NZ 09 (Milford Track): Day 3: Mintaro Hut – Mackinnon Pass

Day 3 was the highlight of the 4-day walk as it was the day we were going to cross the highest point, Mackinnon Pass.

We awoke early and waited for the park ranger expectantly.

Finally, we saw him. Well, the news was: ‘no extra night stay, no helicopter ride, but it would snow, so walk slowly and carefully.’

With that, we got ourselves ready and left the hut. About one hour into our long walk, it started to snow. Indeed, while having rain along the track was something of the norm, having snow during this time of the year (mid-November) was something we were not expecting. But, in anyway, we welcomed the snow with wide open arms! We enjoyed the walk in the snow. But not for long.

The snow became heavier and heavier; the wind, stronger and stronger. And it was freezing cold! The trail soon ‘disappeared’ under the snow. Following the footprints left behind by the trekkers ahead was the only way to identify the trail. When we came to the Mackinnon Memorial, the wind was so strong that we were literally ‘blown’ away! A quick stop to take a photo for memory was all we did and we moved on.

Soon, we came to Mackinnon Pass (1,154m), the highest point of our trek. Again, we stopped for a quick photo shot and then moved on as it was just too cold and windy to stop for any longer than it was necessary.

The Mackinnon Pass Day Shelter, located beyond the Pass, was a welcoming sight. It has a gas cooker and a kettle. We ‘took refuge’ from it, made ourselves some hot drink, had some snack and a short rest before moving on.

The toilet with the best view in Fiordland is located near the shelter.

After the pass, it was down hill all the way over rocky and uneven terrain. It finally stopped snowing and the wind abated. The sun made its appearance. It warmed our body and spirit a little before it started to drizzle… and then hailstones came a falling!

Along the way, there was also a track detour to be away from the high avalanche areas.

Rain, snow, sunshine, biting wind and hailstones – we saw it all, we experienced it all – all in one day! An eventful and a memorable day indeed. We were happy that we all made it without having to spend an extra night in Mintaro Hut!