We are taking this hike again after 9 years  to try to complete it.  Last time we took it, this may have been my first organized hike and what began my love affair with hiking.  In 2017 we made it to the base of McKinnon Pass (day 3) and the authorities closed the trail due to snow.   As a result we were helicoptered to the top of the pass to continue from there.  I have no written record of our last trip and very few photos, so have forgotten most of it. Looking back on this

March 8-12, 2026. Downtime in Queenstown, New Zealand before starting the Milford Track. March 8 - we had a 4:30 start to get to the airport in time for our 7:40am departure. At least there wasn't any traffic and there was a first class Qantas lounge we could use for a champagne breakfast. I had Turkish eggs - poached eggs with some extra spice added. The flight was 3 hours long and the flight crew was very personable - even getting to know our names and chatting. We had