Our Story

Ultimate Hikes has been guiding walkers over the Omanui/Mackinnon Pass and the Harris Saddle for over 30 years. Thanks to the vision of Sir John Davies

Sir John Davies began his business life in the late 1960s with Six dogs and a Volkswagen* and built a transport business that spanned the South Island.

His vision for the future of Queenstown began when he entered local government in the 1980s and as Mayor he was instrumental in turning Queenstown airport into a tourism hub with the first jet aircraft landing in 1989.  When his term as mayor ended, John decided to diversify his hugely successful transport business into the tourism sector. 

The opportunity came in 1989 to purchase the concession for the Routeburn Track guided walk and so began the Davies family’s dedication to providing extraordinary experiences in New Zealand’s most diverse and magnificent National Parks.  John followed up the purchase two years later with the historic Milford Track guided walk. 

The family has continued to innovate and improve these incredible hiking activities to meet and exceed the expectations of walkers from New Zealand and around the world.

* Six dogs and a Volkswagen, The Sir John Davies Story by Neal Wallace was published in 2021 and is available to purchase through Ultimate Hikes.

Reflecting on 30 years

The Davies family walked the Milford Track and many others in the South Island, long before John invested in the guided walks. 

John's daughter Jacqui guided on the Routeburn and Grand Traverse walks during her university holidays, and on graduation spent many years working on the operational side of the tracks where she was instrumental in managing improvements made over the years.

John and Jacqui reflect on why John bought the businesses, his philosophy behind the success of the walks and why Ultimate Hikes is the perfect business to reflect their joint passion for New Zealand's great outdoors. 

The People Behind Ultimate Hikes

Once you join Ultimate Hikes, it’s hard to leave. Many of our team have been with us for years, driven by their love of the tracks and the people they walk with.

Noel Saxon - General Manager

Noel began his career as a builder and project manager. His work caught John’s attention after he managed the Station Building extension in Queenstown (home of the Ultimate Hikes Centre) and a large development at Aoraki/Mount Cook.

John saw Noel’s potential to oversee the many moving parts of a remote visitor operation, from lodge upgrades to logistical systems. Since stepping into the role, Noel has overseen major improvements in infrastructure and operations, ensuring every walker enjoys the best possible experience.

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Robert Romauch – Forty Years on the Milford Track

Robert began his career in the late 1970s with the Government’s Tourist and Hotel Corporation. When John purchased the Milford Track concession, Robert was managing guided walk operations in Te Anau.

Over the last 30 years, Robert has been an integral part of Ultimate Hikes, guiding and managing through decades of change. He has witnessed the transition from government to private ownership and the many improvements made to track management and walker experience. With countless stories to share, Robert’s knowledge and passion for the Milford Track remain invaluable.

Safety and Care for the Tracks

Over 120 people are employed each walking season to ensure that the service we provide exceeds walker expectations. Safety is always paramount: guides and lodge staff are connected at all times with each other and with our Queenstown base via strong communication systems.

Ultimate Hikes also works closely with the Department of Conservation on track maintenance and pest control, investing significant time and resources to preserve these remarkable landscapes for future generations.

Why We Do What We Do

At Ultimate Hikes, we believe the journey should be just as memorable as the destination. From our family roots to our dedicated team, everything we do is driven by a passion for New Zealand’s great outdoors and a desire to share it with others. Whether you walk the Milford or the Routeburn, you’ll experience more than a hike — you’ll be part of a story that spans generations and continues to evolve with every step.

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