LORD HOWE ISLAND
Hike Mt. Gower with Chris, a licensed guide, this 10 kilometre out-and-back mountain walk through changing forest, fixed-rope sections and the distinctive landscape of Lord Howe Island.
Summit
875 metres
Mount Gower
Distance
10 kilometre out-and-back
Starting and finishing at Little Island Gate
Duration
8 hours | 7am – 3pm
Allow the full day for the hike
Difficulty
Grade 5
Steep, uneven, exposed and assisted by fixed ropes
High Season
September – May
Mondays & Thursdays
Low Season
June – August
Limited hikes by appointment
Traverse Mount Lidgbird to Erskine Valley, where Mount Gower begins. Hike through changing forest, steep fixed-rope sections and the distinctive landscape of Lord Howe Island.
Chris Tafili-Reid is the owner/operator of Mount Gower Guides and is a guide licensed by the Lord Howe Island Board. Mount Gower is the only hike on the island that requires a licensed guide.
The Mt. Gower Hike
The 10-kilometre route travels out and back from Little Island Gate, moving through three changing forest types towards the summit of Mt. Gower.
Fixed-rope sections begin early in the hike and continue at points through to the summit. The terrain is steep, uneven and exposed. Depending on the weather, the summit may offer broad views across the island or the experience of walking within its cloud forest. Lunch is taken on the summit, with occasional stops along the way. The hike may only be undertaken with a licensed guide.
Your guide
Chris Tafili-Reid grew up in Nelson, New Zealand, and completed a Diploma in Adventure Tourism. He first came to Lord Howe Island for a divemaster internship in 2010, returned in 2015–2016, and has been back on the island since 2023. Chris guided Mt. Gower with Sea to Summit Expeditions in 2016 and guided the Seven Peaks Walk from 2023 to 2026. He holds Remote and Advanced First Aid and Advanced Resuscitation qualifications.
This is a demanding mountain hike, not a casual sightseeing walk. Train beforehand and follow the final pre-walk information Chris provides for your date.
01
You must be a strong hiker with previous experience, confidence with heights and comfort on rock scrambles.
The minimum age is eight, with every guest assessed individually.
Chris recommends completing the Grade 4 Goat House Cave walk in about 1 hour 30 minutes one way, a few days beforehand. Factor this in when making a booking.
Guests unable to maintain the required pace may be asked to wait unsupervised for the group and must not leave the route alone.
02
03
Meet at Little Island Gate ready for the 7:00 am departure. Transport is not provided by Mount Gower Guides; Get About LHI offers a separate shuttle service. Guests who miss departure must not attempt to follow the group onto the track.
04
Chris decides if weather and track conditions are suitable and normally notifies guests the day before. If Chris cancels for weather or track conditions, guests may transfer days if spots are available or receive a refund of the amount paid minus the $8.80 booking fee per person.
Lord Howe BOM Forecast (opens in a new tab)
Windy (opens in a new tab) is commonly used here.
05
Guest cancellations made at least 72 hours before departure receive a refund of the full amount paid minus the $8.80 booking fee per $250 ticket ($241.20 refunded per ticket). For group bookings, the booking fee deducted is $8.80 multiplied by the number of people being refunded. Date transfers require at least 72 hours' notice and remain subject to availability. If Mount Gower Guides cancels a trip, including due to weather, track conditions or minimum numbers not being reached, refunds also exclude the $8.80 booking fee per person.
06
The route includes steep, uneven and exposed terrain, heights and fixed ropes. Good fitness, joint mobility, grip strength and moderate confidence with heights is needed to enjoy your experience.
Contact Chris before booking for an individual assessment.
07
Chris briefs the group on the forecast and terrain. He carries a first-aid kit, VHF radio and EPIRB, and provides a helmet for the Lower Road section. An emergency contact and signed waiver are required before the walk.
Yes. Visitor access to Mount Gower is only permitted with a licensed guide. Mount Gower Guides offers guided hikes with owner/operator Chris Tafili-Reid.
Allow approximately eight hours. Meet at Little Island Gate ready for a 7:00 am departure, returning around 3:00 pm. Transport is not included.
It is a Grade 5 hike with steep, uneven and exposed terrain and fixed-rope sections. Strong hiking fitness, previous experience and confidence with heights are required. Contact Chris before booking if you are unsure about suitability.
The guided hike is $250 per person. Full payment is required, including a non-refundable booking fee of $8.80 per person. Bring your own food and water; see the preparation section for the complete packing list and cancellation policy.
Yes. Groups of 4–15 hikers can use the group booking enquiry form. Open a class in the Square calendar to see remaining spots. An enquiry does not reserve places; Chris sends a payment link and allocates places after payment.
Each walker must complete the online walk waiver before booking. Contact Chris about suitability or medical conditions before you book.
Official track information: Lord Howe Island Board walking tracks and guide requirements. Follow the Board’s boot-cleaning guidance to help protect the island’s forests.
Contact & availability
New bookings are $250 per person with full payment required, including a non-refundable booking fee of $8.80 per person.
A waiver must be signed prior to booking.
Choose an available guided-hike date and complete your booking securely on Square.
Walking with 4–15 people? Send a group booking enquiry.
Make A Booking (opens in a new tab)