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Bill McLeod did not start mountaineering until he was thirty, when he moved to New Zealand in 1978. With an instinct for adventure and a fierce determination he taught himself to climb and over the next 25 years became one of this country’s finestalpinists.
Ross Cullen, with contributions from ten of Bill’s climbing partners, extensive use of letters from Bill, and editing by Pip Lynch, wrote Bill McLeod: Mountaineering Legend.
The 2026 book traces Bill’s remarkable journey from self-taught novice to tackling the hardest ascents in Aotearoa and completion of over 100 first ascents. Bill’s climbing record is unique, as is his character – an outsider who aimed high, set his
own rules, and always did things his way.
Bill McLeod is shy, reclusive, has been described as enigmatic. In this 2026 Kennedy Lecture, Ross will explain how he was able to tell the story of Bill and his dozens of notable climbs. Through Bill’s own words – wry, reflective, and often brutally honest,
and those of his peers, we gain a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the mind of a mountaineer driven by vision, courage, and commitment. Bill approved the book being written, contributed several photos, and commented after reading it … ‘All good. Very interesting. Once I started I couldn’t stop.’
Ross Cullen is a Past President (1991-93) of New Zealand Alpine Club, edited the first two editions of Barron Saddle – Mt Brewster guidebook, and is chair of Tūpiki Trust. He first climbed with Bill McLeod in 1988 and was fortunate to climb with him
on 17 first ascents.
Join us on October 17th at Heaton Normal Intermediate for this amazing presentation. Doors will open at 7pm with the talk commencing at 7.30pm
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Event venue
Heaton Normal Intermediate, 125 Heaton St, Merivale, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand, Christchurch
Tickets
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