hi there, im planning my forthcoming trip to NZ (mid nov 2014) and was wondering if anyone here has hiked on both Milford Track and Roteburn Track to compare.
I will only have one extra day at milford sound and thought i could do a few hours hike to either Key Summit or the last few kilometers of Milford Track (from Sandfly point to Giant's Gate falls) - can't decide - any recommedations?
thanks in advance
gosia
as far as I know you can't do what you plan, there isn't the transport to that end of the Milford (needs a boat). You can do day hikes on the Milford but only from the other end and everything I read says it isn't worth it.
Key Summit is fantastic, 3 hours return. Park up at the divide.
alternatively rearrange things for a day hike on the other end of the Routeburn. The Flats hut is 3 hours each way, and it is well worth allowing enough time to go up to the Falls hut too (about an extra hour each way). Long old day (try to stay at Kinloch Lodge) but wonderful in good weather.
thanks neverwinter, for the milford day hike i found a 'Trips&Tramps' guided walk and they arrange a boat to get to Sandfly point and further up. but i also read a lot of praise for Key summit so im leaning towards that more now :) i am just curious what's the general feeling for both options.. it's really tough choice when the time is limited :)
Key Summit is excellent but don't bother in rainy/misty weather or you simply won't get a view.
Forget about the end of the Milford, it's not that great a walk in that area.
I echo the comment about the other end of the Routeburn to Routeburn Flats - it's a good walk in any weather and especially in the wet.