Ultimate Hikes
Ultimate Hikes
5
Full view
About
The only operators of multiday guided walks on the famous Milford & Routeburn Tracks: operating in New Zealand's stunning World Heritage Area, providing a range of all-inclusive guided walks from 1-8 days. Trek through rainforests, past mountain peaks and over remote alpine passes on a unique experience without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Accommodation on overnight walks is in luxury lodges, with meals, hot showers and snug beds. All walks include transport, food, equipment and expert guides. Single day excursions must be booked 24 hours in advance.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Travellers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
1,066 reviews
Excellent
989
Very good
49
Average
14
Poor
6
Terrible
8
Jennifer Wright
Perth, Australia23 contributions
Feb 2020
I cannot say enough about my appreciation of the service provided by Ultimate Hikes, especially through this difficult time with the weather, a flood, and damage to the Milford Track. Given the response so far from the people I have been in contact with about the flooding, and imagining the immense pressure they must be under, I believe that anyone who undertook an Ultimate Hikes walk would be in the most capable hands, both physically and psychologically. I have postponed my walk in April, but feel that anyone who wanted to have an adventure and a possible ride in a helicopter should go on the walk sooner rather than later. If the care I have received so far is any indication then you will be in impeccably safe hands with this company. Thank you so very much.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel L
Auckland, New Zealand18 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
We enjoyed the 3-day guided walk of the Routeburn Track with our 13 and 10 year old kids. The whole experience was managed very well by Ultimate Hikes. The team was professional and friendly and took care of all of the more awkward parts of a multi day hike, leaving us to enjoy the walk and the spectacular nature. The accommodation was good and the food and drink really great, especially considering that it is flown in. It was an awesome family experience that we will remember for a long time.
Written 12 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Di K
Brisbane, Australia18 contributions
Feb 2023
Choosing Ultimate Hikes to walk Milford Sound did not disappoint.
Accolades to Hiking Guides, whilst young, were caring, friendly, supportive and professional in performing their roles. Could not speak more highly of them.
Ultimate Hikes - very professional, from transportation to/from Queenstown on modern, clean bus coach, great driver, through to accommodation and meals, very well catered and planned.
Accolades to Hiking Guides, whilst young, were caring, friendly, supportive and professional in performing their roles. Could not speak more highly of them.
Ultimate Hikes - very professional, from transportation to/from Queenstown on modern, clean bus coach, great driver, through to accommodation and meals, very well catered and planned.
Written 2 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane
5 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We walked the Milford Track during this months catastrophic rain event! We arrived on cloudy dry day at Glade lodge but the next day the heavens opened but we made it to Pompolona lodge! 1000mm of rain over next few days made the track impassable. Milford was cut off by road and boat so we were extracted by helicopter out to Glenorchy! Despite the deluge we were living it up in a comfortable lodge with three course dinners and wine and great company. Ultimate Hikes took great care of us, the guides were excellent Kaz Melissa Ellis and Oliver did a remarkable job. The company offered us a refund or a second chance at the track gratis in the next two seasons. Needless to say we accepted the latter and will be here in Feb 2021! The scenery is magnificent and Ultimate Hikes offer a superb trip!
Thanks everyone see you next year!!
Diane and Alan Bullingham
Thanks everyone see you next year!!
Diane and Alan Bullingham
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TilaHof
Auckland, New Zealand118 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
Ultimate Hikes puts together incredibly well organised guided tramps/hikes. They include knowledgeable bus drivers and guides, first class accommodation (despite being remote), delicious and healthy meals and personalised service. Check in and briefing in Te Anau was personalised and easy. Pete was our fab bus driver who told stories from TeAnau to Routeburne. Holly, Pip, Jason and Greg cover everything from trail knowledge to birds and flowers and forests, to strapping injuries to briefings. The lodge staff keep everything spotless and make you feel special. Highly recommend. Fab from start to finish!
Written 17 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary
Auckland Central, New Zealand23 contributions
Mar 2022
Stunning natural beauty.
It is rare to spend 3 days anywhere and not see evidence of mankind ruining nature’s natural beauty visually or noise wise.
One day heard 2 helicopters and that was about it.
Aside of the track itself and the accomodation the rest seems pretty much as nature intended.
Best of the Great walks. World class.
Well organised professional hiking tour.
Everything was brilliant from what to bring and what to expect through to accomodation, food and of course the amazing guides.
Guides Donna, Lara, Meg and Olivia were all competent,supportive, empathetic, friendly and collegial. Certainly made for an enjoyable experience.
