Milford Track. Duration: 4 days Distance: 53.5 km (one way) Great Walks season: 27 October April 2016

Transcription

1 Milford Track 4 days 53.5 km (one way) Great Walks 27 October April 2016

2 Milford Track 1000 m ElEvaTion profile & Track guide Experience the finest walk in the world as you retrace the steps of early explorers on the worldrenowned Milford Track. Take a journey along valleys carved by glaciers, wander through ancient rainforests and admire cascading waterfalls. You ll follow a historic route through Fiordland National Park, part of Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, before reaching your final destination, the spectacular Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. 750 m 500 m Clinton Hut 40 bunks Prairie Shelter Bus Stop 250 m 0 m Glade Wharf 5 km / hrs 16.5 km / 6 hrs The Milford Track can only be walked in one direction. The track is well marked and signposted, but some sections are steep and rough and the track may be muddy and slippery. This guide describes a 4-day hike for independent, non-guided walkers from the head of Te Anau to Sandfly Point in Milford Sound/Piopiotahi during the Great Walks season (27 October April 2016). Outside the Great Walks season (May to October) walking conditions are more hazardous see the safety information. Day 1: Glade Wharf to Clinton Hut 1 hour 1 hour 30 minutes, 5 km After a boat cruise from Te Anau Downs (1 hour 15 minutes), take a leisurely walk through beautiful beech forest along the banks of the Clinton River to Clinton Hut, where all walkers spend the first night. Once you arrive, take some time to check out the great swimming holes near the hut, or take a short walk around the wetland boardwalk. Day 2: Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut 6 hours, 16.5 km A gradual climb follows the Clinton River to its source, Mintaro, at the base of the renowned Mackinnon Pass. Past Hirere Falls you will get your first view of Mackinnon Pass and the impressive Pompolona ice field. You ll be dwarfed by the sheer scale of the rock walls towering above on either side as you walk up the Clinton Valley, and will pass through changing vegetation as you climb higher towards Mintaro Hut. 4 days 53.5 km Great Walks 27 October April 2016

3 greatwalks.co.nz Mackinnon Pass hut campsite shelter Mintaro Hut 40 bunks Andersons Cascade Shelter Quintin Shelter Dumpling Hut 40 bunks Boatshed Giants Gate Falls Sandfly Point 14 km / 6 7 hrs 18 km / hrs Day 3: Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut Day 4: Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point 6 7 hours, 14 km Climb to Mackinnon Pass and the memorial to explorer Quintin McKinnon, with exceptional views of 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 Mackinnon Pass Shelter (1154 metres). From here, you ll drop steadily through an attractive alpine garden to the valley floor, passing several waterfalls along the Roaring Burn River before arriving at Quintin Shelter. On the way to Dumpling Hut take a moment to admire Sutherland Falls in the distance. 5 hours 30 minutes 6 hours, 18 km From Dumpling Hut, follow Arthur River to the historic Boatshed. Further along the track, you will reach the dramatic Mackay Falls and intriguing Bell Rock. Admire the man-made rock cuttings alongside the Arthur River and Ada, before spending the last 3 km on a smooth, wide track constructed by a prison labour gang between 1890 and A short boat ride from Sandfly Point will take you to your journey s end, with world-famous views of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi along the way. COver: Giants Gate Falls, Graham Dainty AbOve left to right: Clinton valley, Graham Dainty Clinton valley, John Strother (panafoot.com) Makinnon Pass, stokedforsaturday.com Mackay Falls, Rob Suisted MAin PHOtO: Mackinnon Pass, John Strother (panafoot.com)

