Milford Track

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Hut availability for the Milford Track is limited and often books out, particularly during peak seasons. If you can't get a spot on your perferred date, use our free hut alerts tool to automatically notify you as soon as a spot opens up. Set up alert

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Photo credit: John Strother ©

Track Details

The Milford Track is a must-do hike for anyone visiting New Zealand’s South Island. Spanning 53.5 kilometers (33 miles), the track takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. The track takes 4-5 days to complete and is considered one of the Great Walks of New Zealand.

The Milford Track starts at the Milford Road end, located near Te Anau and ends at the Sandfly Point end, located near Milford Sound. The track offers a unique experience as it takes hikers through a variety of terrains, including sub-alpine scrub, beech forest, and alpine tussock.

One of the main attractions of the Milford Track is the stunning scenery, which includes towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and pristine lakes. The track also passes through the Fiordland National Park, home to a wide variety of native birds and wildlife, including the threatened Fiordland crested penguin and the rare and protected native bird, the kea.

The track is well-maintained, with well-graded tracks, bridges, and huts along the way. There are several huts along the Milford Track, which provide shelter and basic facilities for hikers. Booking is essential during peak season as the track is one of the most popular hikes in New Zealand. If you can’t book a hut on your perferred day make sure to use our free hut alerts tool that is constantly checking against hut availability. This tool will send you an email notification as soon as a spot opens up.

One of the highlights of the Milford Track is the Mackinnon Pass, which is considered one of the most challenging sections of the trail. The pass offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and is a great spot for taking in the natural beauty of the area. Another highlight of the track is the Clinton River, which runs alongside the track for much of the way. The river is home to a variety of native fish and is a great spot for fishing.

Another highlight of the Milford Track is the Sutherland Falls, which is considered to be the tallest waterfall in New Zealand. The falls can be reached via a side-track and is a must-see for anyone doing the hike. The track also offers a chance to spot the rare and unique flora of the area including the native buttercup, celmisia and Orchids.

It is important to be well-prepared for the hike, as the track can be challenging in places, and the weather can change quickly. It is recommended to be in good physical condition, wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and carry sufficient food and water. It is also important to be aware of the weather conditions, as the track can be particularly treacherous in wet and slippery conditions.

Overall, the Milford Track is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand. It is a must-do for anyone visiting the South Island and looking for an adventure in the great outdoors. It is considered one of the world’s most beautiful walks, and with good reason, the Milford Track provides a true sense of wilderness and isolation, making it an unforgettable experience. It’s a journey that will test your endurance, but the rewards are well worth the effort, with memories that will last a lifetime.

Huts Along This Walk