Milford Track guided walk
The finest walk in the world
The Milford Track guided walk is a 5 day / 4 night all-inclusive guided walk through the heart of Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound.
The Milford Track is located in the Fiordland National Park. The region is remote, rugged and largely inaccessible. It is primarily a rainforest and averages nine metres of rain a year.
The Track is only accessible by boat, and while it features some of the most incredible landscapes and forest in the world, it also covers 53kms of some very challenging track conditions.
Due to the rainfall, the forests are lush and dense. The route over Omanui/Mckinnon Pass is steep, rocky and, above the treeline, very exposed to the elements. High winds, heavy rain and even snow can affect track conditions and make it very slippery, wet and muddy.
We advise a strong level of agility, stability and fitness for this walk.
For a more detailed description of the walk, please read the itinerary.
Check available departure dates
2024-25 Season now open to book. New Season offer available
2024-25 Season - Offer now on!
Book to walk between 1st November and 20th December 2024 and save $200.
if you have walked with us before we will give you 20% off your walk for the same departure dates
T&C's apply click below for more details.
Offer is valid until 15th May 2024
Our guided walks include:
- Transport ex Queenstown or Te Anau.
- 3 nights accommodation on track + 1 night at Milford Sound in our private lodges.
- All meals and snacks on track.
- A scenic cruise on the majestic Milford Sound.
- Al l in the company of experienced guides.
We can also lend you a 40 litre backpack - to contain your belongings that you will carry with you
Click on the button on the image to see our video.
Track elevation
"Me and my husband did it [Milford Track] Jan 2022. Loved every bit of it. Great Team of guides👍🏼, spoilt with luxury food and accommodation and awesome way of conquering some beautiful natural treasures of our beautiful country. Will definitely do it again 😊"
Plan for your Milford Track guided walk
What do I need to bring?
What will the weather be like?
Am I fit enough for this walk?
Track Terrain
@ultimatehikesnz | #milfordtrack #routeburntrack
Milford Track
Milford Track, Fiordland
By NZ Mountain Safety Council
- New Zealand's tallest waterfall
- Spectacular valleys & rivers
- Glacier-carved fiords
2 hr 20 min from Queenstown
20 min from Te Anau
GRADE: EASY - INTERMEDIATE
Best time: Late Oct to Late April
The alpine and fiord scenery of the Milford Track has been thrilling hikers for more than 150 years.
Find out how to plan for your Milford Track in the Fiordland National Park, one of New Zealand's Great Walks.
1. Overview of Milford Track
Walking among giants - Milford Track, New Zealand
By Department of Conservation
Milford Track - Day walk with Ultimate Hikes, New Zealand
By Julian Apse for Ultimate Hikes
Around 100 years ago, in an article that appeared in the London Spectator, the poet Blanche Baughan declared the Milford Track to be ‘the finest walk in the world’.
Arguably New Zealand’s most famous walk, the 53 kilometre journey begins at the head of Lake Te Anau , and leads you across suspension bridges, board walks and a mountain pass.
The Milford Track will show you pristine lakes, sky-scraping mountain peaks and enormous valley views. It will take you to feel the misty breath of Sutherland Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Zealand.
On a sunny day it is postcard perfect but some walkers say that when it rains and torrents of water cascade down the steep mountainsides, only then have you truly experienced the magic of the Milford Track. And with 200 rainy days in a year and a seven metre average rainfall you're bound to see the waterfalls in full force.
2. Walking the Milford Track
Mackinnon Memorial, Milford Track Guided Walk, New Zealand
The fitter you are the more you will enjoy yourself, so a good level of fitness and strength is necessary.
Find out more about the walk and what is involved;
Day 1, Glade Wharf > Clinton Hut, 5km
The first day of the Milford Track involves catching a boat from Te Anau Downs to the start of the track. After a scenic cruise across the lake the well-graded track begins.
Walkers cross a suspension bridge then follow the track through pretty beech forest for an hour before arriving at Clinton Hut (opens in new window) . There are a number of swimming holes near the hut.
Day 2, Clinton Hut > Mintaro Hut, 16.5km
Begin the day with a gradual climb to the source of the Clinton River, pretty Lake Mintaro.
The track then crosses a large, open area and winds past the Hirere Falls before walkers a first glimpse of the MacKinnon Pass and the spectacular Pompolona Ice Field. It is approximately 2 hours' from here to the Mintaro Hut (opens in new window) .
Day 3, Mintaro Hut > Dumpling Hut, 14km
Today's part of the Milford Track begins with a gradual zig zag climb to reach MacKinnon Memorial - make sure to soak up the spectacular views of Lake Mintaro and the Clinton Valley.
At the top of the climb, the track winds up and over the MacKinnon Pass, the highest point on the track at 1,154 metres. While catching your breath at the summit, look back on the stunning Clinton Valley. To the north lies Arthur Valley and Milford Sound - a view that is crowded with mountain peaks. From here, the track winds downhill, crossing beneath Mount Balloon and the Jervois Glacier before following a boardwalk beside the Roaring Burn River with its numerous waterfalls.
