MILFORD TRACKFiordland National Park, New Zealand 54km, 4 days In 1908 the London Spectator published a poem by Blanche Baughan that labeled the Milford Track “the finest walk in the world”. The label stuck and has provided a century of debate, but what has never been in dispute is the magnificent scenery and walking on offer in this corner of New Zealand’s South Island. The popularity and relative development of the track – all hikers stay in huts fitted out with mattresses and gas cookers – deter some, but the flip side is the track is accessible to anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. But make sure you book early! DAY ONE: Glade Wharf to Clinton Hut: 3.5km, 1.5 hours Take a ride on the launch from Te Anau across Lake Te Anau to Glade Wharf and the start of the track. It’s about 15 minutes of easy walking to Glade House, the first overnight stop for guided walkers, before the track crosses the Clinton River on a wide swing bridge and enters magnificent rainforest. The trail follows the river through forest to Clinton Hut, which has two large bunkrooms and a spacious kitchen and dining area, all linked by a wooden veranda. DAY TWO: Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut:16.5km, 5.5 hours The track continues through beautiful rainforest to Clinton Forks, where it emerges from the shelter of the forest. Giant cliffs rise from the narrow valley with mountains towering over trampers as the follow the riverside trail. Waterfalls cascade down the cliffs on both sides of the valley and the entire scene is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Mackinnon Pass comes into view for the first time as the track climbs through bush to bus stop shelter, a popular lunch spot 9km from Clinton Forks. The track crosses Pompolona Creek on another swing bridge, with a stunning backdrop of snow-covered mountains, then enters rainforest again for a short, steep climb to Mintaro Hut. DAY THREE: Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut: 14km, 6 hours This is the most physically demanding day of the hike, but potentially the most rewarding with commanding views from Mackinnon Pass and the prospect of visiting the thundering Sutherland Falls in the afternoon. The track begins benignly enough, winding through pleasant rainforest for about one kilometre before beginning the long climb to Mackinnon Pass. The track ascends via a seemingly never-ending series of switchbacks to gain more than 700 metres. As the track ascends the vegetation becomes shorter and the views, down to the hut and along the Clinton Valley, become more spectacular. From here until the track re-enters forest on the other side of Mackinnon Pass, trampers are at the mercy of the elements. Strong winds, rain and snow are common at any time of year. Thankfully, it would be difficult not to be impressed by this country in any kind of weather. Fro mthe top of the pass, about 4km from Mintaro Hut, the splendour of Fiordland unfolds – with views up the Clinton and Arthur Valleys on both sides of the pass, which is flanked by the impressive peaks of Mt Balloon to the east and Mt Hart to the west. On the pass is Mackinnon Pass shelter. From here the track descends steeply below the cliffs of Mt Balloon, with unforgettable views. Signs warn not to stop for long because of avalanche danger. The track re-enters forest which becomes lusher as the path winds down to Quintin Huts, a descent of about two hours. The huts are an overnight stop for guided walkers and there is a small shelter where independent trampers can leave their packs for the 1.5-hour return walk to the base of Sutherland Falls – or as close as they can get before being forced back by the force of the water. Dumpling Hut is another two hours’ walk from Quintins Huts. DAY FOUR: Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point: 18km, 6 hours An early start is required to reach Sandfly Point in time to meet the boats to Milford. The track follows the Arthur River for two hours to the private Boatshed shelter, then crosses a swing bridge. A few hundred metres further on is a short side track to Mackay Falls and Bell Rock. The trail climbs beside Lake Ada then descends again to a shelter at Giant Gate Falls. A flat, easy stroll through open forest leads to the shelter at Sandfly Point. It takes about 20 minutes to cross Milford Sound by boat, providing picture-postcard views dominated by the imposing Mitre Peak. NEED TO KNOW The summer tramping season is from late October to late April. It is possible to walk the track at other times but you need to be totally self-reliant. Independent hikers must stay in the three DOC huts, camping is not permitted. Beds must be booked in advance; last summer a booking for three nights on the track was $135. You can also take a guided trek with Ultimate Hikes NZ. Despite the comfort provided by huts and mattresses, this is still a wild and remote area subject to sudden weather changes. Make sure you check out the safety and route advice on the New Zealand Department of Conservation
'How to Prepare' web page. OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO Fiordland is home to some of the world’s best walks: the Milford, Routeburn, Kepler and Dusky Tracks are all classic multi-day treks and there are plenty of options for shorter trips. Or take a scenic flight or boat trip on Milford Sound. ACCOMMODATION AND SUPPLIES There is a backpacker hostel at Milford Sound but plenty more options at Te Anau, where you can also stock up on last-minute gear. MORE INFO Call the Great Walks Booking Office on +64 3 249 8514 These descriptions are a guide only. While we have made every effort to make them accurate, we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained while using them. Make sure you use an up-to-date map and consult rangers before heading out. | 
