Region of the Perpendicular

The Milford Track – “what Americans call a trail” – is free of mammals and snakes, explains New York Times writer Robert Hershey, but watch out for the “large and brazen New Zealand parrot, [which] will make off with your lunch.” Hershey joins a guided group of 50 travellers on a five-day 53km trip. “The two words I heard uttered most often as we trekked through the wilderness were ‘awesome’ and ‘incredible.’ The only irritating touch of modernity, according to some hikers, was the occasional buzz of a sightseeing plane or provisioning helicopter. Asked about this, general manager of Ultimate Hikes Bill Davidson approvingly quoted the reaction of one satisfied client. ‘It’s a small price to pay,’ she had commented, ‘for such a wonderful experience.'” The Milford route was discovered by Quintin MacKinnon in 1888 and the first track was completed within two years.