Shortly after the boardwalk, a side track leads to the stunning Sutherland Falls - the highest in New Zealand. The 580-metre fall drops directly out of Lake Quill, which is fed by several glaciers, and plummets to the ground in three steps. After you've finished soaking up the beauty of the waterfall, it's a short walk to the Dumpling Hut.
Day 4, Dumpling Hut > Sandfly Point, 18km
The hike to the end of the track today includes a number of pretty waterfalls, suspension bridges and crystal-clear creeks. Take your time at beautiful McKay Falls and Lake Ida before hiking past the last waterfall on the track, named Giant Gate Falls.
After these falls it's another hour and a half's walk to Sandfly Point (opens in new window) and the end of the Milford Track. Boats depart from here to take walkers back to Milford Sound at 2pm or 3pm each day.
3. Accommodation on Milford Track
Milford Track, Queenstown
By Ultimate Hikes
Quintin lodge on the Milford Track, New Zealand
By www.ultimatehikes.co.nz
MacKinnon Pass - Milford Track, New Zealand
There are three public lodges on the Milford Track (run by the Department of Conservation) as well as three private lodges, run by Ultimate Hikes .
Camping is not permitted on the track.
If you are hiking the walk independently, you will need to book hut online (opens in new window) .
Bookings are essential during the Great Walks season from late October to late April.
Book your Milford Track hut
Find places to stay before or after your hike
4. towns near milford track.
Fiordland National Park Lodge, New Zealand
By Fiordland National Park Lodge
Te Anau Glowworm Caves, Fiordland
The lakeside town of Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the Milford Track.
Great restaurants, quality accommodation in a remarkable alpine setting make Te Anau a very appealing place to prepare for (or recover from) walking the Milford Track.
A few hours' drive from Te Anau is the bustling town of Queenstown (opens in new window) , home to a large range of accommodation , wineries and adventure activities.
5. Getting to Milford Track trail head
Crossing the Arthur River from Boatshed on the Milford Track, New Zealand
Milford Track, Ascending Mackinnon Pass, Fiordland
By Keri Moyle
Transport must be booked in advance, there is no vehicle or private access to the start / end of the track.
The Milford Track starts from Lake Te Anau. From Te Anau, take a bus or private transport to Te Anau Downs (30 minutes), then a boat trip to Glade Wharf at the head of Lake Te Anau (1 hour 15 minutes).
The track finishes at Sandfly Point on Milford Sound. Take a boat trip (20 minutes) to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, where there are bus services back to Te Anau and on to Queenstown.
Book your transfers to the Milford Track in advance with these companies;
- Cheeky Kiwi (opens in new window)
- EasyHike (opens in new window)
- Fiordland Outdoors Company (opens in new window)
- RealNZ (opens in new window)
- Tracknet (opens in new window)
- Trackhopper (opens in new window)
Arrange transport
6. book a guided tour of the milford track.
Sandfly Point, Milford Track, New Zealand
By Trips & Tramps
By Graham Dainty
Booking a walk with a tour provider
There are a number of specialist tour operators who can aide you in bringing your Milford Track walking experience to life. Take a look at these businesses to find out if a walking tour is right for you.
- Ultimate Hikes (opens in new window)
- Trips & Tramps (opens in new window)
- Active Adventures
- Real Journeys (opens in new window)
- New Zealand Walking Tour
- Fiordland Outdoor Co. (opens in new window)
Booking a walk independently
If you want to do the Milford Track or any of the Great Walks independently, you will need to book the DOC accommodation on the trails. The fee for this varies between each Great Walk. It is recommended that you book in advance for this popular walk.
- Great Walk Fees & Bookings
Find Walking & Hiking experiences
Find a tour that visits milford sound, 7. how to prepare for the great walks of new zealand.
Moss hangs from the native trees along the Milford Track, Fiordland
By Trips and Tramps
By Leo Rhodes
Five simple rules, also known as The Land Safety Code, to help you stay safe when trekking or tramping in the outdoors of New Zealand.
1. Choose the right trip for you
Make sure the chosen trip is suitable for your fitness level.
2. Understand the weather
New Zealand's weather changes quickly, always check the forecast. If the weather is bad, wait until it clears or turn around.
3. Pack warm clothes and extra food
Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out.
4. Share your plans and ways to get help
Tell a trusted person your trip details and take a personal locator beacon with you - these can be purchased or hired from local gear shops.
5. Take care of yourself and others
Eat, drink and rest. Stay with your group and always make decisions together.
The Land Safety Code
What to pack for Great Walks of New Zealand
Having the right gear is imperative when tramping in the outdoors.
Watch this video (opens in new window) to find out what to pack and events to prepare for.
