Responsible Tourism with Ultimate Hikes

Learn about the team dedicated to making your adventure unforgettable

Our Commitment

At Ultimate Hikes, we know it’s a privilege to operate in New Zealand’s most pristine national parks. For more than 30 years, we’ve guided walkers through Fiordland and Mt Aspiring, and with that comes a responsibility to protect the landscapes, wildlife, and communities that make these places so special. Responsible tourism is at the heart of what we do, caring for the environment, supporting conservation, respecting culture, and giving back to our communities.

Waste

At the lodges, we minimise waste by buying in bulk, sustainable cleaning products, and providing biodegradable pack liners for walkers. Rubbish is carefully separated, recyclables are sent to Queenstown for processing, while non-recyclables go to landfill.

Materials are reused or donated where possible, from old towels to equipment and lost property. Packaging is crushed to reduce volume for transport, and waste oil is recycled. All walker information is printed on sustainable paper, helping reduce our environmental footprint.

Energy

At the Greenstone lodges, solar energy powers fridges, freezers, and some lodge lighting, reducing diesel and gas use. All new electrical equipment is chosen for efficiency, and existing machinery is continually monitored, maintained, and updated.

Generators are alternated by size and peak times, with heat captured for drying rooms. DC lighting is used overnight, and solar energy also powers radio repeater sites. Transport is carefully managed for full loads wherever possible, and energy-efficient lighting, sensors, and timers are used throughout the lodges.

Water

Potable water at the lodges is regularly tested to ensure it is safe, pure, and natural. Grey water and sewage are managed through well-maintained septic systems, with sludge transported to a treatment plant and liquid filtered before being safely released.

Each season, 5–6 water quality tests are conducted to protect the surrounding environment, and lodge water temperature and flow are monitored for efficiency.

Supporting Conservation

New Zealand’s native wildlife and ecosystems are globally unique, but they face constant threats from predators and habitat loss. At Ultimate Hikes, we are committed to being active guardians of the places we walk through, not just visitors.

Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust

We are proud supporters of the Trust, which runs extensive predator control and biodiversity projects across the Routeburn and Dart Valleys. Their work has seen bird populations recover and rare species like kākāriki (parakeets) return to areas where they had disappeared.

Read more here.

Kea Conservation Trust

The kea, New Zealand’s playful alpine parrot, is nationally endangered. Through our partnership, we help fund research, monitoring, and public awareness campaigns aimed at protecting kea from both predators and human conflict. Guests walking with us are often lucky enough to see these intelligent birds in their natural environment.

Read more here.

Working with DOC

In partnership with DOC, we protect fragile alpine and forest ecosystems by controlling invasive weeds and managing pest animals. Our team maintains trap lines around lodges and along parts of the Milford and Routeburn Tracks to reduce stoats, rats, and possums, helping ground-nesting birds like whio (blue duck) and mōhua (yellowhead) survive.

Guest Involvement

Conservation is something every walker can be part of. By choosing an Ultimate Hike, you’re directly contributing to predator control, biodiversity protection, and track maintenance through concession fees and our partnerships.

We also encourage guests to:

Follow biosecurity steps

Clean your boots and gear before arriving to stop the spread of pests like didymo and invasive weeds.

Respect wildlife

Keep a safe distance, take only photos, and avoid feeding birds.

Join the effort

Support organisations like the Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust or The Kea Conservation Trust and extend your impact beyond the walk.

Together, we can ensure the forests remain alive with birdsong, the alpine landscapes stay pristine, and future generations can share the same experience.

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Connecting with Communities

Ultimate Hikes is proudly New Zealand owned and operated. Supporting people and communities is a big part of our story:

Local employment

Each season, more than 120 people are employed as guides, lodge staff, and support crew.

Local suppliers

We purchase locally wherever possible, supporting farmers, winemakers, and small businesses

Giving back

Donations and prizes for school fundraisers, community events, and charities such as the Starship Foundation. We also contribute to projects like the Queenstown Trails Trust

Respecting Culture

We acknowledge the significance of the land we walk through and are committed to sharing its stories with respect. Our guides weave in the natural history, cultural context, and local knowledge of the areas, helping walkers understand that these tracks are not only scenic but also deeply meaningful.

Why Responsible Tourism Matters

Our guides not only ensure your safety but also share the stories of the landscapes, wildlife, and history around you. Walking with Ultimate Hikes means joining a journey of care, supporting predator control, local communities, and conservation efforts to protect New Zealand’s iconic landscapes for the future.