Milford Sound Travel Forum

Hi,
I realise that the 'season' for tramping Milford or Routeburn ends in April but has anyone done it in May? Although there appears to be spaces available at the end of April, for work reasons we can't go until first week of May 2008. Would anyone recommend NOT doing it then? Is it that much colder than April and is the risk of avalanche that much greater? I know that the huts are stripped of a lot of the facilities such as gas cookers etc but we are happy to carry in whatever is required.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

Plenty of people happily do it in May. But you have to accept that you could likely get snow and miserably cold weather. If you are well prepared then this can be fun. But don't go in May then regret it cos you got snowed on. Although it's not certain, expect to be snowed on. Go prepared. Bitterly cold wind too, can be expected and freezing rain. so ..... go and enjoy.
Take good food supplies too, for warming you up. As you already know, facilities are wound down so you have more responsibility to take good supplies.
If this doesn't sound like fun or something you can endure, then don't go :-)

Where are you from MJThomas?

I have walked the Routeburn in May and it was the best. The insects are suppressed, the crowds gone, the weather cold but settled. We were lucky to have a light dusting of snow to watch for deer tracks, and take great photos. Check with the office when you get your hut tickets for conditions. You can take extra clothes to stay warm and if you watch the weather it will be a great trip.

Hi Kiwi

Thanks for your reply. We are from Sydney. My husband has done quite a bit of tramping and would love to do the Milford or Routeburn. He did the Rees-Dart in 2003 (around March) and we both did Waikaremoana in Oct 2006. We would prefer to do the Miford or Routeburn earlier (although don't like the crowds) but just didn't get around to booking it when it opened up and timing with work is often an issue. We'll need to have a good think about it as we realise the weather can be unpredictable.

Cheers.

Hi Extaksi

Thanks for your feedback. Going when the crowds have gone is definitely a plus. I would be happy to have some snow on the hike. I think that would be quite beautiful. I guess you just don't know how much snow you are going to get but I think if we go well prepared with good clothing and food provisions, we could do it. It's good to hear that you went at the same time and enjoyed it. Have you also done the Milford?

Cheers.

Sounds like you will be fine then, and that you know what you could be in for. I mean it could be a sprinkling of snow or it could be waist deep. Then again it could be nothing. So long as you are prepared you'll be ok. I guess torrential rain with blizzard winds with a high windchill factor would be the worst event. However you have to be kitted for that as it's always possible.
Personally I'd carry an ELB for emergencies in the off season.
Photos and views can be so stunning though off season, and that is one great plus.
We got snowed on while walking the Greenstone, last March, but the Routeburn was mostly fine.

Thanks Kiwi. We can only hope that the snow is not waist deep but you just never know. What other "Great Walks" have you done. You are obviously an avid tramper!

I've done the Milford and Kepler and soon to do the Otago Rail Trail by cycle.
I love the South Island! Oh and done the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the North Island too as well as lots of others. I go to get the photos, but am unfortunately really not fit enough, so suffer a lot on these treks!! Hope you have a great time. There is one hut on the Routeburn that has stunning views. Milford is of course great too. The Loo with the View up the top of the McKinnon Pass is amazing.
I think the Kepler is one of the outstanding hikes in New Zealand.

Hi

Sounds excellent. My husband did part of the Tongariro crossing (I think he just did a day hike). He's a lot more into hiking than I am (he has also climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro) but I do enjoy it. We had a great time at Waikaremoana. If we go in May, it will be my first time in the south island. I've only been to the north (my Mum is a kiwi) so it will be nice to see a different part of the country.

Cheers
Monique

Tongariro Crossing is just a day hike, unless a storm comes in and stops you in your tracks :-) Mountains are mean beasts if they choose to be :-) But on a nice day they are all beautiful !! You can trek in the Tongariro National Park for several days as there are huts there. but the Crossing generally takes about 7 hours.