The Milford Track is located on the southwest of South Island in the heart of spectacular Fiordland National Park.
Described by some as the finest walk in the world with beautiful scenery and waterfalls, Milford Track is popular not only among the locals, but people the world over. Even the two main menaces of the track – rain and sandflies – could not deter visitors / trekkers from visiting the place.
Friends who have been to the track constantly reminded me that there are more rainy days than otherwise. As for the sandflies, it is so plentiful and well known in the Milford region that the place where the track ends is called Sandfly Point!
There are two ways to do the trek: one as an independent walkers and another is to join the guided walk tour. We went as independent walkers and you would soon find out why!
The trek starts at Glade Wharf and ends at Sandfly Point. To get to Glade Wharf, one has to take a ferry from Te Anau Downs, about 29km from Te Anau town. And from Sandfly Points, take another ferry to Milford Sound. The cost for the ferry from Te Anau Downs to Glade Wharf was NZ$ 61.00 while from Sandfly Point to Milford Sound was NZ$ 32.00 (price as of November 2009)
A little note about Milford Track:
1. There is a limit of 40 people each day for the trek. So book early to avoid disappointment!
2. Trekkers stay in designated huts with very basic and minimum facilities. Toilets are located away from the huts. (Independent walkers stay at different chain of huts from guided walkers.)
3. No rubbish is to be left behind at the huts and in the park area. Whatever is taken in has to be taken out, including rubbish!
4. Food is not available for purchase on the track.
5. Kitchen with stoves is provided, but one has to bring own cooking utensils and food. Lightweight and easy to cook food is recommended.
6. No camping is allowed on the track.
7. Walkers have to carry their own belongings as there are no porters to carry it for you.
As independent walkers, we paid NZ$ 135.00 (NZ$ 45.00 per night) for the three nights stay along the trail.
The trail and the walk:
Day 1 – Glade Wharf to Clinton Hut, distance: 5km (1 – 1.5 hours)
Day 2 – Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut, distance: 16.5km (6 hours)
Day 3 – Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut, distance: 14km (6 – 7 hours)
Day 4 – Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point, distance: 18km (5.5 – 6 hours)
Total distance of the track: 53.5km
For those who are prepared to fork out big sum of money, you may choose to join the guided walk tour where food is provided, you get to stay in a much better and more comfortable accommodation and you walk with a guide. For that you would have to pay NZ$ 1,740.00 (for low season, more during high season)! Check out the website to find out more: http://www.ultimatehikes.co.nz/.
Now, you see why we chose to go as independent walkers! If you prefer to go as an independent walker, check out the official website: Dept of Conservation — Milford Track.
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