Trout May Nibble on Famous Trail

One of the best opportunities for young travelers visiting the South Pacific on tight funds is hiking in New Zealand.

Not only do you not have to worry about bears or poisonous snakes but there are numerous well-maintained trails that take from several hours to several days to hike.

In 1975 Parliament created a national trail linking Cape Regina in the north to Bluff in the south. It has led to the development of more than 70 national walkways. The most famous trail, billed as “the finest walk in the world,” is the South Island’s 34-mile Milford track.

The trail, lined with numerous waterfalls, hugs the side of the Clinton River as it winds from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound. Walkers negotiate river crossings over suspension bridges.

Trout will approach hikers to nibble bread from their hands. Much of the walk is through tropical rain forests among trees dripping with moss.

Buttercups and Lilies

On the third day the trail is edged with buttercups and Mt. Cook lilies as hikers head up toward snowcapped mountains and over the 20-mile Mackinnon Pass.

The four-day walk is a beautiful but demanding journey. It’s wise to pack for all weather possibilities. You’ll need insect repellent for the sand flies and broken-in walking shoes with sturdy soles against stone bruising.

Be prepared for wet and cold weather. I encountered four days of sunshine, but this area is known for some of the heaviest rainfall in the world: 19 inches within 24 hours has been recorded.

Although you may enjoy T-shirt weather crossing Mackinnon Pass, it can be blanketed in snow at any time of the year.

When the November or March hiking season opens, walkers have a choice of traveling independently or in a group organized by the Tourist Hotel Corp. Both groups are limited to 40 people a day.

The independent Freedom Walkers pay a total of $101.50 New Zealand (about $65 U.S.), plus a 10% tax for hut, boat, bus and booking fees. That fee covers your costs from and to Te Anau.

Accommodations Basic

Freedom Walkers get accommodations in basic huts with mattresses, fuel and cooking elements. Hikers must carry their own food, cooking utensils and sleeping gear.

Some equipment can be rented at the Te Anau Sport Center. Sleeping bags and boots can be rented for about $5 N.Z. a day per item. Be sure to reserve.

One of the advantages of Freedom walking is that the hut reached on the first day is several miles into the trail. THC hikers will find their hut after a 15-minute walk--leaving them with much more ground to cover over the next three days.

THC walkers pay $660 N.Z., plus a 10% tax. That covers meals, hot showers, towels, bedding, rain gear, evening slide shows of the area and packs. The packs do not have hip belts and are not very comfortable.

THC walkers have a staff hiker following the group each day. The firm offers hikers a $25 scenic flight on the third evening or will fly packs out for $10 on the last day. You also get a night at the Milford THC Hotel at the end of the trip and a cruise on Milford Sound.

Because the number of walkers allowed to start on the trail each day is limited, independent and group walkers need to make reservations.

You can make reservations through Walshes World: (604) 662-3020. For more information on New Zealand, contact the New Zealand Government Tourist Office, 10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1530, Los Angeles 90024.

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