IMAGE: AWL IMAGES; SABINE BERNERT. ILLUSTRATION: TANYA COOPER
NEW ZEALAND
Q&A Andrew Smart, senior ranger on the biodiversity team of New Zealand’s Department of Conservation
WHAT MAKES FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK SO UNIQUE? At three million acres, it’s New Zealand’s largest national park and, aside from a few roads, it’s been left largely untouched. Fiordland National Park ranges from glaciated valleys and lakes to podocarp forests, sand dunes and mountains.
HIGHLIGHTS CLINTON VALLEY
Set off on the fi rst day through the Clinton Valley, passing beneath cathedral-like beech forests to arrive at a suspension bridge over clear waters. Look for trout and eels below, as well as the endangered whio (blue duck). Rarer than kiwi, its numbers are rebounding after successful conservation eff orts. Arrive at Clinton Hut and indulge in a refreshing dip at one of the swimming holes nearby.
MACKINNON PASS
Rise early on the third day to tackle the challenging zigzag ascent to Mackinnon Pass. Along the way, there’s a cairned memorial to Scottish-born explorer Quintin Mackinnon, who spearheaded the construction of the track over the pass and led tourist groups across it in the late 1800s. Shortly afterwards, you’ll reach the highest point of the Milford Track at 1,154 metres, with a 360-degree view dominated by glaciers and mountain peaks.
SUTHERLAND FALLS
At 580 metres, New Zealand’s highest waterfall is fed by several glaciers that lead into Lake Quill, which spills over and plummets into the
valley over three steps. Stick to the trail, and you’ll be off ered a glimpse of Sutherland Falls, but to get closer and feel her misty breath on your face, there’s an optional 90-minute return hike to the base of the falls where you can enjoy a bracing swim.
GIANT GATE FALLS
With the alpine crossing now behind you, take your time as you amble beside the Arthur River and stop to admire McKay Falls and Lake Ida. Another suspension bridge leads over rocks and across the last waterfall on this track, the spectacular Giant Gate Falls.
MILFORD SOUND
The track comes to an end at the aptly named Sandfl y Point (pack repellent); pre-book a water taxi to meet you and ferry you across the picturesque Milford Sound.
HOW TO DO IT: The Milford Track is a one-way walk and huts must be booked in advance as camping isn’t permitted. To reach the starting point, arrange a bus or private transport from Queenstown to Te Anau Downs, then catch a ferry to Glade Wharf. Links to transport operators, as well as guided hiking packages, can be found at
doc.govt.nz/milfordtrack fiordland.org.nz
WHY IS THE NATIONAL PARK A BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT? The combination of secluded islands and steep valleys means the topography has provided wildlife with a natural barrier against pests. The sheer scale of the park means there are many places for them to hide, too. We thought the takahē — a flightless bird — was extinct here but a small population was found in 1948. There could be even more species hiding in the ferns we don’t know about.
HOW IS THE PARK SAFEGUARDING ITS FUTURE? In addition to controlling introduced pests like stoats, rats and possums, we’re supporting some species with breeding programmes. For the endangered whio, we collected eggs from wild nests and our own captive ducks, hand-reared the ducklings and then released them back into the park to help boost the population. We’re training detection dogs to help us monitor bird populations too. Visitors can support our efforts by sharing their bird sightings with DOC hut wardens or their guides.
Above: Milford Sound at sunset Previous pages: Mount Ngauruhoe’s perfect cone is a defining feature of the Tongariro National Park landscape
JAN/FEB 2024 125
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168 |
Page 169 |
Page 170 |
Page 171 |
Page 172 |
Page 173 |
Page 174 |
Page 175 |
Page 176 |
Page 177 |
Page 178 |
Page 179 |
Page 180
