Ultimate Hikes opens for the season
Ultimate Hikes opens for the season
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 w
aiting 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.
ENDS