THE FACTS ABOUT MILFORD TRACK

New Zealand

WHAT Said to be the finest walk in the world, the 54km Milford Track on New Zealand's South Island starts at the north end of Lake Te Anau and finishes at Sandfly Point on Milford Sound. You follow the route taken by early pioneers through river valleys and mountain passes, with a detour to view the Sutherland Falls (the highest waterfall in New Zealand at 580 metres) and staying in multi-bedded, single-sex huts on route. Ramblers Holidays (01707 331133; www.ramblersholidays.co.uk) has combined this four-day walk into its 26-day 'Great South Island Adventure' itinerary, which pulls together the best walks through the country's glaciers, open country, mountains and rainforests. WHEN Go any time from November through to February when the weather should be glorious BONUS POINTS Arrangements are made to leave all but the bare essentials in Te Anau, so that you can walk the Track unencumbered by too much luggage PRICE £2,696, including flights, transfers and half-board accommodation.