Hey there guys, I's going to NZ in Jan/Feb for just over a month and want to fit in a tramp through one of the southwestern parks. I originally was looking at milford but i hear Routeburn is better. I enjoy photography and am a bit of a learning amature and my favourite subject is scenary. I would like a track which will have more forests and dramatic landscapes and waterfalls, and not just rocks. I just want to know who has been on these tramps and which you would recomend. Im 20 years old, not an athletic person, but im pretty fit. I really have not don't any big hiking overnight trips so was also wondering what people recommend you bring on these tramps (excluding teh obvious pack, sleepinging bag, food, strong boots, warm cloths.
In addition, hat method did people use to reach and leave the tramps - the lonely planet book tramping in NZ lists a few but im just curious.
Also I hear I usually rains - if people found it rained was it heavy or relatively light - are there shelters etc.
Finally, are there any well stocked, fairly priced outdoor shops in Te Anau - just in case I forget something I might need.
ThankyouHey there guys, I's going to NZ in Jan/Feb for just over a month and want to fit in a tramp through one of the south western parks. I originally was looking at Milford but I hear Routeburn is better. I enjoy photography and am a bit of a learning a mature and my favourite subject is scenery. I would like a track which will have more forests and dramatic landscapes and waterfalls, and not just rocks. I just want to know who has been on these tramps and which you would recommend. I’m 20 years old, not an athletic person, but I’m pretty fit. I really have not don't any big hiking overnight trips so was also wondering what people recommend you bring on these tramps (excluding the obvious pack, sleeping bag, food, strong boots, warm cloths)?
In addition, hat method did people use to reach and leave the tramps - the lonely planet book tramping in NZ lists a few but I’m just curious.
Also I hear I usually rains - if people found it rained was it heavy or relatively light - are there shelters etc.
Finally, are there any well stocked, fairly priced outdoor shops in Te Anau - just in case I forget something I might need?
Thankyou
Hi Hrabia, the Milford track definitely offers some fantastic scenery that is worth a great photograph. Steep mountain sides, rivers, rainforest, ferns, waterfalls - it's a firework of green and blue. Dramatic is how I would describe the scenery. From Mackinnon Pass (the only elevation on this track through two valleys) you would also have a view from above. The Routeburn, on the contrary, does offer forest, too, with gnarly beech trees, then alpine scenery, grass and rocks at the top, wider views. It's spectacular, too. You cannot say one of them is better, as they are different. I guess that - given that the most interesting feature of the Routeburn are probably the views - you might more easily be disappointed with your chances of taking good pictures on this track - weatherwise, of course. Surely, the Milford loses a lot of its drama when the peaks are hidden in clouds and the rain comes pouring down, too, but with a good camera you might still get some good close-ups of ferns and stuff. Not sure, though, I had excellent weather on three days out of four and could take brilliant pictures! Would be interesting what others have to say on the photography issue.
Both operate on a booking system so you should check availability on the Department of Conservation website, esp Milford gets booked out extremely quickly. If you decide on Milford you'll have to book the transportation together with your bed in the huts. Access to and from the track is by boat only, so things need to be organised.
There are a few shelters on the Milford and one, if I'm correct, on the Routeburn. However, you will have to embrace the idea of possible rain, lots of rain maybe. Fiordland is rainforest country!
Have you checked availability? It is getting late in the booking season & Milford might already be full. If they are both full, I'd recommend the Kepler - dramatic scenery and a round trip from Te Anau so no extra costs for transport to the track head.
Thankyou all. For the time im planning to travel, there is still availability. Does anyone have any pictures they have taken on any of these walks?
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