Milford Sound, New Zealand
3) Hike the Milford Track in New Zealand
Trip date: November 2012
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One of the places in the world I have always wanted to visit is New Zealand. The land of the kiwis. There are many places on this planet that cannot be described--but experienced. And New Zealand, to me, is one of those places. You'll find a variety of awesome landscapes in New Zealand, all within easy reach of each other. Spectacular glaciers, picturesque fjords, rugged mountains, subtropical forests, volcanos, and miles and miles of beautiful coastline.
Tallest raftable waterfall in NZ
It's also a top destination to experience a thrilling whitewater adventure. G has a whitewater trip planned here in November 2012--and Mark and I plan to join him. Since New Zealand lies just south of the Tropic of Capricorn---the country enjoys relatively mild temperatures year round. November is considered late spring. Spring always coincides with big whitewater and we are looking forward to tackling the challenging rivers and take in all the beauty this country has to offer.
One of the more incredible places is Milford Sound which lies within Fjordland National Park in southwest New Zealand. It is considered one of the great wilderness areas of the southern Hemisphere. And the Milford Track has a reputation as one of the world's greatest "walks". Its a four day 35 1/2 mile trek through some of NZ's finest scenery. It requires a permit, there is a limit on how many people can start the hike per day. The track begins with an hour long cruise across Lake Te Anau to Glade Wharf. Interestingly enuf the track may only be hiked in one direction. No tent camping is allowed so independant hikers must stay in designated huts.
The highlight of the first day is the walk along the Clinton River.
During the course of the next several days the hike will continue past inumerable waterfalls, winds around lakes, down water laden canyons, thru beech forests, crossing over suspension bridges, and across spectacular MacKinnon Pass.
The track ends on day four near Sandfly Point in Milford Sound where you are treated to a memorable boat ride through Milford Sound.
This sounds like a wonderful way to either begin or end an adventure to New Zealand. Of course like many of our destinations--there is always so much to do and see--that you can spend a lifetime exploring this incredible country and still not see it all. This planet is such a big place--it would take many lifetimes to see it all! Makes ya wish you can live forever, dont it?
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