Another Epic Hike - Milford Sound

While we were in Queenstown, after staff conference was finished, Ryan and I decided to try out some South Island tramping. The Milford Track is a pretty famous hike (even voted one of the best in the world!), so why not give it a go! We actually had to book the hike back in July because it sells out so fast, and they only let 40 people go a day.

Unfortunately, our first day started in the middle of a storm. I was thinking, why in the world did we decide to do this...

But, we woke up the next morning and the sun was shining! We hiked for about 6 hours to the next hut.
There was a nice lake next to the hut, and it felt good to take out packs off for the day!

The 3rd day was the big day. Up and over the mountain pass. Unfortunately, it was the worst weather...wet, cold, and windy. But, we made it to the top, to see the McKinnon Memorial.
And here I am at the highest point!

On our way down the other side, there were beautiful waterfalls! I guess that's the catch, rain = waterfalls, no rain = no waterfalls. So, yay rain? :)
Sutherland Falls was also on our way down, which is New Zealand's tallest waterfall, and the 4th largest in the world in case you were wondering.

And a few more waterfalls...yes, I look lovely.


And we've reached the fourth, and final day! The track started to flatten out as we approached Milford Sound.
Oh wait, one more waterfall...


And, beautiful Milford Sound!

We made it!
All 33.5 miles.
Next up, Amazing Race?

It felt so good to take off my hiking boots on that last day and just sit on the boat headed back to the city. It was such a beautiful hike, and I'm so grateful we were able to do it!