Clinton Canyon, Milford Track, Fiordland

When the hiking season on the Milford Track—where access is limited by the Department of Conservation—officially comes to an end in autumn, around May, hikers can freely experience the solitude and fairytale beauty of wild Fiordland. However, caution is advised at this time of year: rapid weather changes with snowfall or heavy rain, which in turn can trigger rockslides or cause streams and rivers to rise and turn into raging torrents, can quickly make the paths impassable.