He walked in to the Dart Hut, on the Rees-Dart Track, eight days before we meet him and is clearly excited by the arrival of supplies that include food and personal items for the six months he will call Dart Hut home.
Choosing what he wants is no easy feat, but he focuses on nutritional food including dried fruit, all kinds of nuts and food with a long shelf-life, including rice, potatoes and canned goods.
All up, he has spent about $1000.
Each warden spends 16 days on the track, before walking out and taking five days off.
The return journey is an opportunity to stock up on "fresh goods and treats''.
For the 22-year-old Canadian, that includes coffee and chocolate.
However, as a keen hunter, he doesn't think he will go hungry in New Zealand's back country.
Each morning, he gets a weather update from Queenstown Department of Conservation (Doc) office.
This has two purposes: first, to ensure he is aware of conditions; second, so colleagues know he is safe and well.
His role is to keep trampers up to speed on any hazards.
Training varies depending on the track but usually consists of basic health and safety, education on the biodiversity of the environment as well as infrastructure elements, including the use of lpg, sewage systems and water supplies.
First aid skills are essential, particularly given the Rees-Dart Track is a high alpine area.
Mr Elwood isn't concerned about the challenges and is keen to get stuck in.
"Look at it; it's spectacular. There are worse places you could spend six months of your life.''
- Louise Scott
