Admittedly I didn’t take advantage of all the hikes that Queenstown had to offer while I was there. There were so many people to meet and it felt like a Friday or Saturday every night. I could have really pushed myself to go hiking every day but I am pleased with how I spent my time there. I had a really fun experience.
Today I moved even further south to this small town called Te Anau. It’s situated right on the edge of Fiordland National Park which many consider to be the most beautiful part of the country. This is where Milford Sound, the most popular tourist destination in New Zealand, is located.
Unfortunately, there was a large storm that hit the national park about two weeks ago. The road out to Milford Sound is currently closed and it won’t be open for at least another week it seems. I originally planned a tour there for the 20th but it was canceled. I won’t be able to visit the sound but I am not too upset. Just another reason to come back.
There are three major tracks in the Fiordlands. The Milford Track, the Routeburn Track, and the Kepler Track (listed from most north to most south). Due to the storms the Milford Track and the Routeburn Track are closed indefinitely. But the Kepler Track escaped the worst of the storm and is still open.
Thankfully, that is the trek I reserved to walk. I didn’t really have a choice when I made the reservation. The other two tracks had no availability. So in this way, I got lucky. I came to New Zealand to walk on some of the best hikes in the world. And that is what I will be able to do.
I will be in Te Anau for the next three days and my plan is just to relax. I want to get my body and mind in the best condition so I am ready for the 4 day journey.