Adventures in 2000

Rather than going back to Christchurch the way we came, we decided to drive up the west coast. Franz Josef Glacier being our key reason, then head to the airport. It was a long tiring day, the glacier, beach side scenery and Arthur's pass made it all worthwhile.

The Routeburn track includes a spectacular crossing of New Zealand's Southern Alps and takes you through the incredible landscapes of Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks.  (see Routeburn Track (D.O.C) . )

We have been rewarded with great weather and some of the best mountain scenery I have seen. The Milford track deserves to be a Great Walk and to be within the UNESCO listed world heritage site - Te Wahipounamu.

This day was a tough workout in comparison to the last two with its ascent from the tranquil sublime valley, up and over the Mackinnon pass, which then affords grand views and off to see some tremendous waterfalls, then a hut perched high with a view rivaled by few - what a day !

We gradually ascend on walker friendly graded tracks to the sought after McKinnon pass. At the hut We met the rascally and rapacious kea,a bird known for its destructive mishief on backpacker's possessions.

Our excitement was simmering, we are on the cusp of starting our trek, starting with the Milford track. We were anxious in anticipation, it can't start soon enough.

Our objectives for this trip to New Zealand was to walk the Milford Track and the Routeburn track. Perhaps these are two of the most significant "Great Walks" in the country. Close by, we did them back to back.

Our objectives for this trip to New Zealand was to walk the Milford Track and the Routeburn track. Perhaps these are two of the most significant "Great Walks" in the country. Close by, we did them back to back.