4 HigHligHTs Air new Zealand partners with the Department of Conservation to help bring native birds back to the beautiful Great Walks. Photo: Sabine Bernert Photo: John Strother (panafoot.com) Keep an eye out for the rare whio/blue duck. Once widespread around new Zealand, they re now only found in a few locations, including along the Milford track, thanks to a predator control programme supported by Air new Zealand and Genesis energy. this has doubled the number of stoat traps and increased possum and rat control over an extra 800 hectares. it s hoped that other wildlife native to the area, such as the mohua/ yellowhead, can also eventually return. take your camera to capture the stunning panoramas from Mackinnon Pass across ancient valleys carved by glaciers. Fiordland s many streams, rivers and waterfalls are especially spectacular after rainfall. Make sure you take a side trip from Quintin Shelter to Sutherland Falls, which drop 580 metres (904 feet) from lake Quill. Photo: John Strother (panafoot.com) Photo: Shellie Evans in the alpine section of the Milford track you will be in for a special treat between november and February when flowering plants such as the Mount Cook buttercup, mountain daisy and the dainty gentian almost steal the show from the expansive vistas. Photo: Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz) enjoy the emerald waters of the Clinton River. even when the water is metres deep, the crystal-clear water ensures you can see every stone along the bottom and admire trout or native longfin eel/tuna cruising the deep pools.

5 Visitor Centre greatwalks.co.nz Haast Awarua/Haast Visitor Centre getting THErE the Milford track is accessed by boat from te Anau Downs, 27 km from te Anau on SH94. the track starts at Glade Wharf at the head of lake te Anau. take a bus or private transport to te Anau Downs (30 minutes), then a boat trip to the head of lake te Anau (1 hour 30 minutes). 0 the track finishes at Sandfly Point. take a boat trip (20 minutes) to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Milford Sound where there are bus services back to MILFORD TRACK te Anau and on to Queenstown. During the Great Walks season (27 October April 2016), there are regular transport services to and from the track, which must be booked in advance you can book connecting transport online when booking your hut tickets. Refer over page for transport options and services. Sign me up! What do I dotwizel next? Makaroa km 1 Start off at greatwalks.co.nz/ information. milford for more Wanaka Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre ROUTEBURN TRACK Glenorchy Kurow Arrowtown 2 Whakatipu-wai-Māori/ Queenstown Visitor Centre Cromwell Book your huts online orranfurly in a DOC visitor Centre. Clyde Alexandra KEPLER TRACK Te Anau Te Rua-o-te-moko/Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre 3 Mossburn Book your transport to and from the track operators are listed online and in this brochure. Lumsden Fairfield Dipton places To stay GORE Winton Riverton/ Aparima Mataura 5 Oban Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre Photo: Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz) DOC operates 3 huts on the Milford Track, which must be booked in advance during the great Walks season (27 October April 2016). camping is not permitted on the Milford Track. 6 Great Walks huts $54 per adult per night; 17 years and under free (bookings required). During the Great Walks season the huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting and cold running water. A DOC ranger is in residence. The huts do not provide cooking utensils or showers. Outside the Great Walks season facilities are greatly reduced and there are no wardens. Bookings are not required, huts are first come, first served and fees are reduced. See the website for details. buy your food and pack your Milton bags download the Great Walks Balclutha packing list and make sure you have everything you need for a 4-day independentkaka unguided walk. Point INVERCARGILL RAKIURA TRACK Stewart Island/ Rakiura 4 7 read up on safety and make sure you re well prepared for your journey and changeable weather at greatwalks.co.nz/milford. Make sure you have left your intentions with a trusted contact at adventuresmart.co.nz. visit the closest DOC Visitor Centre (te Anau) to pick up your tickets and official track guide, and chat with the friendly staff for the latest weather forecast and track conditions. All set! lace up your boots and get hiking. Don t forget to share your experience on facebook. com/greatwalks. DU Ōte

