New Queenstown-based mountain guiding company offers bespoke trips in New Zealand’s backcountry

A new Queenstown-based company offering locals and visitors professional mountain guiding services to New Zealand's highest mountains has launched today (March 20 2014) making it the only such company operating from the town.

Queenstown Mountain Holidays is the brainchild of Mike Madden who has over seven years’ experience as a professional mountain guide and is New Zealand’s youngest IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guiding) qualified Mountain and Ski guide.

Mr Madden said Queenstown Mountain Holidays would fill “a huge gap in the marketplace”.

“Unbelievably there are no major professional mountain guiding operations based in Queenstown. Presently those looking for professional mountain guiding services travel to Wanaka and Mt Cook to the main guiding companies.,” said Mr Madden.

“For most overseas visitors coming to New Zealand for mountaineering and backcountry skiing Queenstown is the gateway so we’re providing a service which means they stay in Queenstown longer and can appreciate all the town has to offer.”

Queenstown Mountain Holidays will offer guided ascents of New Zealand’s highest mountains: Mt Cook, Mt Aspiring, and Mt Tasman as well as guided backcountry skiing and helicopter accessed hiking trips in the most spectacular and remote mountain areas of the Southern Alps.

“New Zealand’s Southern Alps are a world class climbing destination with climbers coming from all over the world to attempt climbing our highest mountains. Our goal is to provide our guests with world class mountain guiding services and unique mountain experiences that only a professionally qualified mountain guide can offer.”

Queenstown Mountain Holidays is currently building relationships with local accommodation providers to offer comprehensive and inclusive accommodation and guiding packages.

“We will provide visitors to the resort with a personalised and bespoke experience by hosting our clients throughout their stay,” he said.

“Our guests will not just get to climb these amazing mountains with a local expert but also get an insight into the local mountain culture and experience Queenstown’s best attractions, activities, restaurants, cafes, and bars,” said Mr Madden.

“There’s so much on offer in Queenstown. As well as some of the world’s most spectacular mountain and lake landscapes the town offers world-class hospitality. We want to show our guests from overseas the best of Queenstown.”

“It’s like having a friend show you around for your holiday, giving you the inside tips and knowledge.”

Queenstown Mountain Holidays offers experiences for individuals and groups with a policy of one guide to maximum four people.

“One day I’m taking a company executive up Mt Cook who just wants to spend some time away from the daily grind in the fresh mountain air, the next I am working with two other guides to escort a group as part of a team building break.”

“Our clients range from high-flying CEOs to local Queenstowners who want to enjoy what’s in their backyard,” said Mr Madden.

For more information on itineraries and pricing visit www.queenstownmountainholidays.com