About Grassroots Adventures

Established in 1994 by Fay Schaw, an ardent and dedicated traveller, Grassroots Adventures evolved out of a lifetime of personal first hand travel experiences.

Grassroots offers a limited number of destinations which have been selected for the unique and fascinating experiences that they offer. Each destination is personally researched so that the tourist traps are avoided and the best value for money ensured.

All Grassroots leaders are experienced travellers who are passionate about the countries they visit and the special service style which is the "Grassroots Way". They are totally committed to providing Grassroots travellers with the holiday experience of a lifetime.

Fay Schaw (Founder and Leader)

Fay has always had a burning interest in things geographical and in enjoying the outdoors. Over the years she has travelled widely both as a back-packer and in her capacity as Musical Director of the Air New Zealand Accordion Orchestra.

As Tour Director and Conductor of this orchestra Fay planned and operated nine major international concert tours over 20 years, to China, USA, Canada, Australia and Europe.  In recognition of services to New Zealand she was awarded the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal. 

Her wealth of first hand destination knowledge and years of group travel experience enables her to offer Grassroots Travellers this series of unique and very personal travel experiences.

Sandra Turner (Leader)

Sandra loves travelling, meeting new people and being in the great outdoors. She enjoys tramping (mostly with the Auckland based group, WOPs), tennis, kayaking and skiing, and relishes the opportunity to share her favourite Grassroots adventures with other active travellers.  The many new friendships that she has made with fabulous and interesting Kiwis is something that Sandra cherishes about being a Grassroots leader.

Judy Oates (Leader)

Judy's interests are tramping, kayaking, sailing, recreational cycling, horse riding and adventure travel. She has a farming and teaching background and just loves taking people to explore new and exciting destinations. Hearing about other people's travels and life experiences is an added bonus.

Graeme Hutchings (leader)

Graeme is a semi-retired dairy farmer from south Rotorua. Married to Heather for 40 years, they have two adult children and four grandsons. His many interests include fishing, mountain biking, off-road 4WD adventures, overseas travelling and just enjoying family life.

Graeme has a passion for travelling in Africa and Asia, and he and Heather took part in many Grassroots trips prior to his becoming a leader in 2012. Graeme loves group-travel and in particular, sharing his favourite places with people from all walks of life.