Monday, January 11, 2010

Milford Track--My World

My regular readers must be wondering when they will see some hikes. This was an active Elderhostel with hikes and walks at least every other day. If there was a long hike scheduled there was also a shorter one for those who didn't want to great a challenge. It was hard to decide which to show you, I chose the Milford Track.
The first leg of the Milford Track is pretty gentle and that was the hike this day. Maybe I should say the second leg as the first leg is a boat ride.
The trail wanders through a thick forest.
Glade House is the fist stop for those on a guided tour. They are treated to hot meals and showers.
Beyond Glade House a swing bridge crosses the Clinton River.
There is a boardwalk with interpretive signs that winds through a bog.
Views of the incredible blue water of the Clinton River.
Then we arrived at Clinton house. This is the first stop for those not on a guided trip. There are two bunk rooms and a common kitchen where the through hikers can prepare there own meals.

This is where we had lunch and turned around. We had great weather but I guess it isn't always so.

New Zealand is a beautiful country and well worth the effort to get there.
See more worlds at That's my World hosted for us by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy, Louise and Sylvia.

19 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Thanks for taking me on your hike. I loved the scenery and the hike. Great photos.

Benikos place said...

Wonderfull post congratulations :))
ps. I will send you a post how to cook yorti :)

Paulie said...

I felt like I was there with you! Thanks for the walking tour! It was fun!

Unknown said...

What a terrific adventure! New Zealand does sound like a wonderful place to visit!

Sylvia K said...

Thanks for the hike, Martha! Like the others, I feel as though I've been there! And what a great place. Love your captures, as always! Enjoy your week!

Sylvia

Trish ~ ♥ ~ said...

How much fun was that! Love hiking, thanks for taking us along!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for taking us with you. I may not be able to hike, er even see nz, but at least you've shared your experience.

Diane AZ said...

That looks like such an interesting hike, especially the woods, the bog and the river with the pretty blue water!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful scenery. Great pictures.

Carolyn Ford said...

Hiking is the best way to get to know a new place. Riding around in cars or buses is nice, but, setting your own feet in the dirt just creates memories that can't compare any other way. I am particularly fond of that beautiful water in Clinton River! I want to touch it in the worst way! What a fabulous trip you must have had.

Anonymous said...

enjoyed your post so very much. hubby and i want to visit australia and new zealand one of these years. for now our yearly treks are confined to italy as i have an elderly auntie i visit.
have a wonderful week.

Lindy said...

Looks like lots of natural beauty and the Clinton River, especially, looks inviting. Nice hike today! =)

Barb said...

That blue water shot is great, Martha! I loved NZ. I wonder if we'd enjoy Elderhostel? Have you gone on many of them?

Janie said...

I love the blue water of the river and the huge trees as you began the hike. I want to visit NZ someday!

Martha Z said...

Barb asked about Elderhostels (now Exploritas).
Hubby and I have been to quite a few and they vary in quality. This one was the best. All of them have been active, mostly hiking.
The catalog rates them as to activity level and I usually find them not as challenging as advertised. We've biked in Acadia National park, kayaked at Saint Simons Island, canoed in Florida and hiked in southern Arizona and Hawaii.
These were the best and more recent, maybe I have gotten better at reading the catalog.
All or most meals are included, they transport you where you need to go. Since New Zealand drives on the left, that was a place we would not like to be on our own.
We enjoy them and will do more, we are getting older and it is nice to have someone else do the problem solving and logistics sometimes.

Ebie said...

I wonder how high is the swing bridge. I still have to muster the courage to cross to the other end, for fear of heights.
The scenery is so beautiful. I would enjoy this hiking trip. Indeed NZ is a beautiful place to visit.

Randi said...

Thanks for taking me on your hike, Martha.
I love the scenery and your pictures!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Martha: What a wonderful trek through the beautiful NZ countryside.

Amanda Moore said...

Truly beautiful I would love a hike like this, glad you enjoyed it!