To top it off we were blessed with sunny days in track followed by rain at Mitre Peak which was perfect! Need some rain to make the incredible waterfalls “play” in the Milford Sounds.
The weather change was a stark reminder that you need to not only be reasonably fit but also prepared for potentially major weather fluctuations.
Highly recommend as the walk of a lifetime.
Yes it’s not cheap but I suspect it’s also not cheap to run an organisation like Ultimate Hikes.
We have read/heard a reference) few grizzlies about food ,maintenance or cleanliness which I guess is to be expected.
For us there may have been the odd minor thing like a heavily lip stick stained drinking glass at Mitre peak lodge in our room (which we did point out at the time for future reference)but that can happen anywhere.
Thank you Ultimate Hikes. We loved every moment of it.
It is rare to spend 3 days anywhere and not see evidence of mankind ruining nature’s natural beauty visually or noise wise.
One day heard 2 helicopters and that was about it.
Aside of the track itself and the accomodation the rest seems pretty much as nature intended.
Best of the Great walks. World class.
Well organised professional hiking tour.
Everything was brilliant from what to bring and what to expect through to accomodation, food and of course the amazing guides.
Guides Donna, Lara, Meg and Olivia were all competent,supportive, empathetic, friendly and collegial. Certainly made for an enjoyable experience.
To top it off we were blessed with sunny days in track followed by rain at Mitre Peak which was perfect! Need some rain to make the incredible waterfalls “play” in the Milford Sounds.
The weather change was a stark reminder that you need to not only be reasonably fit but also prepared for potentially major weather fluctuations.
Highly recommend as the walk of a lifetime.
Yes it’s not cheap but I suspect it’s also not cheap to run an organisation like Ultimate Hikes.
We have read/heard a reference) few grizzlies about food ,maintenance or cleanliness which I guess is to be expected.
For us there may have been the odd minor thing like a heavily lip stick stained drinking glass at Mitre peak lodge in our room (which we did point out at the time for future reference)but that can happen anywhere.
Thank you Ultimate Hikes. We loved every moment of it.
Written 10 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Theresa
Pokeno, New Zealand7 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
The Ultimate Hikes experience on the Milford track was amazing! Special shout out to the guides especially Blair who carried my bag coming down on the McKinnons pass when I was completely exhausted cold and wet - man I was so grateful for such a kind act. Tried to give him some money for carrying my bag which he refused too. He even did a pepeha on the first day to all the guests which was awesome to see as we like to show some of our culture and Te Reo Maori to our guests who come to see our beautiful whenua. Might be good to call the first day of getting to know each other to whakawhanaungatanga to allow a space to incorporate our Tinkanga too. The other guides were awesome and lovely, Christobel and Scott were awesome. Thank you for providing an experience I will never forget. Ia manuia, Nga mihi, Theresa
Written 9 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oregonhickmans
Villefranche-sur-Mer, France5 contributions
Jun 2019
We hiked on the Routeburn Trek in April 2019. The scenery was incredible and so were the lodgings and food. However, want to give a warning to hikers not accustomed to walking up steep terrain and climbing rocks: we found the distances to be far greater than those advertised by Ultimate Hikes. Both my phone and my friend’s phone health apps showed: Day One: 11.4 miles; Day Two: 9.1 miles; Day Three: 7.7 miles. We are fit, but at the end of each day could barely move. I am actually glad I didn’t know how long each hike would be, because I might not have gone. But Ultimate Hikes should be truthful about the distances, so that some people don’t get in over their heads!
Written 3 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hi - thank you so much for taking the time to review our Routeburn Track guided walk. We just wanted to clarify that, although the walk can seem longer than it is depending on weather conditions etc and experience of mountain tracks, we can assure you that the distance of the Routeburn Track is indeed 33km/20 miles - as confirmed by the Department of Conservation on their official website. doc.govt.nz. Fitness and health apps are specific to the people wearing them, and may not reflect the A to B of the actual distance of the track itself.
