Media release from Ultimate Hikes
14 February 2011
Hiking in forbear’s footsteps
Walking in the footsteps of their ancestor who happens to be one of New Zealand’s former Prime Ministers, was a life
long ambition for Bruce and Kiri Richards.
Sir Thomas Mackenzie’s (1854-1930) great grandson (Bruce) and great great granddaughter (Kiri) took a trip down memory
lane last week on a stunning journey along the Routeburn Track with premier guided walking company Ultimate Hikes.
The pair came to Queenstown from Nashville, Tennessee, to set out on a discovery of Sir Thomas’s historical legacy and
said they were both “breath-taken” by the beautiful scenery they encountered on one of New Zealand’s most famous walking
tracks.
Mackenzie, one of New Zealand’s greatest politicians and a keen explorer, pushed for the construction of the Routeburn
Track during his tenure as Minister of Tourism. Cutting of the famous route by Harry Birley of Glenorchy began in 1912,
the year Mackenzie became Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Like a number of New Zealand's political dignitaries, especially during the early years of exploration, Sir Thomas’ name
was used to commemorate Lake Mackenzie – a key landmark on the Routeburn Track. Ultimate Hikes, which now counts the
Routeburn among its guided walking portfolio, chose to continue this theme by honouring Sir Thomas for his exploration
in the region by naming its Mackenzie Lodge after him, located adjacent to Lake Mackenzie.
Bruce, a first time hiker, learnt about Sir Thomas’ heritage at just nine years old and says it had been a life-long
dream to walk in the footsteps of his great, great grandfather.
“For so long, I’ve known this story about an ancestor who had created an iconic walking trail on the other side of the
world. The fact that I’ve come here and done it and shared and enjoyed my experience with people from all over the
world, in particular my daughter, has been just brilliant,” he said.
“I’m sure it is a great fulfillment of his legacy that so many people enjoy this amazing track. It’s such an asset to
the region.”
Bruce and Kiri follow in a long line of family predecessors who have completed the Routeburn Track in honour of Sir
Thomas. Bruces’ mother and grandmother have visited previously completing the walk. Bruce and Kiri booked their
Ultimate Hikes trip online prior to arriving in New Zealand and were delighted with their entire experience.
“Ultimate Hikes staff were fantastically accommodating. This was Kiri’s first backpacking trip so to have guides, gear
and comfortable facilities all supplied made all the difference,” said Mr Richards.
Bruce and Kiri had advice for people walking the Routeburn Track:
“Take your time, take in the scenery. We were at the back of the walking group most of the time - not just because we’re
beginners but to simply enjoy our surroundings.”
Ultimate Hikes has space available for the remainder of the 2010/11 season. Weather from February through to May is
known to be some of the most beautiful and stable in the guided walk regions, which makes it the perfect time to
experience this activity. The last walk on the Milford Track departs on 18th April and the Routeburn Track on 20th
April.
Walkers wanting to book for the 2011-2012 guided walking season can take advantage of the opening of next years dates
and early bird package for next summer which is available until May 31.
ENDS