Not with kids but have walked and ran milford and queen charlotte. Your 9 year old will be fine. You guys will love the milford track.

Hi, you can do without them in my opinion. Throughout the walk, we were lucky to have dry weather. Not much rocks, soil or sand throughout the walk to make it annoying. Mostly water, though. If it rains, be prepared to walk in wet boots. That's what everyone's doing anyway.

Unfortunately wet boots are pretty much a part of completing the track. We spent the first two days actively trying to avoid puddles and water, however on the third day the rain was so heavy that most off the section of track had turned into a stream. And there were so many river crossings that it would take far too much time to take your boots on and off, plus it would be quite dangerous to try and cross in sandals and the river stones can be incredibly slippery. Sadly not many alternatives.

We saw people of all ages and fitness levels completing this walk. It’s very doable at your own speed taking breaks as and when required. The day up and over the McKinnon pass is the hardest day but again taking breaks will see you make the top. Weight is the variable the more you pack the more you carry, in your question it is not clear if you are walking independently or as part of a catered group. The key difference being independent walkers carry their food which will make a difference to the weight you are carrying. Food aside it is common to walk in the same gear on consecutive days so the tip is pack light wear layers and reuse yesterday's thermals, it can get cold so don't under pack on warmth.

It goes without saying that the weather in this beautiful part of the world will play a part in your walk. Rain on an average of 250 days per year means you are likely to encounter some. I now believe if you don't you are unlucky. We had 1 wet day and what a difference it made the valley came alive. A hundred waterfalls that had not been there the day before and the rivers roared. It is also not out of the question for this part of NZ to have snow in November if a front moves in. it's also worth noting that the top of the McKinnon pass sits at 1154 metres aboves sea level. It is common to walk in the same gear on consecutive days so the tip is pack light (waterproof layers as well as thermal) wear layers and reuse yesterday's thermal. The more you pack the more you carry. That said we walked in February (one of our warmer months) and it was bitterly cold (gloves and beanies) and raining at the top of the pass.

The climb is not technical, climbing and descending Mackinnon pass is the most challenging part of the walk, that said you can stop often to rest and take in the beautiful views. On the day we went over the pass there were young and old walkers with varying levels of fitness, everyone made it in their own time. Enjoy

A little more... you can go on a guided tour where you stay in their nice lodge. This is expensive. Or you can go self guided where you stay in huts. Much cheaper. Both have advantages. I went on the self guided hike and throughly loved it. Remember, either way, register early - there are limited openings.

There is a link in your Confirmation E-mail to allow on-line booking. You can't book transport without first having booked the huts. Unless you're travelling in the "off-season' ?

There is a link in your Confirmation E-mail to allow on-line booking. You can't book transport without first having booked the huts.