Ultimate Hikes is encouraging 50 people to walk the track in a bid to raise $100,000 for the Neurological Foundation Chair of Neurosurgery.
The Queenstown-based company is offering a five-day guided Brain Week Walk, including all meals and creature comforts, for $2000.
The full price of the special walk will be donated to the neurosurgery campaign.
General manager Noel Saxon said Ultimate Hikes was supporting the campaign because it was "really keen to see the future of neurosurgery in Otago and Southland retained in Dunedin".
"I think it's a significant benefit to the whole of the South Island. It's a really important service," he said.
The benefits of a chair of neurosurgery included enhanced research opportunities, increased profile of neurosurgery and the retention of talent in the region.
"If this walk can be filled, we can effectively write out a cheque for $100,000. We hope it really gets taken up. We are right behind it and it will be a good contribution."
The Milford Track is within Mt Aspiring National Park, part of Te Wahipounamu, a world heritage site.
Mr Saxon described it as "one of the greatest parts of the world".
The guided walk allowed people to take a "unique look" at what made it special, while helping a worthy cause.
Deep lakes, silent fiords, luxuriant forest and sheer canyons carved out of granite defined the landscape and abundant native birdlife allowed for some close encounters.
Three-course gourmet meals, hot showers, flush toilets, comfortable beds and experienced guides added to the unforgettable experience.
"It's win-win," he said.
What is on offer?
• The Brain Week Walk leaves Queenstown on March 21, 2012.
• For the all inclusive price of $2000, the guided walk includes:Transportation by luxury coach from Queenstown to Te Anau and return from Milford Sound.
• Boat ride from Te Anau Downs to the start of the track at the north arm of Lake Te Anau.
• All meals and snacks, including three-course gourmet dinners.
• Three nights' accommodation on the track and one night at Mitre Peak Lodge, Milford Sound.
• Backpack and rain jacket if required.
• A cruise in Milford Sound on the final morning before returning to Queenstown.
• Bookings for the walk must be made by phone or email, 0800 659-255, (03) 450-1940, info@ultimatehikes.co.nz Quote the reference "Brain Walk" when making inquiries.
• For more information, visit www.ultimatehikes.co.nz
The walk
Day one: 1.6km, 20min, Queenstown to Glade House.
Travel from Queenstown to Te Anau, on to Te Anau Downs, then by boat to the start of the track.
Walk to Glade House then go for a short guided nature walk.
Day two: 16km, 5-7 hours, Glade House to Pompolona Lodge.
Cross the Clinton River and walk up the valley to the Hirere Falls.
Walk through beech forests until you are released on to the Prairie where you will see the ice-carved Clinton Canyon, then on to Pompolona Lodge.
Day three: 15km, 6-8 hours, Pompolona Lodge to Quintin Lodge.
The track leads from Lake Mintaro at the head of the Clinton Valley before climbing Mackinnon Pass.
At the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic views and lunch in Pass Hut. After descending into the Arthur Valley, you will reach Quintin Lodge and have the option of taking a 90-minute round trip to Sutherland Falls, the fifth-highest waterfall in the world.
Day four: 21km, 6-7 hours, Quintin Lodge to Mitre Peak.
The final day on the track during which you will walk down Arthur Valley to the historic boatshed before continuing past MacKay Falls and Bell Rock to Giant's Gate waterfall. The final stretch of track follows Lake Ada to Sandfly Point.
A boat will take you to Mitre Peak Lodge at Milford Sound.
Day five: no walking, Milford Sound to Queenstown.
Cruise on Milford Sound and watch for dolphins, fur seals and waterfalls. Travel by coach back to Queenstown.
Want to get involved?
There are plenty of opportunities for businesses and individuals to get involved in the Neurological Foundation Chair of Neurosurgery campaign. To discuss your ideas, contact Irene Mosley on (03) 477-4837.
History of the Milford Track
Donald Sutherland was the first European resident of Milford Sound and discovered Sutherland Falls, the fifth-highest waterfall in the world, in 1880.
He started building a track up the Arthur Valley so visitors could see the falls, but access was limited by the rugged Fiordland coast and finding an overland, interior route became an imperative.
In September 1888, Quintin Mackinnon and Ernest Mitchell set off to build a track up the Clinton Valley, at the northern end of Lake Te Anau.
When a flood washed their provisions away, they retreated to Te Anau Downs and returned to the valley in October 1888, crossing a pass which lead to the Arthur Valley, Sutherland Falls and Milford Sound.
The pass was named in honour of Mackinnon, who when the first track was completed within two years, became the first guide.
The track was kept in government control until 1992 when the licence to operate it was sold to Tourism Milford Ltd.
