New Zealand Travel Blog

Behold the Milford Track!

This is the view that confronts you walking down to Sandfly point toward Milford Sound. All the superlatives in the world have been used to describe the majesty that is Milford. If you cant sacrifice the five days required to walk the world famous track, then we have combined a guided walk and cruise on the sound that will give you great insight into this very special place. Last month I walked a section of the track to gain a better understanding of the experience on offer - I was pleasantly surprised.

Routeburn Track: The Flats and up to the Routeburn Falls

Last month, accompanied by Andrew Wells, aka 'The Hiking Guy", and I took the opportunity to hike the eastern end (the Glenorchy side) of the Routeburn Track. Hiking along the Flats and up to the spectacular Routeburn Falls. Considering the day had started out with torrential rain with no real chance of it getting any better,  the day turned out to be memorable, regardless - but that's Mount Aspiring National Park for you, awe-inspiring in all conditions.

I’d been told the West Coast Wilderness Trail was something really special by a few people who had biked it. But being a mountain biker, it had sounded a bit too tame. Recently I rode it as part of a ride along many of the cycle trails around New Zealand. Turned out the West Coast Wilderness Trail was my favourite of all the trails. It had it all: stunning scenery, a relaxing fun ride, and importantly, well-spaced distances between cafes. 

I get a good all-round buzz from fishing. Being a Cantabrian, I am spoilt for choice in our South Island waterways. I’d take a few hours of any fishing method, including spinning, trolling, jigging or surf casting, but my favorite is fly fishing with a light line.  I don’t hunt trophy fish, figuring that the big ones can do without the shock. I catch and release unless I need a feed.

We had booked the trip with our children, 8 & 10 years old and were travelling with another family of five, with children aged 7, 10 & 12. Once on board, with cabins found; there are 2 double cabins and 2 rooms which are shared with 3 bunks in each with 1 main shared bathroom – (if its ensuite travel you are used to – leave those comfort expectations back on dry land – as the scenery and experience more than makes up for the close quarters).

A planned visit to Queenstown turned into a spontaneous trip to Earnslaw Burn. The glacier has created several waterfalls that cascade over the ridges of the mountains which were featured in the Hobbit movies. The breath-taking views of the Earnslaw glacier and waterfalls make the hike on the Earnslaw track so worth it.