Who we are

Di and John at the 70th Everest Summit Celebrations, Khumbu, Nepal 2023
Diane teaching and John doctoring to the Sherpa community 1966 -1968
Rebeccah and Dorje being carried while trekking, Nepal 1973

The Footprints Adventure

Footprints Tours Ltd - Sharing authentic connections across Asia since 1988 John and Diane McKinnon's connection to Asia began in 1964 when John joined Sir Edmund Hillary's expedition to Nepal, to climb Thamserku and help build schools and the now-famous Lukla airstrip. As a young couple, they spent over two years living among the Sherpa people at Khunde village, where John worked as a doctor at Hillary's hospital and Diane taught at the local school. This profound experience forged lifelong bonds with the region and its people. Since founding Footprints Tours in 1988, Diane and John have shared their deep knowledge and authentic relationships across Asia with travelers, leading specialized treks through remote Himalayan valleys, textile tours through India, and cultural journeys along the Silk Road. Now in their 80s and passing the torch to the next generation, the McKinnons have built a legacy of meaningful, expertly guided travel experiences rooted in decades of genuine connection to the people and places they visit.

Meet your guides

Rebeccah Curtis (nee McKinnon)
Adventure is in my blood. At age three, while in the Khumbu region of the Himalayas, I wandered off to help the local mud-man make bricks for house construction—much to my parents' concern and my absolute delight. That same spirit of curiosity and hands-on exploration drives everything I do as a tour guide today. I specialize in crafting experiences that go beyond the typical tourist trail. While we'll never miss the iconic highlights, I take genuine pride in uncovering local treasures and authentic moments that most visitors never discover. Whether it's a family-run eatery serving generations-old recipes or a tucked-away artisan workshop, I'm constantly seeking out those meaningful connections that transform a trip into a story you'll tell for years. As a passionate foodie, I believe cuisine is one of the most intimate ways to understand a culture. Expect exceptional meals on my tours—not just at renowned restaurants, but at local spots where flavor and tradition come together. I'm equally drawn to design, colour, and the visual richness of the places we explore, and I love sharing these layered perspectives with my groups. Having grown up around Buddhist practice and culture, I bring an authentic respect and understanding when we visit communities where Buddhism shapes daily life. My approach is warm, flexible, and unflappable. I handle the unexpected with ease so you can simply enjoy the journey.If you're looking for someone who combines meticulous planning with spontaneous discovery, and who treats every tour as an opportunity for authentic adventure, I'd love to be your guide. I have previously guided trips in Nepal, India and Sri Lanka
Dorje McKinnon
I have lead and guided tours to Nepal, Japan, Mongolia, Nepal and within New Zealand. Born in Kathmandu Nepal, and raised in Nelson New Zealand, I spentevery second weekend out hiking and tramping with my family until I left home. My love of the outdoors saw me spend three months in New Zealand’s Fiordland wilderness as a 17 year old on Operation Raleigh’s phase 8B. From the bush at thebottom of the South Island, I then worked as an oysterman at the top of the South Island in Tasman Bay. The high desert of Oregon was my next stop, where I worked on a Llama and Arabian horse ranch. I’m a seasoned traveller and cultural explorer with a passion for Asia’s rich traditions and hidden gems. This makes me an exceptional tour guide for New Zealanders seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. With years of first-handexperience living, working, and journeying across countries such as Japan, Mongolia, Nepal, India, and Tibet, I have cultivated an in-depth understanding of local customs, spiritual practices, and the nuances that transform a trip into a trulyimmersive adventure. My Kiwi roots give me a unique perspective, bridging the gap between Aotearoa’s love for nature and the World’s captivating cultures andlandscapes. Known for my warm personality, deep respect for local communities, and commitment to responsible travel, my guiding style is both informative and engaging.Whether leading treks along 1000 year old Japanese paths, or through Himalayan villages, I connect you with local artisans, and facilitate meaningful encounters withlocals. I craft journeys that go well beyond sightseeing. I have an ability to share insightful stories and foster genuine connections which allows my guests to experience travel on a profound level, making every adventure with me a memory to cherish and a doorway to greater understanding.
Keryn Beveridge
I have spent my whole adult life working to get on the next plane! Having lived overseas for 18 years on many different continents and having been to nearly 100 different countries my passion for travel has in no way diminished over time. There’s nothing I like more than planning the next adventure and getting to discover new cultures, cuisines, experiences and to learn a little of a new language. I spent many years teaching English abroad which led to my love of exploring the world and more recently I worked as a Travel Agent. This gave me the opportunity to try out a variety of styles of tours and encouraged me to become a tour guide. My first Footprints tour was to Uzbekistan and I was hooked. The latest tour I organised and ran was to China and Tibet. When I am not out of the country, I guide international (and the occasional domestic) visitors around Christchurch and New Zealand. I also help people plan their travel itineraries. Some of my favourite destinations are Greece, China, the Caucasus and Morocco. I have been fortunate enough to have worked and lived in Paris, London, Istanbul, Lesvos and Paros in Greece, Australia and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. To take people travelling to a new place and to delve deeply into the way people live, try the food, uncover the crafts, sample the local wine and marvel at the geography is the reason I lead tours. I feel extremely lucky to have the opportunity to share the beautiful world we live in with you and to show off and help you discover the places I love.