We can't claim we invented hiking - just made it more comfortable.
Our mission is to introduce you to some of the world's finest walks, offering comfortable accommodation and delicious food in a safe environment providing an unforgettable experience.
Creature comforts
Our cosy lodges offer hot showers, hearty 3 course meals, beer & wine, heating, drying rooms and warm snug beds.
Guides
These outdoor enthusiasts provide everything from a hot drink at lunch to an evening briefing on the next day's walk and even a blister clinic to look after your feet.
Logistics
We will organise all of your transport, lodgings, meals, snacks, backpacks and rain jackets. We even offer advice on how to prepare for your walk and what you should bring with you.
Safety
Hiking through some of the most remote landscapes in NZ, rest assured that you are in the hands of professionals who put your safety first.
WEIGHING IT ALL UP |
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| Going Guided | Going it Alone |
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Well appointed comfortable lodges |
Basic huts |
| Comfortable beds | Carry your own bedding |
| Drying rooms | You get wet, you stay wet! |
| Hot showers | No showers |
| Meals provided | Carry & cook your own food |
| Travel provided | Arrange your own logistics |
| Small backpacks | Large backpacks |
| Knowledgable guides | |
| Safety is paramount | |
New friendships
Take a group of people from diverse areas of the world, most not knowing each other. Put them together on a walk through some of the most isolated areas of New Zealand and discover the amazing friendships which develop as a result!
New Zealand's finest guided walking company
Extensive time, effort and investment has gone into upgrading our services and facilities over the years. As a result, Ultimate Hikes is a world-class trekking venture with an international reputation, attracting thousands of walkers a year.
We offer a range of multiday and single day walks that promise to be the experience of a lifetime, where you will truly encounter the best of New Zealand's wilderness without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Our walks are all inclusive and fully catered. Our guides are fully trained in first aid and are in radio contact with each other and our Queenstown base at all times. On overnight walks accommodation is in our private, custom-built lodges. With hot showers, drying rooms, bedding and all meals - what more could you want?
"To be honest, we initially had some reservations about using a tour company for the Track. Not because of cost, but simply because we thought the experience would watered down (no pun intended) by being in a herd of tourists and we didn't want to be babysat by our guides. We were so pleasantly surprised by the level of independence granted during the hike as well as the abundant opportunities for discovery. For 85% of the hike, we felt like descendants of Quentin MacKinnon, forging through the trail on our own. That experience is what brought us to New Zealand. Of course, at the end of each day we felt so fortunate to pampered by your staff and rewarded by great food and accommodation."
You're in good handsHiking Guides
Our guides are trained outdoor enthusiasts who will explain all there is to know about this amazing region. They pride themselves on their safe, efficient and friendly service and will be with you as much, or as little as you need.
Service with a smileLodge Staff
Our lodges are staffed by passionate outdoor enthusiasts who will welcome you with a smile and a hot cuppa after a long day of hiking. They aim to ensure that you have an amazing experience and that all the finer details are taken care of.
Traveller Stories
One of the highlights of my life!
Do it!!! I really can't recommend this company highly enough. Words fail me. It was such an incredible experience. The scenery along the Milford Track is absolutely stunning, and every aspect of the Ultimate Hike guided walk is top-notch. The guides are wonderful, the food is excellent, and the lodges are very comfortable. The experience exceeded my expectations in every way (and my expectations were quite high)! Yes, it's expensive, but it will be one of the highlights of your life! Plus, once you do it and realise how much effort is required to fly all of the food there and prepare it, how many people are needed to maintain the track and lodges, etc., I think you will agree that it is a very good value. Thank you to our wonderful guides: Blake, Kelly, Lizzy, and Yuka! You made the experience what it was.
Great Experience
We did the one day Routeburn track guided walk with Ultimate Hikes. The day started with a pick up from our hotel and some other hotels in queenstown. The drive to Glenorchy was spectacular with some awesome views on the way. The tea at the Glenochy cafe was a nice experience as we got to know the other folks in the group. Our guide was really knowledgeable - he knew the forest like the back of his hand and had a great attitude. I remember talking about spicy food and he pointed me to a type of leaf that had a spicy -pepper like flavor. My wife could not climb the last 1000 feet to the routeburn falls - he offered to take my camera and get me some shots from the top, and that was a really cool gesture on his part. The packed lunch was delicious.
Responsible Tourism
We recognise that operating in this spectacular part of the world is a privilege and are committed to minimising our impact on the environment in many ways.
Fiordland Conservation
Strong supporters of the Fiordland Conservation Trust
Endangered Pateke
Major sponsor of breeding & release programme
Community Involvement
'Routeburn Classic' radio communication providers
DOC Conservation
We help DOC in a number of different ways
