Guides, Instructors and References

Introducing Graham Leech, Afoot's founder, and our other guides and instructors

Graham (known as "Pongo" to many) is an extremely experienced outdoorsman who has spent the past 30 years exploring the Forest Parks of New Zealand's North Island.

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

Since moving to Hawkes Bay in 1989 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, now working as a coach and mentor helping improve Hawkes Bay businesses. Setting up Afoot had been an ambition for some years. Afoot was awarded the first dedicated guiding concession for the Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges by the Department of Conservation in August 2007 and obtained Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award Accreditation in 2017. The Concession was expanded to include the Tararua, Whirinaki and Kaimanawa Forest Parks in 2023.

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 and Accreditation.

Graham is ideally placed to safely and competently lead Afoot's team of guides and instructors on journeys with groups of all ages. His knowledge of the ranges and his enthusiasm are infectious.

Other guides working with Afoot are all very well-experienced with Search & Rescue, tertiary outdoor, medical and teacher education, life-saving and other appropriate skills as part of the mix. Female guides are always available where required. Julia, Debbie, Jeroen, Elise and Sophia are all DOE Award Leaders too.

References

PNGHS Silver Student

I made some great memories that I shall cherish forever.

Woodford Bronze Student

I can't wait to go tramping again!!

St Peters Bronze Student

Overall it was an amazing experience. The Afoot instructors were amazing and I can't wait to do it again.

Woodford Parent

Afoot is an awesome organisation - we are grateful for the professional co-ordination and organisation.

St Peters Award Leader

We had a fantastic day thank you. The kids were still quite excited today......you have them well-motivated.

PNGHS Parent

A big thank you for taking the crew; they absolutely loved it and very much enjoyed being under your guidance and expertise.

NGHS Gold DOE Participant

I thought Julia and Debbie were amazing.

HBHS Award Leader

Our boys always come back buzzing from your trips.

Ruahine Crossing Participant

Graham was the perfect guide for our group - diplomatic and empathetic. A great host.

School Principal - Year 13 Camp

Fully delivered on all aspects; excellent experience for all.

PNGHS Silver DOE Participant

The brownie at the end of the tramp tasted like a sweet delivered from heaven!

PNGHS Silver DOE Group Leader

Thank you for such an enjoyable trip. We all had an awesome time with a great group and the track we took.

Woodford College Year 7 and 8 Camps

Thanks again for the activities this week - the girls really enjoyed themselves.

CHB College Award Leader

Thank you - my students are really enjoying their experiences with you.

Woodford House Accompanying Teacher

I just wanted to thank you for the most enjoyable day organised for us (despite the weather limitations). I was impressed with how you managed the group and got the best out of the day.

Afoot Guide/Instructor Greta - We love what we do !

Thanks for another epic trip Pongo !!

Scots College Gold Parent

Andrew will hold this memory for life. We sincerely appreciate how easy Afoot made it to achieve this milestone - you guys have been absolutely wonderful at every stage.

Lindisfarne College Gold Parent

He had such a great time......thanks for your care, guidance and beautiful memories.

Rathkeale Award Leader

I thought Elise and Greta were excellent with the boys and a credit to your company!!!

Kings College Gold Parent

Thanks for taking Phil on another incredible experience.

Woodford Bronze Student

Thanks heaps for the amazing experience.

Te Aute College Award Leader

Graham Leech from Afoot was an amazing instructor for our Bronze DOE training. He interacted excellently with our boys. The training was engaging and the boys are still talking about it. I highly recommend Graham and Afoot for their services.

Lindisfarne Parent - Silver Journey

Thank so much for taking our son; he had an amazing time.

St Peters College - Accompanying Teacher - Bronze Journey

Great trip and great guides. Kids had a great time; so did we adults.

Lindisfarne Bronze Parent

Participating in Duke of Edinburgh has changed him in the right way; willing to take on new things with new people, so thank you for being such a great tutor - patient and helpful.

Iona Bronze Student

Thank you so much for these last two days - I had a great time !

Woodford House - DOE Co-ordinator

Our girls are loving the trips with you guys !!!

Lindisfarne & Iona Schools - Accompanying Parent

Graham & Elise were great in reasonably trying conditions - they seemed to make all the right calls at the right time.

Napier Boys High School

Graham's guiding expertise, skill and great personality helped significantly enhance our international students' appreciation of Sunrise Track, the vegetation and pest control. Our trip to Sunrise Hut in the Ruahine Mountain Ranges was sensational.

Sue Piercey

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

Thanks for a great and memorable four days.

Mike Rathbun

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

Martyn King

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

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.