Good to know David. We’ll have to look into it the next time we’re in New Zealand. Thanks for the tip!

The Queen Charlotte Track is probably the most “accessible” track in the country. There’s lots of accommodations and water travel along that route making it easy for the average person. There’s some gorgeous scenery along the route and some good chances to get away from the rest of the travelers here and there. It’s nice because you can hike during the day but still have a nice place to sleep each night.

Abel Tasman is one of the busiest tracks because it’s a coastal track that follows the golden sand beaches and it’s beautiful in that regard. It can be crazy busy so you won’t get that isolated feeling if you go in their summer months. There’s a lot of day trippers that get boated in (kayaking is getting pretty popular there I hear) and you’ll have to camp most nights.

Milford is a gorgeous mountainous trek that is pretty renowned for it’s breathtaking scenery. It’s fairly busy as well however of the three you listed it’s the most “authentic” hike in my mind. Camping is your only option and it has more elevation than the others so it’s a slightly harder hike.

Here’s a good site for info on all of the tracks in New Zealand. http://www.tramper.co.nz/