Ultimate Hikes, New Zealand’s premier guided walk company, waved off its first guests this morning (November 1) for the start of the outdoor guided walking season along its Milford, Routeburn, Greenstone and Hooker Valley tracks.
Those first guests will be fully guided along world famous trails and each evening welcomed with the comforts of home in lodges that have been fully prepped for the opening of the summer’s trekking season.
Over the past few weeks, the 120 Ultimate Hikes staff members have been provisioning 8 kitchens, preparing 320 beds, polishing 600 wine glasses, cellaring the wine and checking the workings of 210 taps among a myriad of other tasks as they readied for the start of the season.
Up to 10,000 people will visit the South Island this year for Ultimate Hikes traversing Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks and the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park - all of which hold UNESCO World Heritage Area status.
Ultimate Hikes Track Manager Andrew Jolly said the staff, mostly returnees, were all excited about the start of the season.
“We’re all delighted to be back here, welcoming people into the great New Zealand outdoors,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to welcome back our team, everyone has worked flat out to make sure our lodges are ready and waiting for guests with ample hot water, fresh linen, fully-stocked fridges and plenty of home comforts. We’re ready to offer our guests the experience of a lifetime in some of the world’s best scenery and most beautiful wild places.”
Ultimate Hikes applies decades of experience to ensuring people have an unforgettable experience while on New Zealand’s iconic walking tracks. The Milford Track Guided Walk, Routeburn Walk and Alpine Guides Trekking Mount Cook allow walkers to choose from a range of multiday and single day walks, each offering a unique opportunity to encounter natural landmarks and stay overnight in idyllic secluded lodges.
“Ultimate Hikes has developed into a world class organization with an international reputation. We make it possible for all sorts of people at all ages and most fitness levels to enjoy some of the world’s most amazing places,” said Mr Jolly.
“From first time trekkers, through to avid hikers, young and old – there is an adventure for everybody wanting to get out and explore the back country, soak up some fresh air and experience New Zealand’s special wilderness.”
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.
