Milford Track, South Island
New Zealand
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Described as the finest walk in the world, the Milford Track is located amidst mountains and temperate rain forest in Fiordland National Park in the southwest of the South Island. Approximately 14,000 people complete the Milford track each year.
Interestingly the track may only be walked in one direction. The 53.5 km (33.2 mi) hike starts at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishes Milford Sound at Sandfly Point, traversing rainforests, wetlands and an alpine pass.
The walking season starts in late October and ends in late April. Walkers can tramp the track independently, or as part of a more expensive guided walk with a guide company. Walkers must complete the track in four days.
The number of walkers permitted to start the track each day is strictly controlled. Otherwise the track quickly becomes overcrowded and damage to the environment increases. A maximum of 90 walkers can start the trail per day (40 Independent, and 50 Guided). Usually these 90 places are booked out many months in advance.