Mark Austin

IFMGA Mountain & Ski Guide
AC Guide Mark Austin stands on the Khumbu Glacier with Everest Base Camp in the distance.

Mark began his climbing career at the age of 20 and has since climbed extensively in Canada, France, Nepal and his native New Zealand. Mark loves sharing this mountain environment with others and is always keen to have a good yarn!

Raised in Christchurch, New Zealand and now based in Queenstown. Mark is never short of a conversational topic and enjoys sharing good times in the hills with those he's guiding.

Mark started climbing in 1994 at age 20 and began guiding in 2007. He has climbed extensively in Canada, France, Nepal and New Zealand. When asked what he enjoys most about climbing he said, "All of it... except sit starts and big roofs!" His most memorable climb is an ascent of the West Ridge of Malte Brun with his wife. It was her first climb after kids!

As well as reaching his IFMGA Mountain and Ski Guide status in early 2012, he is also a qualified secondary school teacher.


International Expeditions
Lobuche East - 6,119m/20,075ft 2024
Everest - 8,850m/29,035ft 2023
Island Peak - 6,189m/20,305ft 2018
Everest Base Camp Trek - 5,554m/18,221ft 2018, 2024
Aconcagua - 6,962m/22,841ft 2016
Ama Dablam - 6,828m/22,401ft 2008, 2018
Mark Austin on the summit of New Zealand's Tititea - Mount Aspiring.

"Leadership was excellent. Mark was knowledgeable and a delight on the trail. He had excellent tips and tended to individuals in the group with good care."

Evan McKeith, USA
MA SL2

"We felt extremely well looked after by Mark from the moment we arrived in Kathmandu. He is an awesome guide and we had lots of laughs along the way….and YES he loves to chat! We are both very happy that we chose Adventure Consultants for our trip."

Karla Blair, New Zealand
MA SL3

"Leadership was first class, Mark was outstanding."

Martin Elstow, UK