Customary start with a wake up at 0600, made lunch, and breakfast. About 13 miles of mostly level walking to Sand Fly Point and the conclusion of the track.
Summary is that the miles flew by and we saw all the most amazing places that define New Zealand on this segment.
Finished up at Sand Fly Point and took the boat to Milford Sound then spent a fantastic evening celebrating with our new trekking friends over drinks before going to bed late.
So many memories from this day but the high light was going back to the room and looking at the mountains across the sound. The sky was filled with stars. I woke up several times during the night and lay in bed looking out the window in complete awe of it.
New Zealand definitely stole my heart.
Quinton Lodge to Mitre Peak Lodge
Day 3 was a tough one but I had an knew that day 4 was going to go a lot smoother. I set out to be in the lead. For roughly an hour or so I had three people in front of me and I could tell they were not willing to give up their spot. Finally they let me pass. I kept on trucking and was feeling pretty good about the whole experience now that I could keep up a decent pace. Ahem, and my husband didn’t have to carry my pack. Along the way one of our friends in the group gave up her pack for her husband to carry. So I was relieved I wasn’t the only one that did this.
This water was so crystal clear you could see the trout swimming. Incredible!
The 34 miles, how can all of this beauty fit into 34 miles. I was very determined and I made my mind up when we set out that day, I would not be on any other boat than the first. Day 3 was a little grueling for me and I was feeling pretty disappointed with myself that I didn’t break my gear in better.
So close to the end! But how could we not stop at this waterfall. The water was so clear and gorgeous. A few people opted for a swim, my husband was one of them. I thought he was crazy in that freezing water! But it gave me a good laugh. We had reached the final stretch and neither one of us really wanted it to be over yet.
The Final Stretch
We had made it to the final stretch! Day 4 flew by because with every turn we were met with more beauty than we could take in all at once. There were only a few areas that were a little challenging but nothing like the day before.
We did it! We made it to the FIRST boat! I felt very accomplished after that ugly day 3 of convincing myself I was the worst hiker ever. I grew up in North Dakota where the land is flat. I feel like I deserve a pass for that alone. Third pack in from this 33.5 mile hike. It was amazing day!
It was so nice to end the day with a relaxing boat ride through the sound to our next stop. The Mitre Peak Lodge. This time we didn’t have to worry about the generators going off!
Time to Celebrate
No one warned us that our final destination would include such an amazing celebratory party! It was time to really unwind. Each night and breakfast leading up to this point we had the opportunity to sit at several tables getting to know our hiking partners. It was so much fun to have a fun party at the end with everyone. The drinks and laughs were flowing well into the night. Normally after a drink we’d have our meeting and head to bed, exhausted from the day. Not this time. So many amazing stories from people all around the world were truly inspiring and educational. I’ll also mention that what interested people the most is not that we were American’s from Hawaii, it was more that I was an American from North Dakota. Guys! Did you know how popular the movie Fargo is in other countires?? I didn’t either!
Wow this trip looks so magical! I absolutely adore the earthly views you had and your last destination looks like an awesome place to take in the vista!