Meet Susan and Mitch - a mother and son combo guiding together on the Routeburn Track.
Susan Mawhinney has been guiding for over five seasons and is a senior guide - mainly on the Milford Track, but she couldn't resist doing a Routeburn with first year guide and her son Mitchell.
Susan
Susan's eldest son guided for a season and when the next season rolled around and Ryan was busy for the summer, Susan thought why not be a guide herself.
That wasmore than five years ago and she is now a senior guide on track.
Living in Queenstown for over 20 years, the family had done a bit of tramping the surrounding mountains and after doing some sedentary jobs, Susan loves spending the summers on track.
Mitch
When Mitch finished his degree he decided he take some time out and enjoy a summer working outside.
His mother was delighted when he chose to do some guiding too. That was a year ago and he loved it so much he has returned for following seasons. Mitch grew up in Queenstown and had some great trips with school and the family hiking and is working to his strengths, combining his passion for the outdoors and meeting new people.
