The Finest Walk in the World: Milford Track

Experience one of New Zealand's most popular tramping routes, renowned as "the finest walk in the world": the Milford Track.

Greg Heil

Images

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The journey begins by crossing Lake Te Anau on a ferry.

by Josh Ilany

Creative Commons: Attribution
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Following the river upstream into Clinton Valley.

by NZ Department of Conservation

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Clinton Valley grows dramatically narrower as you go up.

by Clobocop

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Admiring the steep granite walls of Clinton Valley.

by NZ Department of Conservation

Creative Commons: Attribution
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The Mintaro hut is the destination of Day 2.

by Steve Bittinger

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Mackinnon Pass vista, and the emergency shelter on top.

by NZ Department of Conservation

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Alpine tarns atop MacKinnon Pass.

by Alex Massengale

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Heading down from MacKinnon Pass.

by NZ Department of Conservation

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A side trip to the base of Sutherland Falls is well worth it.

by NZ Department of Conservation

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Below Mackinnon Pass, the track follows Arthur River and crosses many tributaries.

by NZ Department of Conservation

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Mackay Falls

by Clobocop

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The Milford Track finishes spectacularly at Milford Sound.

by Bernard Spragg

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Milford Sound

by Bernard Spragg

Licence Free

Description

The Milford Track has been called “the finest walk in the world”! How many trails can claim such a glowing commendation?

While the Maori people have traveled in this area for centuries, this popular tramping route follows the paths that European explorers used to navigate this region, according to Wikipedia. The track has grown to be immensely popular. It is now "one of New Zealand’s most popular walks, with approximately 14,000 people completing the Milford Track each year,” according to MilfordTrack.net

The track begins at Glade Wharf at the head of Lake Te Anau, traverses through rain forests and wetlands, climbs over the stunning Mackinnon alpine pass, and ends at Milford Sound at Sandfly Point. Along the way, there are also numerous opportunities to visit stunning waterfalls.

The Milford Track may very well be the finest walk in the world. You don’t want to miss it!

Adventures