ‘Going AWOL’ is full of amazing adventures of intrepid women going on wonderful adventures around New Zealand, as well as the adventure of transitioning from one life phase to another. Both publications share different perspectives and showcase some of the best scenery and experiences New Zealand has to offer, including off the beaten track experiences for visitors and locals embarking on adventure travel in Aotearoa.