Chasing Waterfalls: Hiking the Milford Track, New Zealand
The moment I decided to visit New Zealand, I knew I had to find a trail that lived up to the country's legendary reputation. While many recommended the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, I was drawn to something more immersive: the Milford Track . Known as 'the finest walk in the world,' it promised a 33.5-mile journey through rainforests, over mountain passes, and past some of the most spectacular waterfalls on Earth. A 33.5-mile (54 km) journey through dramatic rainforests, towering waterfalls, and the iconic MacKinnon Pass. It was perfect. I recruited my friend and "big brother," Niranjan Tripathy, to join me for the adventure. This hike is incredibly popular and operates on a strict booking system with a limited season. To secure our spot, we booked nearly a year in advance (April 2025) for our trek in March 2026 with Ultimate Hikes . Day 1: The Gateway to the Wilderness We met our group at the Ultimate Hikes office in Queenstown before boarding a bus to Te Anau. Aft...