Written 11 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kylie O
Mosgiel, New Zealand169 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
The Ultimate Hikes Milford Sound experience exceeded all my expectations. We had sun, rain (lots of rain!) and an epic adventure! The walking was easier than I expected but not everyone in the group would say this. If you are fit, it is achievable without feeling wrecked when you get to the lodges. The best thing was that the guides were spread out and helped those who needed it in a low key way so that everyone no matter their prior experience or confidence level could have an enjoyable day walking. Everyone was free to walk at their own pace so you never felt like you were in a crowded place. I will say, the comfort and enjoyment was greatly impacted by the choice of footwear and clothing by individuals. Don’t ignore the ultimate hikes advice re cotton!!!! There were some very cold, wet people at the top of McKinnons Pass after a day of (very normal) torrential rain! Those with boots and layers of merino rather than running shoes and cotton were a lot more comfortable- it’s worth being well prepared with the right gear. The lodges were great and the food amazing! To have a bar, snacks and a warm shower waiting for you at the end of each day was such luxury! Every staff member we encountered across the whole trip was friendly and welcoming. I 100% recommend making the extra optional walk up to Sutherland Falls even if you’re feeling tired after the pass- this was the highlight of my trip, it has to be seen to be believed, photos can’t do it justice- especially after the day of heavy rain we had, it was immense! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this trip with ultimate hikes. You are guaranteed a great time no matter the weather!
Written 22 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura B
27 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The most amazing trek we have ever been on!! Beautiful scenery and guides that went above and beyond. Always a smile and info about local flora and fauna and truly incredible food. We also did the fixed wing flight back from Milford sound to queens town with Milford air which we highly recommend!!! They flew the Milford track flight so we go to see all the lodges from the air as well as the waterfalls we had been at the bottom off. Flight was totally worth it!
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa C
Kihei, Hawaii
Hi!
Could you recommend a hotel or an general area we could stay at before the Milford track tour and transportation options to the start of the tour and return after the tour? We are not planning on renting a car.
Thank you.
Lisa
Written 18 October 2024
I hope this response isn’t too late for your trip. Queenstown is quite small so any accommodation in the CBD would be within easy walking distance from the Ultimate Hikes office where you board the bus to begin your tour. Just check whether the hotels are located up a hill - important if you’re stiff / sore after you finish the trip.
Written 2 December 2024
Hi , Could someone please give us an idea of beverage costs at the lodges on the Milford Track
Written 28 February 2024
If I recall correctly, a glass of wine was around $16 NZD.
Written 28 February 2024
Hi, after looking at some of the photos I'm curious about the trekking in the rain and through flooded areas. So I'm after some advice - are there any specific shoes you would/would not recommend for these conditions (I have Merrill Moabs) and is there any advice about footcare or prevention of foot problems due to trekking with wet feet for miles. Also are the shoes able to be dried in the drying rooms with the other clothes?
Written 25 August 2019
Sorry I just saw this now, hope my response is not too late. Any good hiking boots and socks will likely do as due to the depth of the water when we hiked it just flowed in the top of the boots and we walked with squishy feet. Oddly this did not have a negative impact so no blisters and it did not bother us all that much, no blisters or other problems. There were drying rooms specific to boots at all of the lodges as the boots need to be dried at a lower heat so the glue doesn't melt. Hope that helps.
Written 21 September 2019
Hey there i'm doing a presentation about one of New Zealand's Great Walks and i've chosen the Milford track so just need some help. What are some commercial activities that can be done along this track?
Written 4 June 2019
Noel S
Queenstown, New Zealand
Hi - the milford track has independent huts operated by the Department of Conservation which are booked ahead and private lodges operated by Ultimate Hikes. other operators provide day walks and the boats up to the track. if you would like further information please see the DOC website or ultimate hikes
- feel free to contact us (Ultimate Hikes) with any further questions.
Written 10 June 2019
What are the average ages and athletic abilities of the hikers? I am 54 years old, I work out several times a week... but, I would not call myself an avid or experienced hiker. I mainly do occasional day hikes around Southern California. Typically 5 miles. what can you tell me about the pacing of the Milford Track? Can I go at my own pace, or do I have to keep up with the group?
Written 14 March 2019
Noel S
Queenstown, New Zealand
Hi Amy - our walks are challenging but they are also great for solo travellers as you are walking with people of a similar age and ability across the walk. As the answer above has noted there is always a guide at the back of the group so you can walk at your own pace in your own time. The track is rocky and uneven in parts and the Mackinnon Pass has some steep descents and steps so we strongly recommend you use walking poles.
Safety is our key priority and we do strongly recommend that you do some training walking uphill with a backpack, but it is actually not very common that people get injured - but we are in a remote area so any walker that can't continue must be flown out of the National Park.
Do visit our website for further information or give us a call to discuss the walk further.
Kind regards
Noel Saxon
General Manager
Ultimate Hikes
Written 17 March 2019
Hello folks,
My 2 kids (age 10, 15) and my husband want to book a trip with Ultimate hikes for April 11th. here are my questions:
- Will the weather be too cold and wet in April?
