I was a bit sad to wake up this morning, knowing that today was a ‘no-walk’ day. It had been a fabulous experience so far and I really didn’t want the exploration-on-foot component to be over.
The upside was that today, I would get to see the world-famous Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Ultimate Hikes really know how to create lifelong memories and I am one lucky duck!
Grab your boat shoes – it’s time to hit the not-so-high seas.
Day: 5 & Final
Date: Sunday, 16 February 2025.
From: Milford village To: Queenstown
Distance (Official): 0km Actual: 0km
Time: 0m
Ascent: 0m Descent: 0m
Weather: Cloudy to start and then clear and warm.
Terrain: Dead flat up on the top deck. 😊
Stayed At: Loft Apartments
General Comments:
- It did feel strange to wake up between real sheets, enjoy a hot shower and a leisurely stroll to breakfast – all without the pressure of having to grab my backpack and race out the door. There was still the usual bunfight to make my lunch (read = 50 people all trying to make a sandwich at the same time), but knowing this was the last lunch to be made, I just relaxed and joined the queue for the salad.
- Last night as I lay in bed, I heard and saw a helicopter land in the carpark of the Lodge, and then lift off again about 30 minutes later. I hoped it was no one from our group requiring medical attention and heard this morning that it was someone from the group behind us. Apparently, they had fallen and hurt themselves, then their condition took a serious downturn. Finger crossed they came good with more expert medical attention.
- It was hard not to hoe into a big breakfast again this morning. It is a wonderful habit to get into if you have a big walking day ahead. Not so good if you are just playing tourist.
- To burn a few calories, I opted to walk back to the wharf rather than catching the bus. A grand total of 15 calories burned! 😊 It was a lovely stroll though and showed the harbour area, and Mitre Peak in all its glory.
- The wharf area is busy with about five different boats all offering cruises of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Busloads of people were rolling in and I have to say, it was a bit of a shock after enjoying the relative quiet of the Milford Track for the past four days.
- The cruise of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi though, did not disappoint! Wherever you looked were yet more stunning views, waterfalls, amazing rock formations, and wildlife. I charged up to the top and front of the boat to get a good viewpoint, but I think you could be anywhere on the boat and still enjoy gorgeous views.
Highlights & Tips:
- A real highlight were the dolphins. Out of nowhere, a large pod of dolphins materialised and raced along the side of the boat, some leaping out of the water. They looked like they were having a ball, even the babies, and it also looked like this was just a normal part of the day. A bit like us going for an early morning walk.
- The boat powered along and took us almost out into the Tasman Sea before having to turn around because of the high winds, and huge swells. We had been warned to hang onto our hats, but I still saw someone’s cap go sailing over the back of the boat. Oops!
- Sadly, it was then time for the return journey to Queenstown. The road is quite narrow and winding so my tip is, if you can, grab the front seat of any bus or car. It is not great journey for queasy stomachs.
- Alternatively, if your budget allows, you can jump on a helicopter or small plane for a scenic and much faster return to Queenstown. I bet the aerial views and birds-eye perspective would be amazing.
And that’s a wrap for my Milford Track adventure.
Would I recommend hiking or tramping the Milford Track? Definitely.
Would I recommend hiking the Milford Track with Ultimate Hikes? If you have the budget, double definitely!
Am I excited about my next New Zealand trail? Abso-bloody-lutely.
See you on the track and happy trails to you…
#travelinspo #waterviews #boatrides #adventurebeforedementia #NewZealand #UltimateHikes #epicadventures #greatoutdoors #MilfordTrack #birdlife #sealife #dolphins #waterfalls #moutainviews #cascades #MilfordSound #fiordland #Queenstown
Life...one big adventure 
Mel, I’m so pleased you enjoyed your tramp. Your fabulous trip review will have them lining up to join in the fun 😊
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Sorry about that! 😉 I didn’t mean to encourage an invasion of NZ! 🙂
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Haha 😊
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I nearly froze to death on one of those boats as it went into the waterfall. Yours looks much more sensible (and warmer!).
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Obviously the drought conditions have really impacted the water flow as there was no way a boat could get near enough for passengers to get wet…and maybe that is a good thing! 🙂
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Yours looks much better than mine, but I worry for drought in such a watery world.
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Yes, there is no such thing as normal weather anymore.
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Thanks Mel for showing us some great views of the Sound. Never been myself, but someone I knew travelled all the way from the UK to NZ mainly to visit Milford Sound, but the whole time he was there it was covered in low cloud, so either you were lucky or he was unlucky.
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Probably a bit of both, although I think I really jagged the great weather. Happy walking to you.
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Lucky duck doesn’t come near! But then, we make our own luck in this life and you’re doing a cracking job, Mel xx
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Thanks, Jo. A girl’s gotta try! 🙂 Have a good weekend. Melxx
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Wow this looks really gorgeous. I love interspersing a few lazy days in with the more strenuous ones. But I still end up eating a big breakfast lol.
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You can’t beat a big breakfast to set up your day! My favourite meal of the day.
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Beautiful pictures Mel, what an amazing way to end a great hike! Maggie
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Yep, it was a pretty special five days. The next hike was fabulous too. Stay tuned.
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Beautiful photos! Well shared👍👍
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Many thanks for reading and commenting.
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Congrats on completing this latest adventure! Lovely photos in this post.
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Many thanks. It is a very special place to adventure in!
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This trek has absolutely been added to my future NZ itinerary. What a gorgeous way to end this adventure!
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You would love it. Maybe supported would not be challenging enough for you, but either way, it was brilliant.
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How beautiful! I love the views as you sailed round…and hey, 15 calories is better than no calories 😂😁
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I like the way you think! 🙂
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Spectacular views!
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Yep, I was so glad to get there and see what all the fuss was about.
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I just caught up with your Milford Track tramp. A great adventure! I spent a night on a boat in Milford Sound years ago and loved the scenery, waterfalls, serenity. But 50 people! I did a 5-day hike in Peru with 16 people and they were all interesting and international. Sounds like yours was too. I lost 4 toenails on that hike though, coming down steep trails from the peak, and now wear larger boots with more room!
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Oh boy, I hear you about the boots. I did the same on my first camino and from then on got professionally fitted and now were a whole size larger. Good and comfy footwear is vital. Thanks for following along.
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