Milford Track-Fiordland national park

The Milford Track is one of NZ's 9 great trails to hike the island. The trail offers a walking experience for people who like to explore the great outdoors on their own terms - with no guide and carry all of their own gear. Walk beside pristine rivers and amongst lush, green rainforest before crossing Mackinnon Pass and reaching spectacular Milford Sound. From Late October - late April the season huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting and cold running water, and a DOC ranger is in residence. The huts do not provide cooking utensils or showers. Camping is not permitted on the Milford Track & bookings are essential so please do plan in advance or you'll be very disappointed. Most rivers and waterways on these tracks have sturdy bridges. Occasionally there are also small streams that cross the track but are usually easy enough to step across safely. Be aware that in wet weather rivers can rise very quickly and flood the tracks – especially on the Milford Track. Huts: Glade Wharf to Clinton Hut Tme: 1–1 hr 30 min Distance: 5 km After a boat cruise fromTe Anau Downs (1 hour 15 minutes), take a leisurely walk through beautiful beech forest along the banks of the Clinton River to Clinton Hut, where all walkers spend the firstnight. Once you arrive, take some time to checkout the great swimming holes near the hut, or take a short walk around the wetland boardwalk. Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut Time: 6–7 hr Distance: 14 km Climb to Mackinnon Pass and the memorial to explorer Quintin McKinnon, with exceptional views of Lake Mintaro and the Clinton Canyon along the way. The memorial is a great place to take in the awe-inspiring panoramas, before reaching the highest point of the track and Mackinnon Pass Shelter (1154 m). From here, you’ll drop steadily through an attractive alpine garden to the valley floor, passing several waterfalls along the Roaring Burn River before arriving at Quintin Shelter. On the way to Dumpling Hut take a moment to admire Sutherland Falls in the distance. During the winter months (May to October) the Milford Track remains open, but with reduced facilities and has additional safety hazards to consider.