Milford Track. the fi nest walk in the world. New Zealand s GREAT WALKS

Transcription

1 Milford Track the fi nest walk in the world New Zealand s GREAT WALKS

2 Milford Track Ever since the claim was made in the London Spectator in 1908, the Milford Track has been referred to as the finest walk in the world. This reputation has remained true, with people travelling from all over the world to experience the grandeur of the mountains in the heart of spectacular Fiordland National Park. Follow in the footsteps and marvel at the feats of early explorer Quintin Mackinnon, as you walk the length of this 53.5 km historic route. Your journey over 3 nights and 4 days will give you many wow moments! Feel awe-inspired by soaring mountains and waterfalls plunging to the valley floor. Look out for the rare blue duck/whio on pristine rivers and delight your senses in lush, green rainforest, before reaching your destination at stunning Milford Sound/ Piopiotahi. Photos can t tell the story come and experience this iconic walk for yourself. Getting There The Milford Track is located in Fiordland National Park, part of Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. The track starts at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishes at Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Road transport is required to the boat departure point at Te Anau Downs and from Milford Sound, with boat transport required at both ends of the track. During the Great Walks Season there are regular transport services to and from the track. The township of Te Anau has a full range of accommodation, transport and equipment suppliers. More details are included in this brochure or visit MILFORD TRACK Milford Sound 94 Queenstown Road distances and times Te Anau to Te Anau Downs - (27km) 30 minutes Milford Sound to Te Anau - (120km) 2 hours Queenstown to Te Anau - (197 km) 2 hours Te Anau 6 94 Main activity on this trip saying WOW! (Tyler, Stott and Elliot families, Australia) Early morning on Mackinnon Pass (Rob Suisted/ Cover Giant Gate Falls (Colin Monteath/hedgehoghouse.com)

3 Milford Track Profile and Map Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Altitude (metres) Clinton Hut (1st night) 40 bunks Glade Wharf Bus Stop Mintaro Hut (2nd night) 40 bunks Mackinnon Pass Robert Allen Shelter Dumpling Hut (3rd night) 40 bunks Boatshed Sandfly Point Altitude (feet) 0 5 km hours 16.5 km 6 hours 14 km 6-7 hours 18 km 5½-6 hours Boat transport Milford Sound N Sandfly Point R iver Giant Gate Falls Lake Ada 94 Mackay Falls A rthur Boatshed Joes River MILFORD Homer Tunnel TE ANAU HIGHWAY Dumpling Hut To Te Anau Quintin Shelter Sutherland Falls Lake Quill Robert Allen Shelter Mackinnon Pass Pass Shelter Mintaro Hut Milford Track Pompolona Bus Stop North Branch Clinton River Hirere Neal Burn Clinton Forks Clinton Hut Hut Toilet Shelter Glade Wharf Lake Te Anau Boat transport

4 Independent Walking Guide Day 1 - Glade wharf to Clinton Hut 5 km, hours After a boat cruise from Te Anau Downs (1¼ hours approx), your first day is a leisurely walk through beautiful beech forest along the banks of the Clinton River, to Clinton Hut. There are great swimming holes near the hut and the option of a short walk around the wetland boardwalk. Day 2 - Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut 16.5 km, 6 hours A gradual climb follows the Clinton River to its source, Lake Mintaro, at the base of Mackinnon Pass. Admire the lush forest as you head towards Clinton Forks a great place to see blue duck/whio. Further on past Hirere Falls, you will get your first view of the renowned Mackinnon Pass and the impressive Pompolona ice field. Take in the sheer scale of the rock walls towering above on either side, as you walk up the Clinton Valley. Starting the final ascent to Mintaro Hut, you will notice the vegetation starts to change, reflecting the higher altitude and heavier rainfall. Day 3 - Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut 14km, 6-7 hours From Mintaro Hut, a zigzag climb leads to Mackinnon Pass and the memorial to Quinton Mackinnon, with exceptional views of Lake Mintaro and the Clinton Canyon along the way. The memorial is a great place to take in the awe inspiring panoramas, before reaching the highest point of the track and The Pass Shelter (1154 metres). From here, the track to Dumpling Hut drops steadily through an attractive alpine garden to the valley floor, passing several waterfalls before arriving at Quintin Shelter and the track to the Sutherland Falls. Here you have the option to leave your pack at the shelter and walk to the magnificent Sutherland Falls, the highest in New Zealand. Allow about 1½ hours return. After leaving the shelter en-route to Dumpling Hut, take a minute to turn around and admire the distant view of the falls. Day 4 - Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point 18 km, hours From Dumpling Hut, the track follows the Arthur River to the historic Boatshed. Further along is the impressive Mackay Falls and intriguing Bell Rock. Admire the rock cuttings alongside the Arthur River and Lake Ada, which were blasted and hand cut by contracted labourers. Enjoy the last three kilometres of smooth, wide track, constructed by a prison labour gang between 1890 and Meander past the dramatic Giant Gate Falls before reaching Sandfly Point. From here a short boat ride will take you to your journey s end, with world famous views of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Did you know...? Rain falls in Fiordland on more than 200 days a year, with around eight metres per annum falling in Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Fine weather will reward you with amazing views, but the true Fiordland visit wouldn t be complete without experiencing it in the rain! The Milford Track winds its way to the Mackinnon Pass (Vaughn Filmer)