6 Milford Track hiking packages: Milford Track Premium Pack A fully supported hiking experience - package includes: Supply of lightweight, quality hiking gear & specially selected hiking food Vehicle relocation, Te Anau Downs to Milford Sound Water taxi at a time that suits you, Te Anau Downs to Glade Wharf, Milford Track start Water taxi transfer from Sandfly Point Department of Conservation hut tickets, 3 nights Chalet accommodation at Milford Sound Lodge at the end of your hike $1,579PP* *Terms & Conditions apply Milford Track Flexi Pack Hassle-free transport package including: Vehicle relocation, Te Anau Downs to Milford Sound Water taxi transport from Te Anau Downs to Glade Wharf, Milford Track start, at a time that suits you Water taxi transport at the end of the Milford Track, Sandfly Point to Milford Sound Locally owned and operated; we can answer all your questions! $220PP* (similar to organising it all yourself!) *Terms & conditions apply. To Book contact either: Easyhike or info@easyhike.co.nz Fiordland Water Taxi or mark@fiordlandwatertaxi.co.nz easyhike.co.nz fiordlandwatertaxi.co.nz Milford Track Guided Walks The LANDSBOROUGH WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE With Ultimate Hikes you have the true hiking adventure while we take care of the rest. BOOK NOW Days / 4 Nights Transport to and from the track Accommodation in private lodges 1 Night at Milford Sound All meals on track Cruise on Milford Sound Friendly & experienced guides 3-5 DAY RAFTING ADVENTURES 0800 RAFTING Great Walks Special $ per person. Open 9am 12.00pm & 5.30pm 7.00pm. Closed Sunday am. Bevs Tramping gear Hire 16 Homer St, TE ANAU bevs.hire@gmail.com phone: or Phone ultimatehikes.co.nz Fiordland House 3 Town Centre, Te Anau 9600 Warm & waterproof gear for hiking Wear NZ Merino from head to foot. Open 7 days 9am until dark. info@fiordlandhouse.co.nz phone:

7 Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels Family and Studio Motels Marakura view Family Motels Backpackers, Tent and Powered Sites Bathroom and Kitchen Cabins Car and Bag Storage Groups and Schools welcome 77 Manapouri-Te Anau Highway, Te Anau P W. BOOK AHEAD TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT HIGHWAY 94, MILFORD SOUND PHONE milfordlodge.com Milford Track Routeburn Track Kepler Track Shuttle Hollyford & Humpridge Day walkers & groups welcome Charter & on demand services year round. Out of Season Bus/Boat Package May/Oct Queenstown Te Anau Invercargill Milford Sound P E. W. season special free hot showers for freedom walkers phone 0800 hump ridge and quote promo code: shower GREAT WALKERS DESERVE GREAT HOSTELS YHA offers great pre and post walk options with affordable, comfortable accommodation ideally suited to Great Walkers. YHA Te Anau - 30 mins from Te Anau Downs, this large hostel is designed for walkers. With knowledgeable staff familiar with the local walks this is a perfect place for your pre and post walking stays. YHA Queenstown - For a longer pre and post adventure, YHA has two centrally located Queenstown hostels perfect for walkers. YHA QUEENSTOWN CENTRAL YHA.co.nz/great-walks or More wilderness... less people 3-day loop track BOOK NOW: Packages from Basic Tramping at $175 to Guided Walking at $1645 p or 0800 HUMP RIDGE (486774) w e walk@humpridgetrack.co.nz Mention this ad for a 10% discount Fiordland Massage CliniC Located at Distinction Hotel & Villas, front Drive, Te Anau Fiordland Trips & Tramps Te Anau Refreshing way to restore your energy and spirit. Relaxation / Deep Tissue / Hot Stone / Foot Revival Treatments available. Open 7 days 9am - 9pm phone: or Group (5+ people) charter transport linking Fiordlands tracks with Queenstown, Invercargill & Te Anau. Contact us for an obligation free quote. info@tripsandtramps.com phone: or

