The Milford Track

2010 Dates: Departs daily, January through April

Traversing the heart of New Zealand's wild fiord country, the Milford Track has long been described as "the finest walk in the world". Since Quintin Mackinnon pioneered the route in 1888, everyone from hardened trekkers to novices sporting their first pair of boots, have taken up the challenge of the Milford Track.

Day 1 : Queenstown - Te Anau - Glade House, 1 mile, 20 mins
Your adventure begins at our Queenstown office at 9am where you catch a coach to Te Anau arriving in time for a light lunch and a group photo. If you join the group in Te Anau your briefing will be at 9:30am in the Central Hotel.

After lunch you drive to Te Anau Downs boat harbor, where a launch waits to take you up to the spectacular northern end of Lake Te Anau. From the wharf it is a short walk to historic Glade House, our first lodge, for a hot shower, a filling meal and a comfortable bunk. (L, D)

Day 2 : Glade House - Pompolona Lodge, 10 mi, 6 hrs
After crossing the emerald green Clinton River you follow it up the valley to the Hirere Falls lunch shelter. The beech forest gets more luxuriant the further you go, until it releases you on to the Prairie. From this meadow you can capture the true nature of the ice carved Clinton Canyon. It is a short climb to Pompolona Lodge from here. (B, L, D)

Day 3 : Pompolona Lodge - Quintin Lodge via Mackinnon Pass, 9 mi, 7 hrs
This is the most demanding day, especially in inclement weather. The track leads to Lake Mintaro at the head of the Clinton Valley, before climbing, in a series of zig-zags, up the Mackinnon Pass. Take your time. At the top you will be rewarded with endless views and lunch in Pass Hut.

After the rocky descent into the Arthur Valley you will welcome a hot cup of tea at Quintin Lodge. It should be enough to refresh you for the 90 minute round trip to the Sutherland Falls, the world's fifth highest cascade. (B, L, D)

Day 4 : Quintin Lodge - Mitre Peak Lodge via Sandfly Point, 13 mi, 7 hrs
Your final day on the track. You walk down the Arthur Valley to Boatshed for a cup of tea; on past MacKay Falls and Bell Rock to the lunch spot at Giants' Gate waterfall.

The final stretch of the track follows tranquil Lake Ada to Sandfly Point, where according to Maori legend the goddess Te Hine-nui-te-po released the sandfly to stop men lingering too long in the beauty of Fiordland. From here it is a short launch trip to Mitre Peak Lodge where you will enjoy a celebratory dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 5 : Mitre Peak Lodge - Milford Sound - Te Anau - Queenstown
After breakfast you will board one of the famous Red Boats for a cruise on Milford Sound. Watch for dolphins and fur seals and pray for rain. (No-one believes us, but the waterfalls are absolutely incredible!). Following the cruise you start your spectacular journey through the heart of the Fiordland National Park to the Homer Tunnel and on to Te Anau. After a light lunch we continue to Queenstown, via Queenstown Airport, arriving at approximately 3.30pm. (B, L)

Included:

• Accommodation in luxury lodges
• All transports
• Meals and snacks as stated in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Backpacks and jackets
• Experienced guides

Note: To enjoy your walk you need to be able to carry a medium sized backpack containing your personal belongings weighing 10-14lbs for 6-8 hours over 9-13 miles of mountain tracks each day. There is no pressure to walk with others or keep up with the fastest walkers. There is always a guide at the front and rear of the party.

*Price subject to change based on exchange rate at time of booking.