Milford Track

Is Milford Track "the finest walk in the world"? To know for sure, you'll have to pull on your hiking boots and find out for yourself.

In an article published in the London Spectator in 1908, the poet Blanche Baughan described the Milford Track as "the finest walk in the world". In those days, pack horses were used to carry stores to the huts - you'll see an old horse paddock and stables near the Pompolona Hut.

Today the Milford Track still follows the route that was pioneered by Quinton Mackinnon, Fiordland's first track guide. Mackinnon is remembered for his good nature and ability at cooking pompolonas (a type of scone from which the previously mentioned hut takes its name).

This 53.5 kilometre, four-day walk follows glaciated valleys, ascends an alpine pass and exposes you to some of the finest scenery in New Zealand.

Accommodation is provided by three well-equipped Department of Conservation huts. Milford Track can only be walked in one direction - Glade Wharf (at the head of Lake Te Anau) to Sandfly Point in Milford Sound. Prior bookings are essential, because around 14,000 people walk this track every year.

Milford Track's memorable features include waterfalls, lush rainforest, astounding views and the rain. This area of New Zealand gets around five metres of rain a year, so some precipitation is to be expected (the accommodation huts have gas-heated drying rooms).