Introduction to today's journey
Today's journey takes me 20 kilometres back up the Milford Road to Te Anau Downs, from where I catch a boat up to the top end of the lake. Upon arriving at Glade Wharf, I begin the Milford Track hiking the first three miles up to Clinton Hut.
Today's Journey
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Leaving Te Anau in the late morning, I head up to Te Anau Downs from where I catch a boat towards the start of the Milford Track. |
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Heading up the northern end of Lake Te Anau to where the track starts under Anau Peak in the centre. |
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Passing spectacular mountains carved out by the enormous glaciers which formed the lake. |
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Glade Wharf at the start of the track is now just visible under these enormous mountains. From here the track will cross the mountains towards Milford Sound. |
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A glimpse of the Clinton Valley at the river's outlet as the boat pulls into the wharf. The track will pass to the left of the high mountain following the Clinton River upstream to its source. |
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Crossing the Clinton River by swingbridge having passed Glade House where the guided walkers stay. As an independent walker, I will be staying at another hut about two kilometres upstream. |
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Following the Clinton River upstream, I look back to the mountains on the other side of the lake now completely hidden. The lowest saddle in the mountains is Dore's Pass, where a track crosses over from Glade House to the Milford Road. |
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Reaching Clinton Hut, the first of three huts where I will be staying as I hike towards Milford Sound. |
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Inside the crowded hut as I prepare dinner. There are 50 people staying here tonight - the maximum number of people who can book the track per day. |
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View across the swampy wetlands near Clinton Hut after the sun has set. |
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