References & Testomonials

Introducing Graham Leech, your guide

Graham is an extremely experienced outdoorsman who has spent the past 20 years doing recreational walking in the Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges of Hawkes Bay.

Born and raised in the United Kingdom, he has been involved in scouting, walking and tramping clubs since early childhood and has travelled and walked in Europe, Africa, South-east Asia and Nepal.

Since moving to Hawkes Bay he has become a passionate convert to the New Zealand outdoors, particularly the vast wilderness expanses and network of huts of the mountain ranges on his doorstep.

Graham is a qualified accountant by trade but setting up Afoot has been an ambition for some years. He was awarded the first dedicated guiding concession for the Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges by the Department of Conservation in August 2007.

He is qualified in outdoor first aid and has completed the required health and safety, environmental impact and commercial viability standards in order to obtain the Concession.

Graham is ideally placed to safely and competently lead groups of all ages and his knowledge of the ranges and his enthusiasm are infectious.

Graham by Maropea Forks Hut

Graham by the Mohaka River

Sue Piercey (December 2009)

What we ended up doing was great and I wasn't disappointed not to have done the original plan. One of the highlights was the surprise lunch Wendy provided - it tasted so good after a week's tramping!

Paul Johnston (November 2009)

Thanks for a great and memorable four days.

Mike Rathbun (November 2008)

That was the best day tramping I have had in New Zealand. Thanks for a fabulous day.

Martyn King (July 2007)

I have known Graham for a number of years and have undertaken many mountain/bush tramps in his company, including several challenging trips in unmarked Department of Conservation wilderness zones. I believe Graham has the high degree of integrity supported by a sound level of bushcraft and safety awareness. I strongly recommend him.

Tess Redgrave (October 2007)

Thanks for an exhilarating trip and for gently steering our strong-willed group in the right direction ... images of the journey are still washing over me as I re-enter daily life up here and it has given me much food for thought about future adventures. Thanks again for looking after us so well out there.

Peter Meyer (October 2007)

Graham, just a short note to thank you for last week. I think I speak for all of us when I say we had a great time. I look forward to our next trip.

John McCool (September 2007)

Thanks for a great trip. Bloody brilliant & bring on the next one!

Guided Walks & Treks in the Ruahine & Kaweka Ranges

Hawkes Bay, New Zealand