Wings Over Wairarapa 2011 
Milford Track Guided Walk Review
Back to IndexSue - Kirra Holidays Travel Consultant recently visited New Zealand and experienced the Milford Track Guided Walk. One of the most famous walks in the world with stunning scenery, great food and really comfortable lodge accommodation, this track does live up to its reputation.
Milford Track Review - Sue
Pre Track Briefing
Guided Walk Centre located in town centre – easy to find. We arrived a little early and looked over the shop. The shop stocks everything you could possible require for walk. Staff were very helpful.
Briefing was friendly and informative. I did feel that I could have been provided with a little more assistance in choosing a backpack. I did have trouble finding a backpack that fit properly and ended up with one that didn’t fit well. It may have been better if they gave people longer to ask questions, as we were a little rushed.
Day One: Queenstown to Glade House
Met the Milford Track group at The Station at 9.30am. Were greeted by guides who were friendly, welcoming and organised.
Coach to Te Anau was entertaining and scenery was beautiful. Enjoyed lunch at Te Anau Downs and then had a chance to purchase any last minute essentials for the walk and had a group photo taken.
Launch cruise to the beginning of the track was informative and scenery was stunning.
Glade House was comfortable and well appointed. I was surprised by how clean and well organised the lodge was. This was the only night were we actually had 4 of us in one room! Participated in nature walk, which was very interesting as we were introduced to some of the flora and fauna we would be seeing over the next four days.
Pre dinner nibbles and drinks were a good opportunity to chat to other guests. We were all asked to stand up and introduce ourselves. We then had a slide show presentation from our guide ‘B’, advising some history of Glade House, what we would be doing the next day and flora and fauna we would experience.
Dinner was excellent and group bonded very well.
Day Two: Glade House to Pompolona Lodge
Early star to the day! Lovely breakfast with lots of options. Packed our own lunches and headed off. Walking this day was easy going and relaxing. Scenery was stunning and walking path was fairly smooth. Stopped for lunch at Hirere Falls. Had a long leisurely lunch and then walked on to Pompolona.
Very impressed with Pompolona Lodge. Lodge set among the trees with lovely views of the mountains. Jeanette and myself had a room to ourselves so we were able to spread out a bit. This property had separate male and female bathroom/toilet facilities, which were once again very clean. It was lovely to be able to have a hot shower and wash and dry our clothes for the next day. Drying room was excellent.
Once again we had a chance to socialise with the group over drinks and nibbles, followed by a slide show and dinner. We were given lots of advice for handling day 3 of the walk, which we were warned would be the most challenging.
We encountered our first Kea this evening, as it tried to break into bedrooms and the lodge’s kitchen.
Day Three: Pompolona Lodge to Quintin Lodge
Once again, early start to the day and lovely breakfast. Walked up the Mackinnon Pass, although this was challenging, did not find it too difficult. Regular stops for photographs as stunning scenery all the way. Weather was perfect, sunny, but not too hot. Very excited to reach memorial to Mackinnon and Ernest Mitchell and stop for a short break and much needed hot milo, provided by a guide.
Enjoyed well-earned lunch at Pass Hut and admired the view from the toilet with the best view in the world.
From here we walked down the emergency track as the regular track was closed due to avalanches. Found this section of the walk to be very challenging, and my little toes began to hurt a great deal! Guides were very encouraging to everyone during this section of the walk, especially those at the back of the main group.
Reached Quintin Lodge in good time, had a short break and cold drink and then headed off walking again to Sutherland Falls. Falls were spectacular, although it did feel like a long walk back to the lodge!
This evening guides set up a foot love centre where they popped, squeezed and dressed blisters for the injured walkers.
Exhausted, but still enjoying myself and enjoyed the group interaction, stunning scenery and lack of television, mobile phone, computers, cars etc.
Day Four: Quintin Lodge to Milford Sound
Still exhausted, however excited about last day of walking and reaching Milford Sound.
Mostly easy walking, although still found it challenging due to very sore little toes! Found it easier to keep walking than to stop and start again. Lovely lunch at Giants Gate Waterfall where we saw a rare Blue Duck.
Very excited to reach Sandfly Point, and enjoyed the boat trip to Mitre Peak Lodge.
As usual, stunning scenery along the way.
Although Mitre Peak very dated, still comfortable and clean with stunning views of Milford Sound.
Enjoyed our final pre dinner drinks and nibbles where we were presented with our certificates to celebrate completing the Milford Track Walk. Then went to the local pub with group to celebrate.
Day Five: Milford Sound to Te Anau/Queenstown
After breakfast we experienced the Milford Sound cruise. Commentary informative and interesting. Boat got up close to Lady Bowen Falls, scenery was spectacular. Good way to finish the tour.
We then said goodbye to those in the group who were flying back to Queenstown and made our way by coach to Te Anau and then Queenstown.
Check out the Milford Track online under our Guided Walks tab in our main menu.
See also:
Accommodation |
Other 
