We took the Ultimate Hikes Milford Track guided hike. It was the most luxurious multiday hike we have ever taken. We stayed in lodges with private bedrooms (queen bed), hot showers, drying rooms, excellent food, and beer/wine. The guides were very knowledgeable, the logistics was seamless and our fellow trampers a very interesting group.
The track itself was fantastic. We had rain the first day/night resulting in amazing waterfalls on day 2. The rest of the hike had great weather and amazing views. We could write a lot about this trip, but instead will focus on the pictures. This is one of our best hikes ever!
Milford Track (source Ultimate Hikes)
Day 1: 1 mile hike to Glade House + 3 mile nature walk
Ready to Go!Discovered a curious bush robin, and a tiny lily flower that smelled amazing on our nature walk.Diane at Glade House
Day 2: 10 mile hike to Pompolona Lodge
Good hiking days start with a swing bridge, even in full rain gearPrepared for a wet dayThere were countless waterfalls everywhere, many only appear after rain
Day 3: 9 mile hike over Mackinnon Pass to Quintin Lodge + 3 mile hike to Sutherland Falls
The start on day 3 was a swing bridge anchored to trees (all others are anchored with concrete)The climb to Mackinnon Pass was steep with 17 switch backs (or zig-zags as they are called here in NZ)The view from the top was incredibleAwesome views from the passThe hike down from the pass was steep and long, we were tired when we reached the bottomWe were so happy to see Quintin Lodge but immediately went out to see Sutherland FallsSutherland Falls (3 mile additional side trip) was amazing, we got soaked by the mist blasting from the three leaps of the falls
Day 4: 13 mile hike to Sandfly Point
This segment was the longest but relatively flat Happy to be DONE!!Sunset near Mitre Peak Lodge
Day 5: Milford Sound boat tour
Milford Sound cruise was amazingThe waterfalls into Milford Sound were incredible
We had a great hike and would highly recommend it to anyone coming to New Zealand.
Yes, I have learned that sandflies love me, Diane not as much. I am doing my best to avoid them but still getting bites. We have about 1 more week in the worst areas for them, so we are on high alert till then.
Looks cold but you’re in shorts! I am very interested in doing this hike … my last trip to NZ was less than 2 weeks. Missed too much (limited by school schedule and vacation days). Will need to go back when I’m “free” 🙂
It was warm hiking up to the pass but at the top it was cold and the wind was blowing. So we threw on hats and gloves till we got to Pass Hut where we could properly layer up out of the wind. There is a lot to do here, we already know we need to come back 😉
Beautiful! Well done…elevations along the route?
I think the start is around 400m, Mackinnnon Pass is 1154m, and the end is 0m (sea level). AllTrails calls the overall Elevation gain
at 9,409 feet.
I can’t get over those views, so beautiful and breathtaking.
I’m a little envious 😁.
It’s only been a month. More to go. Living vicariously through you.
BTW, any bugs, mosquitoes?
Yes, I have learned that sandflies love me, Diane not as much. I am doing my best to avoid them but still getting bites. We have about 1 more week in the worst areas for them, so we are on high alert till then.
Looks cold but you’re in shorts! I am very interested in doing this hike … my last trip to NZ was less than 2 weeks. Missed too much (limited by school schedule and vacation days). Will need to go back when I’m “free” 🙂
It was warm hiking up to the pass but at the top it was cold and the wind was blowing. So we threw on hats and gloves till we got to Pass Hut where we could properly layer up out of the wind. There is a lot to do here, we already know we need to come back 😉
Wow! Looks like such a beautiful and amazing adventure!