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ULTIMATE HIKES HAS A SPECTACULAR 2007/2008 SEASON!

The Ultimate Hikes team finished for the winter on 30 April 2008 after a fantastic 2007/2008 season. Nearly 10 000 walkers met the challenge of the Milford, Routeburn and Greenstone tracks and were rewarded with unforgetable experiences and stories to pass on to their family and friends.

 The season started with the opeing of a brand new retail outlet. Located at The Station Building in Queenstown, the 'Ultimate Hikes Centre' opened its doors and the friendly staff ensured that our walkers were fully prepared for their adventure with all their track necessities and clothing. The Centre stocks a wide range of Icebreaker gear, the high-tech merino fabric perfect for the ever changing conditions of the World Heritage Area. Also available is a wide range of track trousers, fleeces, t-shirts, thermal underwear, walking poles, socks, hats, gloves, insect repellent, sun screen, foot fleece and other euipment requirements. A beautiful collection of related literature is also available for purchase.

The beginning of the season also saw the remnants of the winter snow on the mountains and the early-season Routeburn and Grand Traverse guided walkers were treated to a short ride in a helicopter over the Harris Saddle. The Saddle was closed to independent walkers but Ultimate Hikes still provided what was expected for their customers to avoid any disappointment.

As the snow thawed the magnificent alpine plants were displayed in all of their glory and throughout the following months the variety of weather conditions saw the breathtaking scenery of Fiordland and Mt Aspiring change everyday.

Whilst all of this was happening, the crew were working around the clock to finish the remarkable new lodge at Lake Mackenzie on the Routeburn Track. The state-of-the-art wilderness lodge was opened on the 17 March 2008 and the last few groups on the Routeburn and Grand Traverse were treated to the brand-new facility.

All in all a wonderful season was had by all, walkers and staff alike. As always it was a pleasure to share our spectacular part of the world with so many enthusiastic visitors.

THE ULTIMATE HIKE BECOMES THE CLASSIC

Our longest walk, the 8day/7night adventure previously known as the "Ultimate Hike" has a new name! The ultimate challenge; 5 days on the Milford track, an overnight stay in Te Anau and 3 days on the Routeburn track will now be known as "The Classic".