Milford Trek: 5 Things to Know Before You Hike

I just survived walking 34.8 miles in 3 days on the Milford Trek. Yes, it was beautiful. Giant ferns shading the path, dramatic granite cliffs towering above, and waterfalls at every turn.

We all know that the Milford Trek on New Zealand’s South Island is deemed “The Finest Walk in the World.” But here are five items that you may not know:

1. There are eels in the rivers and they bite – Johan has proof.

Innocently swimming at the dock by Glade House (our first overnight stop on the Trek), he was attacked by a giant eel. Just check out those teeth marks. Supposedly, he pushed it away at first, then it came after him two more times. He then went under water to get a better look at the thing. (I think I might’ve gotten out of the water, instead of going back under the water at this point. But that’s me.) Anyway, he confirmed it was an eel biting him and he now has the scar to prove it. And a pretty good story.

2. You will get fat – Milford is a pretty cushy kind of climb.

At 3,278 feet, there is no altitude to contend with and there hot showers and warm beds at night. And there’s food. A lot of food in the form of 3-course dinners that are just a little too good. After a day of hiking, we feasted on venison stew, rack of lamb, shrimp cocktail, and molten chocolate cake. So even though you’re averaging 10 miles a day hiking, you’re still putting on the pounds.

3. Men may start wearing maxi-pads.

This was a surprise to me. Someone on the trek pulled out a sanitary napkin and secured it to their shoulders to help lessen the rubbing of their pack. It’s actually a pretty good idea. I mean, the pads come with little strips of adhesive and you can choose whether your want mini or maxi comfort. Ingenious.

4. You might develop cravings for Tang

I didn’t even know Tang, the powered orange drink preferred by astronauts, still existed. But coming up to Mackinnon Monument after climbing for at least 4 hours, Tang is was you’re offered (along with hot Milo) and it’s exactly what you want. Well, maybe not exactly. I mean a latte would’ve been nice too.

5. People stuff cotton in weird places

It’s called Hiker’s Wool and trekkers were buying it by the bagful. It’s basically wool with a bit of lanoline in it that helps encourage some slippage, and therefore decreases the likelihood of developing a blister. People were shoving it between their toes mainly, or wrapping it around their heels. I actually think it’s a marketing gimmick, thought up by clever Kiwis to promote their country’s never-ending supply of sheep products.

Those are my Milford Trek insights that I humbly share with you. I hope I didn’t dissuade you from going, because it truly is a wonderful walk.

Sutherland Falls is breathtaking, the accommodations along the way sublime, and the guides are fantastic. So go. Just keep an eye out for hungry eels.

Erin Michelson is a social entrepreneur and world traveler. A self-styled Adventure Philanthropist, Erin is embarking on a 2-year global giving adventure called Erin Goes Global. Starting in Fiji on New Year’s Day 2011, Erin Michelson will travel to more than 70 counties on 7 continents during 2011-2012. Along the way, Erin will be volunteering with global non-profit organizations, including building wells in Uganda and tutoring young girls in Bangladeshi boat villages. She’s donated $25,000 and is holding monthly polls to see which worthy nonprofits receive the grants!