Gavin surprised me on this trip. I just expected a mountain guide, but he’s very intuitive, deep, highly intelligent and articulate….but also quiet, observing everything about people … I felt entirely safe in Gavin’s hands. ….. I’m so grateful to have been here….. it’s way beyond what I expected. I think people could go through years of counselling and workshops to get what you get here….. I would love my kids, my sister to experience this… for the growth you get from it. You get insight into where you are at and it’s very liberating, thank you Gavin.
Vicki S
‘He’s professional in the climbing aspect but also the insights he has brought in a more spiritual and personal growth sense. His focus, and how he has gently guided people through has been a huge help. I’ve gotten far more than what I’d dreamed of achieving. It’s been fantastic.'
Nigel R
‘He’s got this intuition thing happening, which is just in the moment. I’ve never met anybody like him……. you’ll leave a much better person than the one that arrived. I can’t recommend this enough. This has changed my life.’
Alistair S
‘You’re a good teacher Gavin, very thorough….. I feel a lot more at peace….I’m on a new pathway….. I feel huge gratitude for having been on this course. Thank you so much for all the effort involved in putting something like this together. I know it’s worked really well, so thank you.
Liz S
I certainly feel more at peace now, the body feels more in tune. The body and mind seem really relaxed. Normally there’s agitation. To not have that ….is pure enjoyment. I’m very glad to be here.
马修·K
The week has been just awesome….. it’s really a mind game of getting over your fear. I think that Gavin really helped me manage some of my fears….. that trust in Gavin was pretty key to being able to do some things that you’ve never done before…… I’m very glad that I’ve come up here.
Liz A
‘Going with Gavin, you’re with someone who wants to make sure you have the fullest experience possible, not just physically in terms of climbing but on every other dimension as well. And that’s something I’ve really enjoyed and really appreciated.’
Penny B
“A truly extraordinary experience in a truly unique environment. An adventure on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels! Gavin was a wonderful guide – remaining consistent, calm, encouraging, supportive and knowledgable which made surmounting my personal challenges on Mount Aspiring absolutely possible. So fantastic to be fuelled with real food for the journey too – so important to me, and makes such a difference when out in the mountains to have such nutrient dense fuel. Thank you Gavin! I can happily recommend your services for anyone wanting an incredible mountain experience!”
Helen P
“I am not a client of Gavin (yet), I met him recently when I shared Colin Todd hut with him and a client for 4 days. He didn't mind answering my endless barrage of rookie questions and treated his clients very professionally. If you want a high level guide that not only knows his stuff when it comes to photography, but also also makes really good food for his clients, look no further.”
Hanno S
“我欣赏the most is that each trip is a journey and the journey is not just about the objectives but about the whole experience. Gavin makes an incredible commitment to engage on a personal level – the guiding does not start and stop when the rope is tied on and untied. The space to explore all the aspects of the journey – geographic, physical, technical, emotional and spiritual – without having to feel guarded about some of the more personal and private things that come up is a real gift.”
Penny B
“I’ve hired climbing guides in Europe, Africa, USA, and now NZ, and First Light Guiding was clearly the best client/guide experience I've ever had in the mountains. Gavin is a professional, personable guide who goes the extra mile to ensure you eat well, climb well, and have an all-around fun time in the mountains. If you appreciate climbing at the right pace for you, rather than the pace of the other people on your rope, then you cannot go wrong with a 1:1 trip with First Light Guiding. Other than the time on the mountain, which was terrific, one of the highlights was clearly the food. Gavin asked my preferences long in advance so he could be sure of satisfying any special dietary requirements I might have had. And when it came time to eat, he delivered! Every meal was delicious and nutritious.”
Riley S
“Wanted to go for a good experience in the Southern Alps and First Light Guiding provided exactly this. Learnt a lot during this one week with Gavin around Colin Todd Hut about the conditions down there. Gavin is a very knowledgeable/safe guide, who share lots of his experience. I was impressed by the cooking. Thanks again for taking me with you Gavin, looking forward to meeting you again in the hills or in the valley !
Matthieu V
“My primary goal was to summit Mt Aspiring but I came away with so much more. Not only is Gavin an exceptional mountain guide but he's a skilled life coach. I'm now on a new pathway and its feels great. Gavin is great company, and cooks amazing meals. The best indicator for the strength of this recommendation is that I am already booked in for my next course with Gavin.”