Mackinnon Pass

Jan 19th, 2023

A fantastic viewpoint, once of the highlights of the Milford hiking tour. The hike was moderate, but the view from the top was stunning. Lots of interesting vegetation.
Jun 24th, 2022

Nov 16th, 2021

The day started out rainy as it could be flash floods everywhere and the trail just reopened after being closed for two months due to some bad weather that destroyed a majority of the trail. I was luck to get such a great picture with some friends I met along the trail. This was back in February of 2020 before the world fell apart.
Jul 18th, 2021

Mackinnon Pass is a hard slog but the pay off is huge - you have to climb it on Day 3 so just embrace it! About 1.5 hours up with a pack, then 20-30 mins to Shelter (add extra time for all the photos you'll take!) The views are absolutely incredible! Fingers crossed you get a bluebird day for stunning photos, but an equally impressive feat on a morning with deep cloud and wind (although you'll enjoy the cupper in the shelter the most). If any energy left at end of Day 2 and blue skies on arrival at Mintaro Hut (and weather forecast looks bad following morning), drop your pack, have a quick snack and drink, then hike up Mackinnon Pass with water, light jumper for the wind at the top, and a snack (1 hour up, 1 hour for views and photos galore, 1 hour back down) You won't regret it, but you'll sleep soundly! Then take it easy on Day 3
May 13th, 2021