Hiking the Milford Track with Ultimate Hikes, Group 90 (Part 4 of 4)

[@thirstymercfan]

The markers with the arrows pointing the way forward in close succession are very obvious markers that this is a common flood area. They are there to help people find the track and move forward in the right direction when it’s flooded.

[@JonKaye]

That makes sense. Thanks. It really looked silly when we were there but I suppose they would be very helpful if the trail were all under water. lol.

[@travelswithmyauntjan1143]

Great hike!

[@JonKaye]

Yes, it was!

[@ricecrash5225]

I did this 20 years ago with less than 20 people including the guides. We would only ever see other hikers at the lodges. Thanks for sharing.

[@JonKaye]

As you’re probably aware, I t’s a very popular hike now but as the day progresses, you can go an hour or longer without seeing another hiker as the hikers get very spread out so it still can have the feel of isolation periodically.

[@ricecrash5225]

@@JonKaye Thats great to know. I have booked in later this year. Taking my 18 year old daughter who wasn’t yet born when I did it the first time.

[@ervinslens]

So very atmospheric and scenic, loving the combination of audio and visuals. Fantastic looking trail my friend 🥾🥾🔥

[@JonKaye]

Thank you! The trail did all the work. Really an epic experience.

[@caravanstuff2827]

Great post..you had brilliant weather , so often it's overcast and raining on the Milford but not for you guys!!.❤️🇳🇿

[@JonKaye]

Thank you. We were definitely grateful for the nice weather we got. I heard the rain is beautiful in it’s own way also. Note that this was our second try on the track. Our first attempt was canceled due to bad weather so we’re one for two. lol.

[@totalwalker]

Incredible 🙌! Your video was simply amazing, I can't wait to see what you create next.

[@JonKaye]

Thanks very much!

[@grahamjohn2022]

Wow, loved your video, thank you. It brought back so many memories of my walk on the Track with Ultimate and it was good to see the Lodges again. Cheers from Australia.

[@JonKaye]

Thank you. I like watching others’ videos for the same reason. Glad you enjoyed.

[@Walk_on_Part_In_a_War]

5:38 Excuse my cynicism, but I couldn't avoid a snigger at the term "Independent hikers", as if they're in all aspects equivalent except Great Hikes are in a guided group. Except for the slight details of paying over 10 times the amount, no carrying food, meals cooked for you, flush toilets, hotel beds with sheets, electricity, hot showers (!), etc. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that there's a premium option available for such an amazing walk for those who want that option. Though I get the impression that the term "independent hikers" is carefully chosen by Ultimate Hikes to avoid the implication that this premium option is luxurious and therefore somehow more removed from the natural surroundings. I see from the text on the screen that you are well aware of this factor!

[@JonKaye]

That's ok. Cynicism is encouraged. lol. For sure, the Ultimate Hikes version of this hike is far more cushy. We were glad the option existed though as it was really just like going on four day hikes in a row and we're long past the age of wanting to rough it. For that matter, no one on the Milford Track, ultimate hiker or otherwise, thinks they're summiting Everest. Even the independent version is a hut to hut hike. The "independent hiker" label, by the way, is the work of the New Zealand Dept of Conservation and not Ultimate Hikes. Any suggestions from the naming are probably accidental.

[@laurabass9964]

I did this trek in early March with Ultimate Hikes and absolutely LOVED it!! It was a treat to follow the trail again behind your camera! Thanks!

[@JonKaye]

I did the same when I got back. Watched other people's videos to relive the epic experience that it was. Glad you had fun!

[@karinng6358]

Beautiful hike and looked like an amazing experience! Another Jon Kaye video I will be adding to my bucket list 😁

[@JonKaye]

Yes. This hike in particular was a good one. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, as well. NZ, in general, is a country that's worth a visit.

[@御園生芳行]

My wife and I joined the tour on Feb. 15. The course was exactly the same and it was a guided tour. The weather was nice, so we would like to participate again.

[@JonKaye]

Glad to hear you enjoyed you trip. Ours started on Feb 14. I agree that it's something that would be fun to repeat.

[@familywithmelody]

Wow, I absolutely loved this video! The Milford Track looks absolutely stunning, and the Ultimate Hikes Group 90 seems like the perfect way to experience it. The footage was beautifully shot and edited, and I felt like I was right there with you on the trail. It's definitely inspired me to add the Milford Track to my own hiking bucket list. Great job, and thanks for sharing your adventure with us!

[@JonKaye]

Thank you so much. For sure, The MIlford Track was incredible and needs to be your bucket list. It is high praise to get compliments from a great videographer as I notice you are.

[@peterking4904]

Thanks for the clip, we are on 1 November 23 so first walkers through in the new season (ultimate Hikes opening day). This clip really helped us understand the accommodation…thanks so much

[@JonKaye]

Thanks Peter. Ultimate Hikes really did a great job. We really enjoyed the experience. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@leighhillman8274]

Thanks so much for posting this. I’m booked for 2 November and you’ve given me a lot of confidence re the quality of the lodges and guides. Cheers

[@JonKaye]

I’m glad the video was helpful and am excited for you. Another commenter (@peterking4904) has indicated that he will be walking the day before you. Have a great time!

[@kellicaster7821]

Your video has us so excited. We are waiting for November 2024 booking to open up with Ultimate Hikes so we can have a similar experience!

[@JonKaye]

I’m so glad to hear that. The experience was even better than I had anticipated so I hope the same for you. If you have any questions in preparation let me know.

[@gangspn]

hello Jon, i plan to go milford sound in Feb 2024, i just wondering how did you booked the travel of milford ? thx

[@JonKaye]

It was through Ultimate Hikes NZ on-line. They are the exclusive contractor for the guided hikes. If you have any other questions please ask. I love talking about this great trip. Note though that I’ll be slow to respond for the next few days.

[@gangspn]

@@JonKaye 😄😄thx 4 ur answers. i would try to take the indepedent one.😀😀

[@dawnng5962]

Looks like Middle-Earth!

[@JonKaye]

It sure does. I would not have been surprised to run into Frodo Baggins.

[@travellerworld8966]

Wow. the guide's accent at intro is so strong for a non-native English speaker like me. I hardly understand what he said. Hmm, that makes me a bit worried about miscommunication. 😂 Other than that, looks like a good trip which I also want to try.

[@JonKaye]

Lol. Yes. There were a lot of accents on the trip. Kiwi, Aussie, and Japanese. And those were just the guides. But that's part of the fun. Ultimate Hikes is accommodating of non-English speakers. There were a couple of people who really didn't speak any English at all. I believe that they provided them with some translated documents.

[@travellerworld8966]

@@JonKaye Thanks for the feedback. Can I ask how much did you pay for the rip ?

[@JonKaye]

@@travellerworld8966 It was about $2000 USD per person for my wife and I in a private room with its own bathroom. There is a cheaper option of shared accommodations ($1500 per person). An even cheaper option is to do the hike independently ($200 per person)

[@travellerworld8966]

@@JonKaye Thank you very much for kind explanation. do they have own website ? One more thing, Did you just did Milford trekking ? or travel around other places in NZ ? I am thinkg about visiting NZ this winter for a month.

[@JonKaye]

www.ultimatehikes.co.nz/ is their website. The independent option can be found at www.doc.govt.nz/. We've been to NZ twice. This time we only did he Milford Track and spent some time in Queenstown but our previous visit was a three week trip starting in Auckland and driving down to Queenstown. I made a video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5upZYeGpqelg5I. If you have any questions please ask. I'm glad to share what we learned.