We survived the Milford Track

Hiking the Milford Track is a very regulated activity. Only 40 people are allowed to start the track each day, it’s only hiked in one direction (during the peak season), and water transport must be arranged to get to and from the track. All part of the allure of hiking “the finest walk in the world”.


While we were preparing for the Milford Track, we repeatedly ran into people asking us the question, “Do you have good wet weather gear?”.


We definitely found out why by day three!


Now, to set the record straight, you actually want it to rain while you’re out tramping, it makes the waterfalls and scenery more dramatic. However it doesn’t help out much with the hiking.


Corey’s favorite part of the tramp was summiting McKinnon Pass after a long hike on Day 2. The walk on Day 2 ends at Mintaro Hut, just before the pass … but providing it’s fair weather and you have the energy, it’s suggested one might hike the next two hours to the pass as you’re not guaranteed a view in worse weather. From there we spent an hour looking back towards Lake Te Anau, forward to Milford Sound, and straight down 300 meters to the hut we’d be spending the next night in.


Janwyn’s favorite part of the tramp was the descent on Day 3. After reaching McKinnon Pass, we descended among many cascading waterfalls and had to cross streams as we continued to try and keep dry. With the rain pouring down it was absolutely beautiful. After a lengthy descent, the sight of Quentin Hut and the side trip to Sutherland Falls was a welcoming break. We enjoyed a hot cup of tea before trekking on to see New Zealand’s highest waterfall, and then onto Dumpling Hut for our last night of the tramp.


Due to the remote nature of the Fiordland National Park, it has the luxury of protecting some of the most rare animals to be found in New Zealand. Among those that we came across were the Kaka, who soared over us on both the first and fourth days, the flightless Weka, who curiously eyed us up on our way to Sutherland Falls, and the Kea (also known as the South Island Parrot) who attempted to steal Janwyn’s camera out of her hands at Dumpling Hut. We felt very lucky to have the close contact with such rare birds as we did.


Even though we came out of “the bush” soaked, sore, and more than a little tired, we’re gearing up for our next tramp. After our first WWOOF experience, which we’ll begin the end of this week, we’re signed up hike the Routeburn track, a three day, two night Alpine track before we head into Queenstown.


Cheers! Corey and Janwyn