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radzi_m09:22 UTC10 Oct 2014

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

neverwinter09:41 UTC10 Oct 2014

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.

radzi_m10:27 UTC10 Oct 2014

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 :)

neilm21:58 UTC10 Oct 2014

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.

hereandtherenz06:26 UTC11 Oct 2014

How fit are you? Some people do the Routeburn in a day.

In November, the weather could be a bit iffy. Make sure you had a Plan B.

neilm08:03 UTC11 Oct 2014

People might do the Routeburn in a day but they don't see anything.

neverwinter10:25 UTC11 Oct 2014

ah, didn't know there was a walk at the other end of the Milford. But it would be a lot of travelling.

I have seen people doing the Routeburn in a day but agree, why? Also a logistical challenge as the ends are 5 hours apart by road!

Key Summit or day hike on part of Milford Track Country forums / Australia, New Zealand & Antarctica / New Zealand
radzi_m09:22 UTC10 Oct 2014	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
neverwinter09:41 UTC10 Oct 2014	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.	1
radzi_m10:27 UTC10 Oct 2014	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 :)	2
neilm21:58 UTC10 Oct 2014	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.	3
hereandtherenz06:26 UTC11 Oct 2014	How fit are you? Some people do the Routeburn in a day. In November, the weather could be a bit iffy. Make sure you had a Plan B.	4
neilm08:03 UTC11 Oct 2014	People might do the Routeburn in a day but they don't see anything.	5
neverwinter10:25 UTC11 Oct 2014	ah, didn't know there was a walk at the other end of the Milford. But it would be a lot of travelling. I have seen people doing the Routeburn in a day but agree, why? Also a logistical challenge as the ends are 5 hours apart by road!	6

Key Summit or day hike on part of Milford Track