Milford Trace, New Zealand

“Has anybody hiked the Milford Trace in New Zealand? If so, do you have any suggestions for items to bring, things to do?”

“Not a clue.”

“Bob, it's called the Milford Track. Here's a site that will tell you all you need to know.

http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/11-21-2000-1528.asp”

“Thanks! My partner is going there in March and wants to know the temperature range, likelihood of rain, etc. They have huts to sleep in, with food and beds provided. Sounds like a pretty cush hike, except the last day, which is 14 miles.”

“I hiked it in 1992 or so. It's a wonderful hike, and we had great weather, but that is not the norm.

It rains there. A lot. Like 23 feet a year. We managed to luck in to 3 clear days in a row and enjoyed it immensely.

There are two ways to hike it, guided or on your own. Either way you must spend the night is your designated hut and move on to the next one the next day. No hanging around waiting for the rain to clear.

I recommend the on your own trip, as the hiking is pretty mellow and you can easily carry what you need. The guided hike costs $800 and for that someone carries your clothes, you get fresh linens, showers, and cooked meals. Carry your sleeping bag and stove and enjoy.

It's a four day hike, the first day you take the boat from Te Annu and hike in for about an hour. The next day you hike to just before the pass. We took advantage of the clear weather and went up the pass that day. The third day you cross McKinnon Pass and down the other side, past an amazing 1900' waterfall. Then out to the Sound to catch you boat.

Well worth the trip, lots of fun. Get out early and you don't see anyone all day.”

“Hi Idaho Bob,

Your partner is in for the trip of a lifetime!

Three suggestions:

1. I would have is to make sure you have a raincover for pack and put all dry clothes in plastic bags. Standard stuff, really.

It does get a bit wet at times in NZ!
Example: Friends of mine on cycle tour
of West coast of South Island asked
to camp at a campground. Owner said,
"I don't think you want to."
Friends said, "Yes, we do."
Owner, "OK."
...
Campground had twenty inches of H20
on it! :-)

2. Have a cheap waterproof camera for backup
in case "good" camera gets wet.

3. Bring a ton of film.

NZ is like NPs in the USA...difference, "nobody" is there! :-)

It is an AWESOME place!

Spent some time there in the late 80s.

May be more sheep now...

Highcountry”

“I forgot to mention that you should have reservations well in advance, especially if you are going in Dec, Jan, Feb, or March. We didn't but we lucked into a cancellation. It fills up months in advance.”

“I looked into that once upon a time, then I looked at air fare - wow!”