Fjordland National Park

On Thursday we went on a trip to Doubtful Sound. To get there, we first took a boat across the lake. The initially beautiful weather quickly turned into heavy rain and wind. At the end of the lake, we boarded buses to get to the fjord through what seemed to be a beautiful pass (unfortunately, due to the heavy rain, we couldn't see anything of the surroundings). There, we took a pretty wavy boat tour through the fjord to the Tasman Sea. As quickly as the rain came, it also went away and we were able to admire hundreds of waterfalls that were created by the rain. With sunny weather and a little bit of a view, we returned to Manapouri.
After that, we drove to Te Anau, where we had to pick up our tickets for the upcoming trekking, rented sleeping bags and backpacks, and bought bread. We spent the evening packing and relaxing.

The next morning we set off for the Milford Track. The hike is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the world and must be booked well in advance. We had booked the hike 9 months ago, before we even had a flight. The disappointment in early February was even greater when the trail had to be closed indefinitely due to a severe storm and we received a cancellation. However, one week before our scheduled date, we received an email that we had the opportunity to hike a portion of the trail and return to the starting point. Since the weather forecast was good, we decided to hike the shortened Milford Track.

First, we took a boat across Lake Te Anau to the start of the hike. From there, the trail led through a forest to a river and then along the river to Clinton Hut. If you now think of a SAC hut, you are far off. For 140 francs, which non-New Zealanders have to pay, you get a bed with a plastic-coated mat, gas cookers that you can use, and a toilet. For dinner, we also had freeze-dried food because we had to bring it ourselves and carry it. Since many people had changed their plans after the first cancellation of the hike, there were only 9 instead of 40 people in the hut.

Strengthened with muesli and coffee, we continued the next morning along the Clinton River through forests, meadows, and past lakes. After 4 hours, we arrived at Mintaro Hut. After a leisurely lunch, we set off for Mackinnon Pass, the highest and apparently most beautiful point of the hike. After 500 meters of elevation gain, we could enjoy a great view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The weather was unusually perfect for Fjordland. Back at the hut, we enjoyed a cozy evening by the stove with the other hikers.

The next day, we returned to the starting point. We bathed in the river in glorious sunshine and waited for the boat to take us back to Te Anau.
We drove an hour further south to a campsite with hot showers and enjoyed a freshly cooked meal with a beer.