Because there is so much to say about this day, I’ve broken it into two parts. It’s going to be a lengthy one. To say this was a successful bucketlist adventure is just not saying enough.
We woke up at 0600 and met the endangered legendary Kia, New Zealand’s mountain parrot. They’re well known to be destructive and capable of opening packs and stealing things as I shared last week. They were busy trying to rip the insulation out of the buildings but stopped at our door to see if we were worth their time.
After breakfast and making our lunches we headed out on what was the most scenic day of the track, the climb over Mackinnon Pass. The day started of continuing up the valley until reaching a series of gentle switchbacks. I had imagined a Colorado style alpine climb exposed to the sun but for the most part it was shaded.
One of the most impressive things about the trail was the number of bridges but even more impressive was the long series of wood steps that led down past a series of waterfalls that I’ll be sharing on Part II of the MacKinnon Pass. New Zealand doesn’t mess around when it comes to trails. First class!
Here’s where the climb begins. No, we didn’t even need to use our hands. Well maybe a few areas. Totally manageable but uncomfortable at times because of the rocky terrain. If you’re an experienced hiker this will seem like a walk in the park. The trail had a couple of steep (well maintained) switchbacks. I was relieved that with each turn we were offered a little shade.
Luckily my husband saw my struggle and offered to be my personal Mule and carry both my pack and his. Everyone felt sorry for him. He’s a survivalist type so it was a challenge he was up for and he didn’t complain. He’s used to carrying a pack and a tent for his hiking excursions in Hawaii.
NOTE: I’ll be sharing an entire post on the do’s and don’t to prepare. In addition to the shoes, I also bought a pack that was not meant for my height and weight. I liked the price and that was a mistake. Unfortunately it makes a difference in your comfort, I found out a little too late.
MacKinnon Pass
At this point the air was getting thinner and the climb was getting harder. Almost there! It was such a beautiful and clear day we could see the monument forever. So I started playing “are we there yet” over and over in my head.
We made it!! The climb was so worth it. Our guides couldn’t stop talking about how lucky we were to have such an amazing clear day. The view was spectacular. It was almost difficult to take it all in. But luckily for us it was where we stopped to have lunch.
MacKinnon Pass Memorial
Mackinnon Pass is the highest point on the Milford Track between Lake Te Anau and the Arthur Valley in Fiordland National Park, which is in the Southland Region of New Zealand. It was discovered in 1888 by Quintin McKinnon and Ernest Mitchell and a memorial to the discovery stands in its place today.
Wikipedia
Once we arrived at the MacKinnon Monument we were greeted by more Kia birds who entertained us with their antics before enjoying a small stop at a scenic pond. Lunch was a the government cabin. The main track had just opened for the year so so we contoured down the ridge before making a big turn and following the other side of the valley down towards a series of falls. I’ll be sharing Part II next week.
Let’s talk footwear, shall we? I made a huge mistake by not properly breaking these guys in. A few years back I had a four toe nail fatality after a 15 mile hike along the Ko’olau ridge in Hawaii. I never let my husband hear the end of it. I swore it would never happen again.
I purchased a pair of Merrill hiking shoes that everyone raved about but they weren’t the best for me. They didn’t offer the best ankle support and again here we go with the toes. I was in so much pain by the time we got to the MacKinnon Pass I thought they might have to chopper me down. Joking but it did lead me to wonder what does happen on this hike if a hiker runs into trouble. It sounds like they have everything covered in the event of trouble on the trail.
When I say these guides are attentive to all of our needs, I’m not kidding. From across the way, my guide could see the agony and was right there to help. Did I want him to do toe surgery right there in front of everyone in the group? Um, not really but he wasn’t taking no for an answer. I’m making this much more dramatic than it actually was. He wrapped it in some New Zealand wool and it was good enough to get me through to the next phase of our hike. This little guy kept popping his head through the grass to see what was going on. He also stole some of my lunch.
After we finished lunch and my foot was patched up, we were able to spend a little extra time taking in the breathtaking view. I found a spot here. It was so calm and peaceful. It gave me a little time to worry more about that video I had watched about hugging the cliff to get down. Make sure you see next weeks post for the details on Part II of day 3.
Though it was only nine miles the majority of the journey was uphill therefore, considered a challenge. The guides encourage you to take your time and go at your own pace.
Next week I’ll share Part II from MacKinnon Pass to the descent into the Arthur Valley to Quintin Lodge.