The “finest walk in the world”, New Zealand’s iconic Milford Track, has sold out for its 2021-22 season in less than an hour.
It turns out travellers are craving the fresh air and amazing scenery of New Zealand, with the iconic Milford Track selling out for its 2021-22 season in record time.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) opened bookings to a number of its Great Walks on Tuesday, including the Fiordland bushwalk viewed by many as the pinnacle of Kiwi hiking.
The season opens from late October to late April, with just 40 beds each night available for the three-night tramp.
“It’s our biggest seller and of course there are limited spaces,” DOC media adviser Lizzy Sutcliffe told AAP.
“Indications show that it has sold out faster than ever before.”
Last year, when border restrictions meant the walk was only accessible to people living in New Zealand, it sold out in just 45 minutes.
This year, the trans-Tasman bubble has put the chance to explore New Zealand’s natural beauty firmly on the radar of adventurous Australians.
The quick sales come despite a price hike for internationals.
Three nights in bunk beds in a shared hut will cost $NZ330 ($A306), which does not include boat transfers at each end of the 56-kilometre walk, food, or transport.
However: all is not lost for would-be Milford Track hikers.
There is still availability on the guided walk, which includes food, well-appointed lodges and a mix of shared and private rooms – at prices starting at $NZ2395 ($A2222) per adult.
There are also nine other great walks to choose from, including the nearby Kepler and Routeburn tracks.
Several of those walks go on sale on Wednesday and Thursday morning for the 2021-22 season.
Click here or visit your local travel agent to find out more.
Source: AAP