- Do we need to carry all our luggage on the hike? Or is there a facility to transfer our luggage and we get to carry just a daypack?
- Are the dorms safe for kids and us? Is it better to opt for room?
- Can vegetarian diet be requested for the meals?
Thanks so much.
Written 15 November 2018
Hey Anu99Raj,
Me and my partner did the Milford track on the end of March and it was fun. We had rain most of our track and thanks to that we saw so many waterfalls. You can't really avoid rainy days when traveling Fiordland because it is one of the wettest place on Earth. Sometimes it might be inconvenient but trust me, it worth it. Just try to enjoy it! By the way, if it rains, there's no sandflies! That's an awesome advantage!
It was cold but after you start walking you get warm.
UH provides you backpacks and you need to carry with you most of the items you will need. Remember that at the hotels (I wouldn't call them dorms) you can wash and dry your laundry so pack only the things you must take. You don't need to pack towels, sheets, shampoo and soap because you'll find them at the hotels. Food or snacks will be provided as well. You'll need only one bottle of water because you can fill it up during day. On the Milford Track we had an option to send another bag that will be transferred to the last hotel at Milford Sound. Besides that you'll be carry everything. It's less heavy then you think 😀
The hotels are very safe and the food was amazing! There's veg option, just mention it on booking. My diet is gluten free and I had no issues at all. We had a double room and it was great. Felt like 4 stars hotel with hot showers, clean facility and great food.
I wouldn't take the rooms with the view because of the extra money - it gets dark early and you'll see nothing.
We didn't travel with kids. I would make sure they can walk for 7 hours a day. It's not a difficult hike, but it's not easy as well. Depends the track your doing. Milford track was moderate and most of our group was New Zealaners and they walk fast. We walked behind them most of the time. Not a bad thing because there was guide that traveled with us most of the hike.
It's going to be amazing for you! Just don't get the rain bother you too much. It's part of the hike. You'll get wet, but at the end of the day you'll have hot shower, good food and tons of beautiful memories. Enjoy.
Written 17 November 2018
- Would it be feasible to wash/dry in your private room rather than the dry room? (all my stuff is quick dry and I've never had a problem having dry clothes by morning.)
- Are the private rooms secure (ie with locks) or is it generally a safe atmosphere? (city girl paranoia.)
- I've done several hikes but struggle with quick altitude gain (ie really worried about day 2 of Milford)...is the uphill straight, or are there switchbacks, or are there areas that are flat to catch your breath?
- I read they recommend that you carry 1 liter of water, but I've never gone on a hike (even a half day hike) with less than 1.5 liters and I generally finish before lunch. Are there places to fill up along the way? If so, it is feasible with just a bladder (I don't want to carry a separate bottle just to transfer water)?
Written 19 October 2017
Guides are very good at providing snacks and refreshment breaks (coffee, tea, water and juice) around mid morning and again at lunch. I took lots of extra water and never used it. Security is not really an issue - everyone was kind and friendly. You can always stop at the Dollar store and buy an old fashioned rubber door-stop and jam that under your door at night. As the other person said, wash your clothes as soon as you arrive in camp, hang them in the drying room and pick them up right after dinner. My stuff was all "dry fit" and it worked out perfect - a couple of hours was all it took. Usually 3 guides, one for the faster hikers, one in the middle and one bringing up the rear - so pick your own comfortable pace and there will not be a problem with altitude or speed. Relax - you will have an outstanding trip.
Written 6 December 2017
Can anyone tell me the times of the Routeburn walk pickup on Day 1 and drop off Day 3?
Thank you.
Written 16 July 2017
Sorry for the delay in answering your question. And I see that you have already found the answers. I did the Classic Hike which was the Milford Track followed by the Routeburn. The Milford began on Tuesday and finished on Saturday with a cruise on the Sound. Saturday night I stayed in Te Anue while the rest of the group returned to Queenstown. Sunday morning, the Routeburn group arrived at 9:00 in Te Anue and we all met for morning tea. Then we were taken to the trail head at The Divide and started hiking.
The final day ended around 1 PM? the group drove to Glenorchy for a short break at a pub, then returned to Queenstown by 4 PM.
Written 8 September 2017
Are the rooms heated at night? If not, how cold does it get in late December/ early January on the Routeburn?
Written 2 May 2017
Noel S
Queenstown, New Zealand
Hi, the generated power is turned off at 10pm and back on again at 7am so there is no heating in the rooms between those hours. Generally the weather is quite warm in the months of December and January and heating is not required, there are extra blankets and bed warming bladders available should a cold snap arrive.
Written 2 May 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 18
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.