A Queenstown guided walk company “walked the extra mile” last week to deliver two new pairs of hiking boots to an Australian couple stranded in the bush without footwear.
Peter & Krys Bailey of Tin Can Bay Australia were on the first of their six day Ultimate Hikes adventure on the Grand Traverse when both of their boots split down the side.
“We’d used our boots last time we were here and they were fine, but obviously we didn’t check them well enough and both experienced blow outs. We’re really quite embarrassed about the whole thing but so grateful to the Ultimate Hikes team for getting us new boots for the rest of our trip,” said Mr Bailey, “especially with so many days left to walk.”
The Bailey’s are no strangers to the fantastic walks, breathtaking views and amazing lodges that Ultimate Hikes are renowned for.
“We walked the Milford track five years ago with Ultimate Hikes,” said Mr Bailey.
“We’re hooked now. The Ultimate Hikes product is outstanding - we loved it so much on the Milford that we’ve returned this year and bought four friends with us.”
A routine supply trip on Thursday (2nd December) was able to drop off new boots at Steele Creek Lodge. Steele Creek is the first overnight stop for guests on the Grand Traverse.
Ultimate Hikes General Manager Noel Saxon said it’s not the first time that a new pair of boots have been added to a stores delivery.
“We got the distress call from the Track, and it was pretty easy for us to pick up some new boots and send them in on the helicopter,” said Mr Saxon.
“We like to do what we can to make sure our visitors enjoy their trip and good boots are pretty fundamental.”
The Grand Traverse is a six day, five night tour through Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. It combines the peaceful Greenstone Valley track with the spectacular alpine vistas of the Routeburn Track.
The Ultimate Hikes tramping season runs from November until late April. All walkers are accompanied by expert guides and the packages include all accommodation, meals, snacks, backpacks and rain jackets.
