In brilliant sunshine we left Queenstown on 1st February with a group of friends from the Gold Coast to walk the Milford Track in NZ's wild fiordland.
In 5 days we walked 55k's, climbing above 1000 metres to Mackinnon Pass on the second and most demanding day.We passed through beech forest, wetlands and then followed the old packhorse trail before walking through the Clinton Valley. Spectacular waterfalls lined the track and many suspension bridges were crossed.
As we walked through 'the prairie', we could see permanent ice fields atop the mountains.
Views from Mackinnon Pass were amazing in such clear weather and keas paid us a visit at the top where wildflowers were plentiful. The downhill section in the afternoon was quite demanding and slow so arrival at Quinton Lodge was welcome.
All the lodges were very well equipped (we even had en suites), with the most efficient drying rooms in the world, so that clothes could be washed and ready to wear again the next day. The guides and resident chefs made our evenings a very pleasant experience and the sunsets were incredible, often after 930pm.
At the end of the walk we stayed a night at Milford Sound, and were treated to another magic sunset over the Sound. The next morning we cruised the Sound and Mitre Peak was well photographed. We also sighted dolphins and penguins. It was an awesome experience in such beautiful weather.