5 Important Information Your hut experience There are three DOC huts on the Milfird Track Clinton, Mintaro and Dumpling bookings are required during the Great Walks Season. Camping is not permitted on the track. Huts are supplied with gas cookers, tables, seating, cold running water, solar-powered lighting and heating in the main kitchen/dining hut. Bunkrooms have communal sleeping arrangements, with mattresses provided. You must carry your own sleeping bag. Ablution blocks have flush toilets and wash basins. There are no showers in the huts. A resident DOC ranger is stationed at each hut and is able to pass on information about the environment or help you out should an emergency arise. What to take Physical fitness and good equipment will make the difference to the enjoyment of your trip and having the correct clothing and equipment is vital. You can hire or purchase most equipment in Te Anau. Food is not available for purchase at any of the huts you must carry all your own provisions. To further plan your trip and a comprehensive gear list, please visit Your safety Fiordland National Park lies in an area of predominately westerly airstreams, which delivers high rainfall and changeable weather patterns to the area. Cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur at any time of the year. You must be selfsufficient and responsible for ensuring your own safety while walking the Milford Track. This track is not recommended for children under the age of 10 due to the exposed mountainous environment and often adverse weather conditions. Need more info? For further information please contact: Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre Tel (03) International Fax (03) International greatwalksbooking@doc.govt.nz Website: Bookings are essential during the Great Walks season late October to late April. Book online Equipment, Transport and Accommodation Providers Please contact the relevant business operator listed to book these services TRANSPORT TRACKNET TRACK TRANSPORT SPECIALISTS TRACKNET Tel: Freecall: res@tracknet.net Website: (book online) Skype: Tracknettransport KAYAKING FIORDLAND FIORDLAND WILDERNESS EXPERIENCES Sandy Brown Road, Te Anau Tel info@seakayakfiordland.co.nz Website: Tracknet s daily bus schedules connect the Milford, Routeburn, Hollyford, Kepler & Mavora tracks with Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound & Invercargill. Explore Milford or Doubtful Sound with our small group guided sea kayaking adventures. From sea level encounter wildlife, view towering peaks and spectacular waterfalls. KIWI DISCOVERY KIWI DISCOVERY 37 Camp St, Queenstown Tel or tracks@kiwidiscovery.com Website: FIORDLAND TRIPS & TRAMPS Small group (6-24 passengers) transport connecting both ends of the Milford Track with Queenstown, Dunedin, Te Anau and Invercargill. We offer competitive charter rates to fi t your timetable and ensure your Great Walk experience is hassle free. Our local knowledgeable staff can assist with all your walk logistics. Contact us for an obligation free quote. Fiordland Trips & Tramps PO Box 69, Te Anau Tel Free phone info@tripsandtramps.com Website Milford track specialists. Transport to/from Routeburn Track, equipment hire and Milford Sound add-ons. Hiking packages including pre/post Routeburn Track accommodation. SAFER PARKING TE ANAU After a spate of car thefts and vehicle break-ins at track carparks last summer, Te Anau police encourage you not to leave your vehicle in public carparks. Don t let this happen to you and spoil your holiday. Save the worry and leave your vehicle with us, knowing it and its contents will be just as you left them. Good rates and very secure facilities hundreds of satisfi ed customers. You can never be too safe! Safer Parking Te Anau 48 Caswell Road, Te Anau Tel: or saferparkingteanau@msn.com Website:

