Te Anau to Milford

Despite only having 140 residents (according to the leader in all destination facts: LonelyPlanet), the Blue Duck was a surprisingly good bar/cafe. They were hosting a fancy dress party this evening (costume party to us Americans) that seemed to be the talk of the town for all the staff at Milford Sound Lodge and the kayak operator we would use the next day. We stayed late enough to see the first revelers trickle in, but headed back for some rest before our big day of kayaking.

Te Anau to Milford photos

Despite being labeled as a 'day hike', this was a quick morning jaunt with Jason running downhill after an incredibly quick summit. The views from the top did not disappoint, however, and the pictures show the Humboldt and Darran Mountains (Department of Conservation).

Key Summit photos

This was the premier hike of our trip and I encourage anyone visiting New Zealand to take the time to do this hike. The total return time including stops for photos and snacks was five hours and was worth every minute. The hike begins across the Gertrude Valley which is hard to estimate in size. Like many landscapes I saw in New Zealand it is simply overwhelming to the senses and impossible to compare to known distances. The walk across the valley floor was a brisk 40 minutes, and then the climb proceeeds to the highest point visible from the valley floor. Here you are treated to a beautiful lake formed by the glacial melt and the hike continues up to the true saddle about another thirty minutes. With good visibility, the view from the saddle includes straight across the Gertrude Valley where the hike commenced and to the west out all the way to Milford Sound.

Gertrude Saddle photos