Okay, I’ve thought long and hard about this, and I think I’ve finally figured out where to go next year (couldn’t manage any big trips this year and hey, it’s never too early to start dreaming).

Plan A: Two full weeks in New Zealand in early February, and three full weeks in Peru in September. I will most likely be working the same job, so this will mean taking all or part of the Peru trip without pay, assuming they’ll let me. I’m not sure if I’m willing to quit my job to go to Peru if the boss doesn’t let me take a short leave.

Plan B: Two full weeks in New Zealand in early February, and a week (10 days?) in either Hawaii or Guatemala in late spring or summer. This is if the boss doesn’t let me take the 3-week leave to Peru and I’m too chickenshit to quit my job over it.

I picked up the comprehensive LP-NZ guide, but can anyone tell me anymore about the Milford Track? I’m most concerned about the hike’s timeline, getting there and back (it’s pretty far south), lodging, and meals.

What does everyone think?