6 ACCOMMODATION TE ANAU LAKEVIEW HOLIDAY PARK TE ANAU LAKEVIEW HOLIDAY PARK 77 Manapouri Te Anau Highway Tel: Freecall res@teanau.info Website: (Book online) MILFORD SOUND DAYTIME & OVERNIGHT CRUISES REAL JOURNEYS Lakefront Drive, Te Anau Tel: info@realjourneys.co.nz Website: Opposite DOC; room range includes brand new lakefront motels, ensuites, budget & tent sites. Amenities include internet, laundry, TV, lockers & car storage. Groups welcome. Discover spectacular Milford Sound on your choice of daytime Nature or Scenic Cruises. Alternatively for the ultimate dinner, bed and breakfast experience, join an Overnight Cruise. TE ANAU LAKEFRONT BACKPACKERS TE ANAU LAKEFRONT BACKPACKERS Lakefront Drive, Te Anau Tel: or res@teanaubackpackers.co.nz Website: (Book online) MILFORD SOUND LODGE MILFORD SOUND LODGE State Highway 94, Milford Sound. Tel: 0800STAYMILFORD or Fax: bookings@milfordlodge.com Website: Published by Department of Conservation, Southland Conservancy, PO Box 743, Invercargill. July 2011 Central lakefront location. Full range of accommodation ($26-$90). BBH hostel. Internet, TV room, gear storage, off-street parking, spacious lounge areas and kitchens. STEAMERS BACKPACKERS KIWI DISCOVERY STEAMERS BACKPACKERS C/- Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park 77 Manapouri Te Anau Highway Tel: or res@teanau.info Website: (Book online) Opposite DOC, private & shared rooms (single, twin, double, quad). Sky TV, internet, laundry & kitchen. Car storage & lockers onsite ($26-$70).Groups welcome. DOUBTFUL SOUND DAYTIME & OVERNIGHT CRUISES REAL JOURNEYS Lakefront Drive, Te Anau Tel: info@realjourneys.co.nz Website: Cruise island-studded Lake Manapouri, cross Wilmot Pass through dense rainforest and then explore Doubtful Sound on a Daytime Wilderness Cruise or Overnight Cruise. EQUIPMENT When walking in an alpine area, the weather can change at any time, so it is essential that you are prepared with the correct equipment and clothing. Why not hire your hiking gear if you don t need it for the rest of your travels? Kiwi Discovery have a range of hiking/tramping equipment available for rental throughout the Great Walks season packs, sleeping bags, boots, hiking poles, rainwear & cooking equipment. Our weekly rate is for up to 7 days. Kiwi Discovery 37 Camp St, Queenstown Tel or tracks@kiwidiscovery.com Website BEVS' TRAMPING GEAR Bev s Tramping Gear Hire, based in Te Anau, is the place to hire all your tramping and camping equipment. We can help kit you out whether you are going on one of New Zealand s Great Walks for the fi rst time, or need to hire ice axe and crampons for big winter missions. Home of the Great Walks Special only $ per person. Open daily 9am pm & 5.30pm -7.00pm. Closed Sunday am. Bev s Tramping Gear Tel or bevs.hire@gmail.com Website Cap off your time in Fiordland s world-renowned wilderness with a rejuvenating stay in Milford Sound. Just 5 mins from your boat drop off, Milford Lodge offers accommodation options to suit any budget: luxury chalets (en suites with baths... soak sore muscles!), private rooms, cosy dorms and camp sites. Spend time with us and truly experience Milford Sound. Relax or let us arrange unforgettable activities for you. Bookings essential. YHA TE ANAU & QUEENSTOWN YHA Te Anau and YHA Queenstown are perfectly located for the start and end of your tramp. Our Qualmark 4-star, Enviro Gold and Silver rated hostels have a selection of twin/double, ensuite, family and shared rooms. With well-equipped kitchens, bbq areas and chill out zones you can prepare or recover in comfort. Friendly staff will help you with booking activities and transport. YHA Te Anau, 29 Mokonui St. YHA Queenstown, Lake Esplanade & 48A Shotover St. Tel: book@yha.co.nz Website: LANDSBOROUGH RAFTING WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE Great pre/post Milford Track accommodation and adventure option. Imagine visiting one of New Zealand s most remote areas - untouched, unspoiled and visited by only a privileged few. This three day, two night trip will give you incredible views of the stunning New Zealand scenery; there is something new to look at around every corner. Make your trip a memorable one; join us on the Landsborough River rafting experience. Landsborough Rafting Wilderness Experience 35 Shotover St, Queenstown 0800 RAFTING ( ) info@queenstownrafting.co.nz Website: FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK LODGE Located at Te Anau Downs, 30km north of Te Anau, just 91kms from Milford Sound. A tranquil area with spectacular views, on the edge of Lake Te Anau in Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Area. Two types of accommodation: motel units, or backpacker rooms linen supplied and ensuites. (Motel $ ; Backpacker dble room $65-75, shared dorm $28pp). Free guest car storage while walking the track, internet, laundry. Fiordland National Park Lodge Te Anau - Milford Sound Highway, Te Anau Downs Tel: info@fiordlandnatparklodge.co.nz Website: MITRE PEAK CRUISES ACTIVITIES MITRE PEAK CRUISES Visitor Centre, Milford Sound Callfree: Fax: info@mitrepeak.com Website: Mitre Peak Cruises offers personalised tours to Milford Sound. With small boats and limited numbers, experience Milford Sound as it should be: unhurried, uncrowded and unbelievable. TE ANAU GLOWWORM CAVES Cruise across Lake Te Anau to Cavern House on board our catamaran Luminosa. Then venture underground in small groups with our nature guide by path and small boat. Observe how rushing water sculpts the rock formations, before gliding through silent darkness to the glowworm grotto. Daily departures. Real Journeys Lakefront Drive, Te Anau Tel info@realjourneys. co.nz Website: