The Milford Track

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 has taken up the challenge of the Milford Track.

The Fiordland National Park is the cornerstone of the Te Wahipounamu Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area. Enjoy close encounters with the native birdlife: the Robin; Kea; Weka; Fantail; Parakeet; Bellbird; even Kiwi have been spotted! Walkers on the track to Milford Sound encounter Fiordland at its most spectacular: deep lakes; silent fiords; luxuriant forest and sheer canyons carved out of imposing granite define this landscape. On fine days there is a postcard shot around every corner, but only when it rains and torrents of water cascade down the mountainsides have you truly experienced the magic of the Milford Track.

The Milford Track Guided Walk is a 5 day / 4 night Queenstown to Queenstown all-inclusive guided walk through the heart of Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. The package includes all transport, accommodation, meals, snacks, backpacks and rain jackets. Accommodation is in our luxury lodges and you will be led by our expert guides.

Day 1 -- Your adventure begins at our Queenstown office at 9.00am 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 Centra Hotel. After lunch, a coach will take you to Te Anau Downs where you board the launch to the head of Lake Te Anau, the beginning of the Milford Track. It's a short, easy walk to Glade House, less than two-thirds of a mile away.

Day 2 -- 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.

Day 3 -- 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 the Mackinnon Pass in a series of zig-zags. 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.

Day 4 -- 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, which was turned out of the river during a particularly violent flood, 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.

Day 5 -- After breakfast you will board one of the famous Real Journeys 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

PRICE:
Low Season (1 November - 30 November 2006 and 1 April to 30 April 2007) = NZ$1590 for adults, NZ$1050 for children
High Season (1 December 2006 - March 31 2007 ) = NZ$1750 for adults, NZ$1050 for children

Private Rooms with Bathroom
Low Season = NZ$1940 adult, NZ$1400 child
High Season = NZ$2100 adult, NZ$1400 child
single suppliment:$350.00 (applies to private rooms only)

DEPARTURE DATES: departs daily during season from Queenstown

INCLUDED: Coach from Queenstown, coach and launch transport from Te Anau Hotel to Glade House, bedding, towels, meals at three staffed huts (lodges) on the track itself; guiding and overall supervision of trekkers; launch transport from Sandfly Point (at the end of the trek) to the Milford Wharf; one night's accommodation at Milford; banquet dinner, breakfast, and lunch in hotel; launch cruise on Milford Sound; Certificate of Achievement for completing trek; (if required), use of pack, coat while on trek; transport of clothing from Te Anau to Milford, group photo per family, souvenir handbook. Return transport to Te Anau or Queenstown is included in the package.