Milford Track
Hike the 'finest walk in the world' through Fiordland's dramatic landscapes, from lush valleys to alpine passes and iconic waterfalls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Great Walk season
Milford Track
Best Time
Great Walk season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike the 'finest walk in the world' through Fiordland's dramatic landscapes, from lush valleys to alpine passes and iconic waterfalls.
"The Milford Track is the most famous walk in New Zealand for good reason."
Book Huts Months Ahead! :ticket:
Great Walks bookings sell out fast, often within minutes. Secure your spot for the season well in advance.
Pack for All Weather :umbrella:
Be prepared for rain, even in summer. Waterproofs are essential for comfort and safety on the track.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mackinnon Pass
Mid-track
Conquer the highest point for breathtaking panoramic views of Fiordland's dramatic alpine landscape.
Sutherland Falls
Side track from Quintin Hut
Witness New Zealand's tallest waterfall, a majestic cascade plunging over 500 meters.
Clinton Valley
Day 1
A gentle introduction through lush rainforest along the Clinton River, setting a serene tone for the trek.
Milford Sound
End of the track
Arrive at the iconic fiord, feeling more connected after your journey than those arriving by bus or plane.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bookings are Essential & Sell Out Fast!
Embrace the Rain: It Enhances the Experience!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Huts Months Ahead! :ticket:
Great Walks bookings sell out fast, often within minutes. Secure your spot for the season well in advance.
Pack for All Weather :umbrella:
Be prepared for rain, even in summer. Waterproofs are essential for comfort and safety on the track.
Fitness is Key :athletic_shoe:
The track involves significant elevation changes and can be challenging, especially with a pack. Train beforehand.
Consider a Guided Walk :hiking_boot:
Ultimate Hikes offers a guided option, which can be a great way to experience the track with added comfort and support.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Huts Months Ahead! :ticket:
Great Walks bookings sell out fast, often within minutes. Secure your spot for the season well in advance.
Pack for All Weather :umbrella:
Be prepared for rain, even in summer. Waterproofs are essential for comfort and safety on the track.
Fitness is Key :athletic_shoe:
The track involves significant elevation changes and can be challenging, especially with a pack. Train beforehand.
Consider a Guided Walk :hiking_boot:
Ultimate Hikes offers a guided option, which can be a great way to experience the track with added comfort and support.
Enjoy the Journey :camera_with_flash:
Take your time to appreciate the mossy forests, diverse birdlife, and stunning waterfalls along the way.
Water Taxi to Milford Sound :boat:
The final water taxi from Sandfly Point to Milford Sound offers a unique perspective and a sense of accomplishment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Milford Track is a highly acclaimed, challenging hike offering unparalleled natural beauty, from lush valleys to dramatic alpine passes and iconic waterfalls. While bookings are extremely competitive and weather can be wet, most visitors find the experience profoundly rewarding and a true highlight of New Zealand. The well-maintained huts and the final arrival at Milford Sound add to its legendary status.
"Fantastic yet challenging hike. Limited to 40 self guided hikers per day.
No camping allowed. Nice huts, not heated and no lights. Gas cooking facilities and running cold water provided.
Amazing waterfalls but views often obstructed by vegetation. Suitable for kids 10y and older.
Highly recommended!"
Yuri M
"The Milford Track is the most famous walk in New Zealand for good reason, although not my favourite (that’s the Routeburn).
A one way track, being a great walk means you need to book your huts well in advance unless you do the excellent Ultimate Hikes guided option.
Be prepared for rain, a decent climb up MacKinnon pass and a longer descent down…and of course some stunning views as you walk up Fiord valleys.
The first day is a bit of a warm up on a beautiful flat track after boating up to the end of Lake Te Anau. Day 2 (maybe with some keas hanging around Mintaro hut) begins with the climb up MacKinnon. I won’t mention how many zig zags there are as it was like an ear worm thing for me, suffice to say that the steepest part is in the tree line.
MacKinnon pass, and then the following highest point near the shelter can present stunning views. The 1,000 metre descent is quite hard work as it is over a short distance on loose, hard rock. Staircases have been built to provide viewpoints on the Anderson Cascades.
Near the bottom of the descent is the side track to the ‘must-do’ sidetrack to Sutherland Falls.
Day 3 is a long flat walk with beautiful surprises of its own, like Mackay Falls and Giant Gate falls.
From the end point of Sandfly Point it’s just a short water taxi around the corner to Milford Sound, and you’ll feel more connected to this stunning landscape than the hordes that arrive my bus or plane.
Lots of excellent birdlife on this walk (Kea, Miromiro, NZ Robin etc) and literally the mossiest tree scape I’ve seen in NZ.
This walk deserves its fame, but personally I’d rate the Routeburn higher.
PS Make sure you are fit if this is your first NZ hike."
Formula T
"Phenomenal multi-day hike. One-way only (unless running the trail) and relatively quiet with only about 90 “walkers” per day. The trail is extremely well maintained with restrooms and lodges along the way. Permits are required for both guided and independent hikers and as one of the more well known Great Walks, spots fill up fast (many, many months in advance). The hike follows a prescribed “pace” of roughly 3 full days of hiking, about 10 miles per day, plus an initial mellow day for the arrival. The middle day features the majority of the elevation gain and after a short time on Mackinnon Pass, a descent on the other side. We did the guided walk with Ultimate Hikes and would recommend the trail and guided walk to anyone. Though no part of the trail was particularly treacherous (partly due to the fact that we had such good weather), it is 33.5 miles in total, so thoughtful preparation is a good idea — both physical fitness and equipment."
Conor McCarter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The closest international airport to Milford Sound is Queenstown. From Queenstown, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Te Anau, the gateway town to Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau, you'll need to arrange transport to Glade Wharf, the starting point of the track.
