Milford Track, New Zealand

Hi all-
We just returned to Queenstown after spending the past 4 days hiking the 33.5 mile Milford Track in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand. A little sore and with a blister (or two) to show for our efforts (see Steph’s feet pictured below…new hiking boots might not have been the best idea!!!), we have been spoiled by the magnificent scenery of the past few days.

Massive rainfalls in the days leading up to (and beginning of) our trip, made for an auspicious start as the lake which you must cross to begin the trek had risen rapidly and the boat dock was 2 feet underwater when we arrived. However, the cold and rainy start made the next two days of perfect weather even more special as we thought we wouldn’t see the sun our entire trip. Walking along the trail in the lush green forest alongside countless rivers, streams, lakes and waterfalls, we were in awe of the massive peaks rising from both sides of the canyon floor.

Did I mention waterfalls? The rain from the previous days caused water to cascade down the mountainsides in thousands of waterfalls. It was magical! On our third day, we were also lucky to have a clear day (as it was supposed to be cloudy and raining) as we were able to hike up and over MacKinnon Pass with postcard views in all directions. Furthermore, just as the waterfalls began to dry up, it began raining again on our third night and we spent our last day hiking, albeit very wet, watching the water racing down every crack and gully towards the valley floor. Unbelievable!

The next day, which also turned out to be beautiful, was spent taking a boat ride in the Milford Sound before returning by helicopter to Queenstown over the snow-capped mountaintops. I must add that another “wow” came out of our collective mouths as we nearly scraped the tops (or sides) of the jagged granite peaks. Thus, we have been lucky enough to have seen this spectacular area by land, sea and air.

Upon returning to Queenstown, rather than rest (we can do that back in the USA) we decided to partake in a few of the adrenaline rush activities New Zealand (especially Queenstown) has to offer. We began by taking a jet boat ride up and down the Shotover river at high speeds, as the driver barely missed the narrow canyon walls while intermittently doing a few 360’s. Pure adrenaline rush! I’m also very proud of my wife who strapped on a bungy cord, and did a beautiful swan dive from the 140 foot high Kawaraua Bridge to the river below. Way to go Steph!

We are planning on leaving Queenstown tomorrow morning and spending our last days in New Zealand driving up the west coast of the South Island before making a brief stop in the South Pacific on our way back home. We’re excited to see everyone soon.

Brian & Steph