After a long, challenging, and hopefully scenic walk, what better way to relax than by rewarding yourself with some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world? But some vistas can’t be explored entirely by walking alone. One of these, though, should be a destination on every journey aiming to witness as much of the landscape as possible in New Zealand. Walking near to the coast, ramblers can discover sites not normally associated with walking, such as Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, along the famous Milford Track.

Walking the Milford Track

Milford Track, New Zealand’s most famous tramping route, is commonly known as the ‘finest walk in the world’, spanning over fifty kilometres from Lake Te Anau to the fjord of Milford Sound. It makes a huge difference when you decide to embark on your journey across New Zealand; walking during the peak season (of late October to late April) is strictly regulated, with no more than ninety walkers allowed to start the trail per day, and a time limit of four days to complete the track, moving northwards only. It is definitely a challenging trek, but it’s safer than the off-season when some bridges over wetland sections are removed to prevent damage. But walking the trail rewards a persistent explorer with natural scenery that seems straight out of a Hollywood epic.

Reaching Milford Sound

A fjord in the south-west of the South Island, and named after the Milford Haven in Wales, Milford Sound regularly draws thousands of visitors a day, ranging from between five hundred thousand and a million visitors every year. Once famously described as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ by Rudyard Kipling, Milford Sound has cemented its position as the most famous tourist destination in New Zealand. Walking is enough to bring you to the edges of the fjord, but to get the whole experience, and to provide a welcome rest from your journey, touring the fjords by water can make a welcome change. It’s also more exciting to be able to feel the mist of the waterfalls from the deck of a boat.

Local Legends

The local Māori built legends around the fjords – stories claimed that it took the divine hands of Tu Te Raki Whanoa to create such a spectacle with a magic adze to hew the coast, as nothing else but a god could be responsible for sculpting such amazing beauty. It’s also claimed he was called away before finishing a route leading to the interior of New Zealand. Walking in the surrounding terrain, with its sweeping vistas and mountains, it’s easy to be thankful that the hiking routes aren’t broken by impassable rivers.

Doubtful Sound

Sailing captains in the 16th century, such as James Cook, used to be wary of similar fjords like Doubtful Sound (so named by Cook after his hopes of the fjord’s safety for wooden boats), unwilling to venture too close to the sheer mountainsides, and fearful that the winds headed towards the shore would prevent any escape. Thankfully, boating technology has improved since then, and with modern engines, the fjords can be safely explored. Another fjord that’s worth a detour during a New Zealand walking holiday, Doubtful Sound is also notable for being home to a school of bottlenose dolphins, one of the southernmost populations and a treat to spot from the shores or from the deck.

Author Bio: Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 90 different countries. While in New Zealand walking with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you will see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Category: Travel
Keywords: New Zealand Walking