Routes — Glade Wharf

Most Milford hikers begin the adventure with a boat trip from Te Anau Downs to the Glade Wharf trailhead — about 30km with fantastic views (in decent weather).

Lake Te Anau, named after the grand-daughter of a great Maori chief, is the second largest lake in NZ after Lake Taupo. Te Anau is 66km long, with a shoreline of about 500km.

Mackinnon Pass, the high point of the Track, is named for Quinton Mackinnnon, a dour Scot who predicted his demise shortly before disappearing, likely drowned 1892 in Lake Te Anau. His cap was found, but not his body.

in memory of Mackinnon

Hikers grow excited when the Clinton river comes into view. You follow the Clinton for the first 2 days of the Track.

But independents (like us) walk on — though Glade Wharf to Clinton Hut is less than 2 hours. There is no rush.

Highlights of Day 1 include the bird life and a lovely beech forest canopy . Fishers seek rainbow and brown trout in the amazingly clear Clinton.

There is a good chance to see:

• Bush Robins
• Tomtits (black back, white underside)
• Paradise ducks
• Canada geese

the first of a number of Milford swing bridges