Milford Track, the most beautiful walk in the world
With 53 km spread over 4 days, he is certainly not the easiest walk in the world, but more on that later!
In any case, one should it months in advance beim DOC book, as only 40 people can start every day and the hike should be carried out only in the summer months due to the weather conditions and avalanche danger. Also, one should plan well what you keep on catering entrains to the weight of the backpack as low as possible. For more information on planning finds its here.
The weather conditions
With 7-9 meters (!) Of rain per year in the Fiordland National Park to be reckoned with bad weather actually already. But I was very lucky on my Milford Track, as it only rained on the first day on which you have just 5 km to cover. In addition, the rain and fog verleihnt the whole something mystical. But the last three days we were able to enjoy the breathtaking scenery in bright sunshine.
The hike in detail
From Te Anau we will first take the bus to the ferry with you drive about 1 hour to Glade Wharf.
On the first day we reached after about 1.5 h, the Clinton Hut the facilities with a sink and a lounge area is equipped with gas stoves, as well as the other two huts for the following days with 40 bunk beds, toilet.
A ranger of the National Park provides here for order and gives valuable tips for the next day.
The highlights of the first day are a big suspension bridge, wonderful views of the Clinton River and above all the way through the marshes of both you, the encounter with gnomes, dwarves or fairies awaits around every corner!
The 16.5 km of the second day to Mintaro Hut are then although it usually goes flat then already rather exhausting .... but it is in this Talpfad the compensated come down from the mountains to the left and right by the small waterfalls.
After this march is refreshed like in Mintaro lake, even if it is freezing cold and make it impossible for the aggressive sand flies a relaxing swim.
On the third day, it is really serious. First, it's two hours uphill to the Mackinnon Pass where it's all hikers nearly speechless us because of this outlook.
Then it was four hours downhill, at least we have been compensated for these hardships by very many wonderful waterfalls and crystal clear streams.
One can also look at New Zealand's highest waterfalls, the catch Sutherland Falls with 580 meters height before I'm really arrived very tired in the last hut of the Milford Track, the Dumpling Hut.
We agreed, actually had here the hike can end well, because all had the last energy to muster on the 4th day to hike the remaining 18 km.
And moreover, I had to get to then make my booked in advance boat trip on Milford Sound, the first ferry to 14h.
So it went for the last time over hill and dale past the charm bernten MacKay Falls and Lake Ada before I visibly exhausted but happy, the end of the Milford Track has reached at Sandfly Point.
Although this hike is classified as EASY, is worth mentioning that this refers to the technical difficulty and not to the necessary body burden but even though I have asked myself during the Milford track more than once why I was getting myself coming back to such things, can I can only confirm: Yes, it is the most beautiful hiking in the world (until I am convinced otherwise). Who knows what awaits me anything on my trip around the world .....
The four days on the Milford Track in Wonderland wonderland Neuseelaands, surrounded by ferns, moss, giant trees and waterfalls are but hardly be beat!