You can drive to Milford Sound itself, but the trailhead for the Milford Track is at Glade Wharf, which is accessed by a boat ride across Lake Te Anau. The scenic drive to Milford Sound is also a popular activity. +1
From Te Anau, you can take a bus or shuttle service to Milford Sound. These services often include the boat transfer to Glade Wharf. Booking in advance is recommended.
Parking is not available at Glade Wharf. You will need to take the boat transfer across Lake Te Anau to reach the trailhead.
The drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound is approximately 4 hours one-way, without stops. It's a scenic journey, so allow extra time for photos. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for the Milford Track, which include hut accommodation, must be booked through the Department of Conservation (DOC) website. Bookings open annually and sell out extremely quickly, often within minutes.
Bookings for the Milford Track typically open in May or June for the following season. It's crucial to check the official DOC website for exact dates and times.
Yes, Ultimate Hikes offers a guided Milford Track experience, which includes hut accommodation, meals, and a guide. This option also requires advance booking.
Permit costs vary for independent and guided hikers. Check the Department of Conservation website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
While the full track is a multi-day commitment, some visitors opt for shorter walks. However, the main transport options are geared towards the full track experience.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Milford Track is a 53.5 km (33.5 mile) one-way hike, typically completed over 4 days and 3 nights. It's considered challenging due to elevation changes, particularly the climb over Mackinnon Pass, and the potential for wet weather.
Huts on the Milford Track are basic but well-maintained, offering gas cooking facilities and cold running water. They are not heated and do not have lighting, so bring a headlamp.
The Milford Track is renowned for its high rainfall. Expect wet conditions, which can enhance the dramatic scenery with numerous waterfalls. Waterproof gear is essential. +1
You might encounter native birds like Kea, Miromiro, and NZ Robins. The track is also known for its incredibly mossy and lush forest environments.
The Milford Track is generally considered suitable for children aged 10 and older, provided they have a good level of fitness and are prepared for the conditions.
📸 📸 Photography
Key photo spots include Mackinnon Pass for panoramic views, Sutherland Falls, the lush rainforests, and the dramatic landscapes of Clinton and Arthur Valleys. The drive to Milford Sound also offers stunning vistas. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing waterfall motion. Ensure your gear is waterproofed.
Absolutely! Many visitors find that rain enhances the dramatic atmosphere of Milford Sound, creating more waterfalls and a mystical feel, which can lead to unique photographic opportunities. +1
The side track to Sutherland Falls is a must-do. Be prepared for a short hike to reach the base of the falls, where you can capture its immense scale.
Yes, viewpoints are built along the descent from Mackinnon Pass, offering excellent perspectives of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the guided walk option with Ultimate Hikes, as it can provide extra support and structured activities that might appeal to younger hikers. The sheer beauty of the waterfalls and the unique experience of staying in huts can be incredibly engaging for children. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and encourage them to appreciate the natural wonders around them.
💰 Budget Travelers
Carrying your own food and cooking at the huts will significantly reduce expenses compared to guided tours or dining out. Utilize shuttle services from Queenstown or Te Anau, which are generally more cost-effective than private transfers. Embrace the self-sufficiency aspect of the hike to maximize savings while still experiencing this incredible trail.
💑 Couples & Adventure Seekers
For the ultimate adventure, consider tackling the track during the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and a more intimate experience. The dramatic, often moody weather can add to the romantic and adventurous atmosphere. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching Milford Sound together is an unforgettable shared memory.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Milford Track Experience: A Journey Through Fiordland
+2Hikers are accommodated in well-maintained huts along the route, providing basic amenities like gas stoves and cold running water. While the huts are not heated or lit, they offer a crucial refuge after a day of trekking. The experience is deeply immersive, with hikers often forming bonds with fellow trekkers from around the globe. The trail's popularity means that booking hut tickets is highly competitive, with spots often selling out within minutes of release.
Despite its fame, the Milford Track is not without its challenges. The weather is notoriously unpredictable, with frequent rainfall contributing to the lush, verdant scenery and an abundance of spectacular waterfalls. The climb over Mackinnon Pass is a significant physical undertaking, but the panoramic views from the summit are a rewarding spectacle. The descent can also be demanding, but the allure of Sutherland Falls and the eventual arrival at Milford Sound make every step worthwhile.
Navigating the Milford Track: Booking, Logistics, and Preparation
+1Logistically, the track is one-way, meaning you'll need to arrange transport to the start at Glade Wharf and from the end at Sandfly Point. Most hikers travel from Queenstown to Te Anau, then take a bus or shuttle to Milford Sound, followed by a boat transfer across Lake Te Anau to Glade Wharf. The journey from Sandfly Point to Milford Sound is typically completed via a water taxi.
Preparation is key for a successful Milford Track hike. Given the challenging terrain and potential for wet weather, a good level of physical fitness is crucial. Pack essential gear, including waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a headlamp, and insect repellent. While the huts provide basic cooking facilities, you'll need to carry all your food. Consider the guided option with Ultimate Hikes if you prefer a more supported experience with meals included.
The Magic of Milford Sound: Beyond the Hike
Even if you're not hiking the full track, the scenic drive to Milford Sound is a popular day trip from Te Anau or Queenstown. This route is renowned for its stunning vistas, including the Mirror Lakes, the Chasm, and various viewpoints offering glimpses of the fiord's grandeur. The drive itself is an adventure, with opportunities to stop and admire the rugged beauty of Fiordland National Park.
Experiencing Milford Sound, whether as the end of a challenging hike or a day trip, is a quintessential New Zealand adventure. The sheer scale and raw beauty of the landscape are awe-inspiring, leaving visitors with a profound sense of wonder and a deep appreciation for the power of nature.
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