The four-day hike from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound on New Zealand's South Island has been called 'the greatest walk on earth' and celebrates its 125th anniversary when it opens for the summer once again this month.
The Milford Track has been leaving keen hikers gobsmacked for decades, and was one of the stars of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, providing magical breathtaking landscapes without the need for digital enhancement.
But in the name of conservation (and practicality), the walk has become something of a collector's item, with only 40 hikers allowed to start the one-way trip each day during the season, which starts with an anniversary walk on October 31. The 53km walk through the Fiordland National Park includes suspension bridges, board walks and mountain pass, finishing at Milford Sound (pictured above), famous for its stunning views and marine life.
Staying in lodges along the way, hikers on the route can this year take the re-opened Sutherland Track to the spectacular Sutherland Falls, New Zealand's highest waterfall. Limited public places are available on the anniversary 'Heritage Walk', and you can organise your own visit via New Zealand's Department of Conservation - full details at the Heritage Walk website.
If you can't get to the other side of the world on the right dates, then fear not, hiking experts such as Ultimate Hikes have packages throughout November and beyond, or you can find more options for operators who will put a tour together for you at New Zealand's information website.
Ultimate Hikes anniversary five-day, six-night hikes including pre and post-hike Queenstown accommodation nights, food, lodges, transport to the track from Queenstown, meals, snacks, backpacks and rain jackets and cost NZ$$2,095 (about £1100). Travel to and from Queenstown from the UK is not included.