8 the Steamers Beach Complex is conveniently located within Te Anau view Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels. Single rooms Dorm rooms Double rooms Twin rooms 4, 6 and 8 bed rooms BBH Member Rates P E.res@teanau.info W. Take a scenic flight with Milford Helicopters and see the beauty of Milford Sound and surrounding areas. milfordhelicopters.com Motel & Backpackers at Te Anau Downs, Milford Sound Highway Quiet location right beside the lake. Only 600m from boat departure point for the Milford Track. 91km from Milford Sound. Te Anau - Milford Sound Highway, SH 94 PO Box 19, Te Anau, New Zealand Ph / (NZ only) info@fiordlandnatparklodge.co.nz Milford Helicopters Milford Sound milford.helicopters@xtra.co.nz phone: Hiking adventures begin here. Friendly advice on hiking in the Southern Alps. Rental gear available plus great range of accessories. Outside sports Milford Road, Te Anau and Shotover Street, Queenstown info@outsidesports.co.nz phone: Te Anau Queenstown LOCAL EXPERTS TRACK TRANSPORT, RENTAL EQUIPMENT & PACKAGES Adventure Fiordland 72 Town Center, Te Anau Rosco s been running world class kayaking trips for 25 years. We offer 8 different trips, there s something to suit everyone. rosco@roscosmilfordkayaks.com free phone: Safer Parking We provide the only safe and secure park while you walk the track. Don t let a break-in spoil your holiday. M i l f o r d - S k i - T r a c k s Safer Parking Te anau 48 Caswell Road, Te Anau saferparkingteanau@msn.com phone: or

9 Other Great Walks greatwalks.co.nz lake Waikaremoana 3 4 days Trace the shoreline of beautiful Waikaremoana the sea of rippling waters for spiritual and cultural enlightenment. Walk through ancient rainforest, pass giant podocarp trees and admire stunning views from Panekire Bluff. 46 km all year $32 tongariro Northern Circuit Winding its way past Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe, this Great Walk lets you explore dramatic volcanic landscapes including craters, glacial valleys, native beech forest, alpine meadows and emerald-coloured lakes in this World Heritage area. 3 4 days 46 km 23 Oct apr 2016 $32 location: te Urewera, east north island nearest towns: rotorua, napier, Wairoa, Gisborne location: tongariro national Park, central north island nearest towns: taupo, turangi, Ohakune, Waiouru Whanganui Journey 3 5 days The Whanganui River winds its way from the mountains to the Tasman Sea through countless hills and valleys. This journey lets you take a multi-day canoe or kayak trip to experience its most remote scenic beauty, history and cultural significance. 145 km 1 Oct apr 2016 $32 abel tasman Coast track Blessed with a mild climate, golden beaches and coastal forest, the Abel Tasman Coast Track has it all. Choose to walk the whole track or water taxi or kayak between different locations at any time of the year. 3 5 days 60 km all year $32 location: Whanganui national Park, south-west north island nearest towns: Whanganui, taumarunui, Ohakune location: Abel tasman national Park, north-west South island nearest towns: nelson, Motueka, takaka heaphy track From forest to coast, the Heaphy Track combines all of New Zealand s scenic beauty into one Great Walk. Travel through expansive tussock downs, lush forests and nīkau palms to the roaring seas of the wild West Coast. 4 6 days 78.4 km all year $32 routeburn track The Routeburn Track traverses the Southern Alps of New Zealand and passes through ice-carved valleys and beech forest. Walk alongside pristine rivers and glistening alpine lakes offering breathtaking views and mountain scenery. 2 4 days 32 km 27 Oct apr 2016 $54 location: Kahurangi national Park, north-west South island nearest towns: nelson, Westport, Collingwood location: Mount Aspiring & Fiordland nat. Parks, South island nearest towns: Queenstown, Glenorchy, te Anau and invercargill kepler track An adventure above the clouds! The Kepler Track takes you from the gentle, beech-forested shores of s Te Anau and Manapouri to the exposed tussock lands and the summit of Mount Luxmore for spectacular alpine views. 3 4 days 60 km 27 Oct apr 2016 $54 rakiura track Escape on an island adventure and exchange the hustle and bustle of mainland life for the tranquillity of the Rakiura Track. Revel in the peacefulness and idyllic surroundings, with the bush, birds and beach at your side. 3 days 32 km all year $22 location: Fiordland national Park, south-west South island nearest towns: Queenstown, te Anau and invercargill location: Stewart island/rakiura nearest towns: invercargill (20 min flight) or bluff (1 hr ferry) Published by: Department of Conservation, Marketing Team, PO Box 10420, Wellington 6143, New Zealand October 2015 this publication is produced using paper sourced from well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests.

