The intrepid travellers were excited to depart Hamilton on the morning of Sunday, January 23rd. A days drive to Wellington, an overnight stay, the very nice QT Hotel, then on to the Picton ferry the next morning.
A perfect ferry crossing lead to the classic road trip down the East Coast of the South Island to Christchurch. Another overnight stay, in the excellent Quest on Manchester.
The road trip was to continue the next day, destination, our old friends at The Cairns of Lake Tekapo. We had been caught there in August with a Covid lockdown, when a 3 night stay became 15!
With the golf clubs in the car, we stopped and played the Hororata golf course on the way. A really pleasant course, with a cafe adjacent to the course, for a post match snack.
The next day it was on to Queenstown. We attended the afternoon pre walk meeting at Ultimate Hikes, collected our day packs, and were set to go the next day. Our accommodation for the night was at Millbrook Resort near Arrowtown. Dinner at the ”Hole in One” at Millbrook. We are to return to this Resort for three nights, at the conclusion of the walk.
The Milford Track experience begins! Forty eight keen and expectant trampers, plus four guides, depart Queenstown for Te Anau. Lunch at the latter is followed by a short journey north, and on to a boat. This one hour long ride takes us to the top of Lake Te Anau, and the start of the walk. First stop, Glade House
The next morning after a hearty breakfast and lunch making, the Old Pharts and intrepid trampers had a 16km walk, destination, Pompolona Lodge. A flat, pleasant walk, with a swim in Prairie Lake for some shortly before arriving at the Lodge.
After another wonderful three course dinner, it was an early night for the group. The next day was the ”big one” of the Track, the Mackinnon Pass.
Unfortunately at breakfast the next morning, we were informed fifteen of the group were struck down by a vomiting and diarrhoea virus. They were unable to participate in the days walk. Very disappointing for them, and relief for those who “dodged a bullet”.
The Mackinnon Pass was indeed a challenging hike, particularly the downhill, which was steep and rocky. However, the weather was great, and the Old Pharts “knocked the bugger off” without issue. They still had enough juice in the tank to check out the Sutherland Falls. Despite a lack of rainfall in January in the region, they were an impressive site. Another comfortable evening of great food and company, this night in Quintin Lodge.
The penultimate day of the Milford Track experience, is the final day of actual walking. A 21 km walk, pretty flat, through the bush to the final destination of Sandfly Point. From here, a boat ferries us across to Milford Village, and our accommodation at Mitre Peak Lodge.
Day 5, the final day, is a mornings cruise on the Milford Sound. Once again, a glorious day, with the lack of recent rainfall meaning the absence of waterfalls cascading down. As walkers, we were quite happy to remain dry.
Cruise over, its back on the bus for the long drive back to Queenstown. Goodbyes to friends and acquaintances made over the last few days. A big thanks to our Ultimate Hikes guides, Meg, Sandy, Naomi and Ethan. Quality guides and people.
