Hamish McMaster ‘Mush’
Where do you call home?
New Zealand, but I live in the UK currently.
Where do you guide trips for Mountains By Nature?
New Zealand, Nepal and wherever else Seth lets me!
What is it that you like the most about guiding hiking trips?
Being in the outdoors is a true gift. Life is simple. I love marrying up the cultures of travelers to the country they are visiting. It’s a real honour.
How long have you been guiding trips in your area?
More than 30 years.
Tell us something about yourself, people may not know?
As part of my other company, I drove to Morocco from the UK around 23 years ago and was stopped by the Police for an overloaded car (rafts, kayaks and a camping toilet on the roof) and after taking pictures and telling me they would take me to court for ‘misuse of a motor vehicle’, me and my friend Muzza were on our way, warned by the police we would be thrown in jail once the French saw the car. We kept driving and just north of the Spanish border a French Gendarmerie car pulled alongside us. Looked at us, up at the load, back at us and up at the load…. Next thing was big thumbs up given we were driving a French car!
What is your biggest achievement to date?
I am proud to have been in the adventure industry for so many years and at times innovating. Obviously, I am super proud of our two kids, Holly and Josh.
What do you love to do when you are not guiding trips?
Running the kids around doing adventures around the world. No matter whether its sailing in Greece, rafting in Morocco, or hiking in Nepal. Travel widens the mind. Fly fishing, mountain biking, rafting and sailing.
Favorite artist or band?
Tough one. Stuck between Swifty and Def Leopard.
What is your favorite food?
Katsu chicken.
If you could go anywhere in the world, what would be your first choice?
New Zealand.