10 Know before you go it is important to plan and prepare your trip and be well equipped on a Great Walk. before you go, know The Outdoor Safety Code 5 simple rules to help you stay safe: 1. Plan your trip. book your trip well in advance, including your accommodation, transport and transfers to the start/end of the track. 2. Tell someone your plans. Safety is your responsibility leave your trip details with a trusted contact. Further research on safety outside of this brochure is essential. See adventuresmart.org.nz. 3. Be aware of the weather. Weather on the track is changeable, so be prepared and check the forecast before you go. See metservice.com. 4. Know your limits. A good level of fitness is required to walk the track. You can expect to walk up to 7 hours a day, depending on your fitness and weather conditions, and carry a pack of up to 15 kg for the whole length of the track. 5. Take sufficient supplies. the right outdoor clothing and gear are essential for your trip. Pack all necessary equipment and your own food and drinks (including an extra day s supply). Food and drinks are not available for purchase at Great Walks huts. Milford Track safety the information in this brochure relates to the Milford track in the Great Walks season (27 October April 2016). this track is not recommended for children under the age of 10, due to the exposed mountainous environment and often adverse weather conditions. Fiordland national Park lies in an area with high rainfall and changeable weather patterns. Cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur at any time of the year. the Milford track is complex avalanche terrain and the risk of avalanche can extend into December. During the Great Walks season, DOC manages this risk to a low level and walkers may be flown (at their cost) over dangerous sections. Go to greatwalks.co.nz/milford Know before you go section for detailed safety information, and What to take section for a comprehensive gear list. remember your safety is your responsibility Moreton Staircase Creek Sutherland Falls Quill Mount Danger 1835m Quintin Prospect Creek Brownlee Worsley Stream Dumpling Hill m Term Diamond Creek Dumpling Hut 1878m Shelter 1921m and toilet Mount Kepka 1823m Mount Elliot 2003m Mount Wilmur 1714m Andersons Cascade Creek inus Roar ing Burn Castle River 17 Mount Balloon 1853m 14 Great Walk hut Toilet Mile marker Great Walk / Tramping track Boat transport State Highway Other Roads 0 1 Km No toilet Castle Mount 2131m 1786m Mackinnon Pass Mintaro Hut 13 Mackay Creek Mackay Falls 12 Terror Peak Bus Stop Giants Gate Falls Poseidon Creek 28 Brown 1841m 10 9 McQueen Prairie Creek Clinton River 8 Devils Armchair 31 Joes Ri ver W I C K 1731m 7 Camp Oven Creek 32 Ada Odyssey Peak 1832m Mount Ada 1891m M O U N T A I N S 1752m Iceburg 6 33 Arthur River S H E E R D O W N m Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) Sandfly Point Talbot River Mount Mitchelson H I L L S Access Peak 4 Surprise Creek Clinton Hut Lloyd Peak Fiordland National Park 3 Sheerdown Peak 1871m 1958m 2 Cleddau River Mount Gendarme Mount Anau Glade Wharf Outside the Great Walks season (early May to late October) facilities are greatly reduced (no gas for cooking, limited water supply, no rangers or emergency radio facilities). there are also additional safety hazards to consider: the winter environment in Fiordland is very cold and wet, with ice, snow and short daylight hours. Avalanche-prone bridges across some major watercourses are removed. DOC does not manage hazards such as flooding or avalanches. Walking the Milford track at this time should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well-equipped people. navigation, river crossing, and alpine skills are essential for your survival. For more information see Outside the Great Walks season at greatwalks.co.nz/milford. Te Anau 94 1 To Te Anau Ross