UH 2026 Guides

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Ultimate Hikes is seeking seasonal Guides to lead multi day walks on the Milford and Routeburn Tracks, blending hiking with comfortable lodges and hospitality in Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks. The role runs roughly mid October 2026 to mid April 2027, with on track lodges and start and finish in Queenstown. You will deliver exceptional guest experiences, maintain health and safety under the Safety Management System, assist with food prep and lodge cleaning, and work closely with Senior Guides and lodge teams while proudly representing Ultimate Hikes and upholding the Tiaki Promise. Ideal applicants have outdoor passion, hiking experience, strong communication and teamwork, high fitness, Level 2 First Aid, NZ work rights, and resilience; tailor your CV to show leadership, safety, hospitality or guiding history and your willingness to commit to the season.

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Ultimate Hikes are the exclusive operators of multi day guided walks on the famous Milford & Routeburn Tracks. The tracks are New Zealand's most iconic of the Great Walks, and along with the Greenstone Track, showcase the majestic nature of Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks. We combine the opportunity to inhabit these great locations and challenging hiking tracks with the comfort of private lodges and unique hospitality in the most remote of locations. Over the season we employ a range of people who work together to make our guided walks the most memorable experience for our guests.


Position Summary – Guide
Ultimate Hikes offers guided multi-day walks on New Zealand’s Milford and Routeburn Tracks, blending hiking with comfortable lodges and exceptional hospitality in Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks. Join our team to create unforgettable guest experiences in stunning locations!
Purpose
Guides lead guests through stunning wilderness, ensuring safety and enjoyment while sharing knowledge of flora, fauna, history, and Te Ao Māori. You’ll assist with lodge hospitality and housekeeping, working with a collaborative team. The role is seasonal, from mid October 2026 until mid April 2027.
Key responsibilities
• Guest Experience: Deliver excellent service and engaging commentary
• Health & Safety: Follow Safety Management System, check equipment, and provide first aid
• Hospitality: Assist with food prep, service, and lodge cleaning, adhering to lodge compliance
• Teamwork: Collaborate with Senior Guides, Guide Manager, and lodge staff
• Ambassadorship: Represent Ultimate Hikes professionally
Location
Working on the Milford, Routeburn or Greenstone Tracks and staying at the remote lodges on track. Work periods start and finish in Queenstown and typically range from three to nine days.

Person specifications
We seek passionate, resilient team players with:
• Passion for outdoors and hiking experience
• Strong communication and public speaking
• Ability to lead and work in a team
• Interest in NZ’s natural and cultural history
• High fitness and resilience
• Level 2 First Aid Certificate (NZ)
• Right to work in New Zealand
Personal Characteristics should include:
• Driven: Thrives in high-pressure settings
• Quick Learner: Seeks and applies feedback
• Self-Aware: Understands impact, builds trust
• Adaptable: Adjusts to diverse needs
• Team Player: Builds relationships, resolves conflicts


Ultimate Hikes are guardians of the environment we operate in. We are leaders in the safety and education of visitors to the region and we are responsible for the health, safety and wellbeing of the people who live and work there on our behalf.
We take this commitment very seriously and pledge that everything we do will be in keeping with our own Tiaki Promise - caring for people and place.