Born in England in 1856, Robert West Holmes moved to New Zealand in 1871 to seek his fortune. Joining the Public Works Department, he quickly became a draughtsman and then an engineer, investigating rail lines throughout the South Island. In 1884 he married Gertrude White, and in 1890, while exploring potentially rail lines between the eastern side of the island and Milford Sound, named the now-iconic, breathtaking saddle for her.
It's a must-see day-hike for anyone exploring in the Milford Sound area. Get off the damn tour bus and lace up your boots. It'll blow your mind.