Find out all you need to know about walking in New Zealand at Adventure Smart (opens in new window) .
Find out what to pack
View Milford Track on the map
Plan My Walk app
Plan My Walk takes the guesswork out of your preparation by bringing together the right information needed for planning a safe and successful walk or tramp.
Plan My Walk - Milford Track (opens in new window)
Great Hikes app
The Great Hikes App is a comprehensive guide to plan your New Zealand Great Walk.
Great Hikes app - Milford Track (opens in new window)
Department of Conservation
Department of Consevation provides detailed information about this trail, accommodation, gear list, and safety information.
Milford Track (opens in new window)
Tiaki Promise - Care for New Zealand
The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now, and for future generations.
Tiaki Promise details
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Milford Track
Known as the finest walk in the world, the Milford Track runs from the head of Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, over the dramatic MacKinnon Pass. Walk amid lofty mountain peaks, alongside crystal-clear rivers and through dense rainforest.
Embark on a thrilling Milford track tour and discover a symphony of nature’s wonders, from the towering mountain peaks and glacier-covered fiord to pristine wilderness and majestic waterfalls.
The 53-kilometre Milford track in New Zealand will give you a unique trekking adventure by bringing you through an ancient beech forest with sky-scraping trees that blossom scarlet- coloured flowers in spring and sprout lime-green foliage when the fall comes.
Your trekking adventure will lead you through marvellous landmarks along the trail, such as Sutherland Falls. While traversing through the track, you’ll witness the beauty of the breathtaking alpine meadows.
Experience an invigorating hike that will fulfil your sense of adventure while also unveiling the Milford track's natural wonders.
What to Expect
Imagine unmatched natural marvels and a sensory feast as you hike through the magnificent Milford Track. Encounter the iconic and tallest Sutherland Falls in New Zealand and the stunning Milford Sound.
The track also prides itself on the indigenous beech forest and wildlife. As you traverse the trail, grab the opportunity to encounter the Kea, hailed as an endemic bird species of South Island’s high country.
Complete your Great Walk experience by witnessing the stunning alpine meadows and the views at the MacKinnon Pass with the glacier-covered valleys below.
Unveil the untouched beauty and stellar wonders as you embark on a fantastic Milford Track guided walk.
Walk of Waterfalls
Waterfalls are ever present on the Milford Track and the iconic Sutherland Falls demonstrates this on a huge scale, dropping 580m from Lake Quill far above.
Magnificent Mountain Pass
A walk on the Milford is not complete without a photo stop at the top of the MacKinnon Pass with glaciated valleys far below.
You are likely to come across the Kea, an endemic parrot of the South Island's high country and often rated as one of the most intelligent (and cheeky) birds in the world.
The Magic of Milford
Even the sandflies of Sandfly Point won't stop you from pausing to take in the beauty of Milford Sound on completion of this, the finest walk in the world.
Our Milford Track Package Options:
Experience a thrilling 53-kilometre trekking journey that takes you through pristine wilderness and picturesque landscapes. Explore the Milford track by embarking on our excellent Milford track hiking and tour packages.
Start your spectacular hiking journey by going for a Milford four-day freedom walk with an excellent itinerary, cosy accommodations, delectable meals, and exciting activities.
But, if time is a luxury, you can still unveil the beauty of the trail with our one-day guided walk and cruise. Go on an extraordinary adventure with a professional hiking guide, packed meals, and a pre-arranged Milford Sound cruise to experience the Milford track for a day.
You can also explore Fiordland National Park with our 5-day tour package, where you can explore the Milford trail and the other Great Walks of New Zealand.
Browse our amazing Milford track packages and choose which Milford track itinerary and tour suits your preferences.
Book a Milford Track Tour Now!
Journey across the mesmerising and breathtaking Milford track and enjoy the wonders this Great Walk offers by booking a tour package with us.
For more enquiries about the hiking tours we offer at the famous Milford track, please get in touch with New Zealand Walks by calling +64 3 5736655 today.
Milford One Day Guided Walk and Cruise
Milford Four Day Freedom Walk
Experience Fiordland 5 Day Package
What our other guests have said.
I was very lucky to be able to complete the Queen Charlotte Track on 6th March. The scenery was stunning and the weather wasn't too bad, it rained for two days but the last two days there wasn't any rain, it was perfect for walking . Our guide was very knowledgeable in history and...
Liz, Queen Charlotte Track, March 2020
We had a blast! Everything was taken care off, really beautiful hikes, the best food, a lovely place to stay and a nice small group with a great guide. We think nothing can top this experience!
Chris and Ilya, Tongariro Lodge based Guided tour, January 2024
Epic Walk Experience, a challenging walk but soooo worth it! The views are incredible, the range of terrain in just 3 days walking is very rewarding. NZ Walks and their team made everything very easy including organising accommodation both before and after the climb. The huts were very well...
Rixt, Hump Ridge Track freedom package, January 2022