|
Often described as the "finest walk in the world", the Milford Track extends for 54km from the northern end of Lake Te Anau, to the appropriately named Sandfly Point near Milford Sound. The route follows the Clinton and Arthur Valleys which are separated by Mackinnon Pass (1073 m). These U-shaped valleys were carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age which ended some 14 000 years ago.
Originally the early Maori of Southland and Otago travelled the route in search of takiwai (greenstone) from the West Coast of the South Island. Pioneer explorer and surveyor Quintin Mackinnon cut the original track in 1888, the route being further developed for tourists and trampers in the following years. The use of the track was extended in 1966 to include independent trampers, after the Fiordland National Park Board had erected huts at Clinton Forks, Mintaro and Dumpling. Since then, the track and bridges have been improved further to allow all parties to travel in all but the most inclement of weather.
For further reading: Classic Walks contains a chapter detailing the Milford Track which is accompanied by the lush photography of Craig Potton. The booklet Queenstown to Milford Sound provides general information on the region.
No need to VISIT NEW ZEALAND for NEW ZEALAND MAPS as we deliver NEW ZEALAND PRODUCTS to the world.
|
