But last Friday the worst happened.
Up a rugged West Coast valley, Mr Maxwell (55) slipped and fell 100m to his death.
Mrs Maxwell said her husband knew the risks venturing into back-country.
He and his hunting partner carried locator beacons, GPS equipment and food.
As a cautious and experienced hunter, he would not take the shot if he was not 100% sure no person was in danger, "I always knew he wasn't the sort of person who took risks ever.
So I never, ever felt like this would ever happen.
Because he was careful, they always had the right gear, always plenty of food, the right clothing."
"They were both experienced.
"They'd been up there before and it was just one of those things.
"He fell and sometimes you're just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
The body of Mr Maxwell, of Lake Hayes Estate, account manager for Print Central for the past three years, was recovered by rescue helicopter, after his younger unnamed hunting companion tramped through the mountainous Cook Valley area south of Fox Glacier for eight hours to get help.
The hunters had tramped up Cook River before, but had only recently discovered that part of the West Coast and it was an exciting new experience for them, Mrs Maxwell said.
She understood the friends were hunting tahr and came to terrain where they both decided to take it easy as they climbed.
Mr Maxwell was an amazing father and grandfather, a charismatic mentor to young people, a loyal friend, a dedicated sportsman and coach, and a natural athlete, his wife and family say.
"It just feels quite surreal at the moment and I think part of that is we haven't got him home yet," Mrs Maxwell told the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
"He's in Christchurch and he'll fly home [today].
"I think once we get him home it will feel more real for everybody. She and her family thanked the community and the police for their "outstanding" support.
Mr Maxwell was born and raised at Wairio, near Nightcaps in Southland.
He was taught outdoor pursuits, including hunting, by his father at a young age.
He attended Wairio Primary School, Southland and Waitaki Boys' High Schools and then the University of Otago.
He trained as a teacher and met Mrs Maxwell when he coached her in hockey, just over 30 years ago.
The couple came to know many in the Wakatipu community through owning and operating Paper Plus for 12 years.
Mrs Maxwell is the Queenstown Lakes District Council arts and events facilitator.
Mr Maxwell was president of the Rotary Club of Queenstown in 2002 and 2003, but took a step back from the club to coach the resort's senior women's hockey team, as the meetings clashed with practices.
Incumbent president Chris Campbell yesterday said Mr Maxwell was a "humble" and "incredibly modest" man, who organised community projects with enthusiasm and had touched many people.
Queenstown Hockey Club team manager, player and part-time captain James Denniston yesterday said Mr Maxwell was the most considerate person he had met.
Friends for more than 10 years, Mr Maxwell encouraged Mr Denniston to return to both hockey and cricket, he said.
"A very dedicated and very good player and he loved the game with an absolute passion.
He was a very good coach, though he preferred playing himself and the team spirit."
Mr Maxwell is survived by Mrs Maxwell, their children Amy Maxwell (29), of Queenstown, Danielle Maxwell (28), of Melbourne, Rachel Dale (25), of Wanaka, Tom Maxwell (22) and Sam Maxwell (15), plus grandchildren Reuben (3) and Angelo Dale (1) and Jaykib Maxwell (2).
A public memorial service for Mr Maxwell will be led by his friend, Fr Martin Flannery, of Invercargill, in the Queenstown Memorial Hall, on Saturday, January 15, at a time to be confirmed.
