New Zealand walks

[Samm]

Just wondering if anyone has done any of the long distance trails in New Zealand? I'm thinking of doing the Milford Track and the Abel Tasman Track in November. Would love advice on them from anyone who has done them, or even alternate options if you don't recommend those walks. In between general sightseeing I'll have about 10 days to do some of the tracks too. All advice welcomed 

[zeaphod]

Hi.  We walked most of the Abel Tasman a few years back.  Easy walking on a good track, great campsites.
The track takes you up and down over headlands into beautiful sandy bays.
The most difficult(fun?) part was getting to shore from the boat drop off - in 3 feet of water!  Not a place to drop the bag.
The sand flies are a bit of a bugger, but that applies to anywhere in NZ.

Lots of photos at:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeaphod/sets/72157603007308637/

The Milford track is very busy/popular.  A better option IMHO is a days kayaking around/across the sound from Te Anau.  Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeaphod/sets/72157603338377844/

[LennyJ1]

Sounds like a fun trip, enjoy