Quite simply, THE best multi-day walk in the world. Everywhere you look while walking the Milford Track you're sure to glimpse spell bounding scenery that will touch your soul.
After taking the launch cruise from Te Anau, the Milford Track begins in earnest from Glade House a kilometre inland. As you set out to Dare pass, you'll get a sneak look at the Peaks. Most of the second day walk will be through beech forest. You then follow the Clinton River and feast eyes on an astonishing amount of waterfalls. One that should be pointed out here is Hirere Falls. The best view is from the shelter which makes for a good lunch stop. The beech forest finally gives way to meadow. From there, you can truly appreciate the ice carved Clinton Canyon which was carved out during the last ice age.
Day three is generally considered by many walkers as the most demanding day. The climb up the Mackinnon pass is done in a series of zig zags and it is recommended to take your time. Especially in inclement weather. Once you get to the top though, you are rewarded with unlimted views and a lot of photo opportunities. From those heights you descend down the rocky surface and back into the bush. The Sutherland falls lie at the base of the valley and are the world's fifth highest waterfall. The optional walk takes about 90 minutes return and is the absolute highlight for many.
The next day you will follow the Arthur River and go past yet another impressive waterfall, this time it's Mackay Falls, past a hollowed out Bell's Rock and out to meet the launch at Sandfly Point.
You will need at least one set of clothes to walk in and another dry set to change into at night. It is not possible to dry clothes in the huts. It is essential that this clothing is carried as your safety and the safety of others could well depend on it. Cotton clothing such as jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts are not suitable. Polypropylene, which is quick drying comes recommended by the Department of Conservation.
Te Anau, Fiordland.
Allow 4 days.
