About the trek
Imagine stepping into a realm where every stride is a brush with paradise. The Milford Track, affectionately dubbed 'The Finest Walk in the World' since 1908, beckons you into Fiordland's lush embrace. Over 53km, this moderate trek unfolds like a series of postcard-perfect scenes. You'll traverse the verdant Clinton River valley, where the air is thick with the scent of pine and earth. At MacKinnon Pass, the world opens up, revealing a tapestry of emerald meadows stretching towards the horizon. The crescendo comes with the roar of Sutherland Falls, a 580m waterfall that seems to defy gravity. As you descend into Milford Sound, the iconic fjord greets you with its towering cliffs and shimmering waters. This isn't just a trek; it's an odyssey through nature's most sublime creations. Ideal for those who seek beauty without the extremes, the Milford Track promises a journey where every moment is a masterpiece.
Key Facts
Why Trekkers Love It
- 01Traverses one of the wettest and most dramatic landscapes on Earth.
- 02Features the stunning Clinton River valley and the roaring 580m Sutherland Falls.
- 03Culminates in the iconic Milford Sound, a fjord of unparalleled beauty.
- 04Offers a moderate trek suitable for those seeking scenic beauty without extreme difficulty.
More Photos
Photo Gallery
5 photosDay by Day
The Route
Route & Itinerary
Glade Wharf
🚩 Starting Point
Clinton Forks Hut
Waypoint 1
Mintaro Hut
Waypoint 2
MacKinnon Pass
▲ Highest Point
Dumpling Hut
Waypoint 4
Sandfly Point
🏁 End Point
Altitude
Elevation Profile
Glade Wharf
200m
Clinton Forks Hut
300m
Mintaro Hut
580m
MacKinnon Pass
1,154m
Dumpling Hut
80m
Start
200m
Peak
1,154m
Total Gain
+954m
When to Go
Monthly Climate Guide
Best months to trek: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. Avoid Jun, Jul, Aug — heavy rainfall makes trails risky.
Jan
BESTCold & Snowy
-5–8°C
Feb
BESTSnowy
-3–10°C
Mar
BESTOpening
2–15°C
Apr
BESTPleasant
8–20°C
Jun
NOWMonsoon Onset
12–22°C
Oct
BESTBest Season
5–18°C
Nov
BESTCold
0–12°C
Dec
BESTSnowy
-5–5°C
Getting There
How to Reach
Nearest Airport
Queenstown Airport, Queenstown, 120km
Nearest Railway
No direct railway, nearest is in Invercargill, 200km
Flight to Queenstown, then bus to Te Anau (₹80,000 approx., 24hrs)
Not feasible
Not feasible
Flight to Queenstown, then bus to Te Anau (₹80,000 approx., 24hrs)
Not feasible
Not feasible
Flight to Queenstown, then bus to Te Anau (₹80,000 approx., 24hrs)
Not feasible
Not feasible
Last Mile to Base Camp
Bus from Te Anau to Glade Wharf (1.5hrs, ₹1,000 approx.)
Pro tip: Book your bus and accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.
Costs
Budget Breakdown
Trek costs ₹15,000–₹50,000 depending on your style and whether you hire a guide.
Mid-Range Trek
Guide + porter, comfortable guesthouses
per day
₹6,250 – ₹10,000 per day
Prices are estimates for 2025–26. Costs vary by season and group size.
Preparation
Pack & Stay Safe
What to Pack
gear
- Waterproof tramping boots
- Trekking poles
- Backpack 40L with rain cover
- Pack liner bags
clothing
- Waterproof jacket and pants (essential)
- Warm fleece
- Hiking pants
- Gaiters
- Insect repellent (sandflies!)
essentials
- Insect repellent (sandflies extremely aggressive)
- Reservation confirmation
- Emergency locator beacon (required)
Safety Tips
- 1Sandflies are vicious — cover every inch of skin at hut entrances
- 2Track is strictly controlled — only 40 independent walkers per day
- 3MacKinnon Pass can be snowed in — huts have emergency shelter
Permit & Entry Info
Strictly limited to 40 independent walkers/day Oct-Apr. Hut passes: NZD 70/night. Book via DOC website 6+ months ahead.
Emergency Contacts
DOC Fiordland
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The Milford Track is classified as a moderate trek. It spans 53km over 4 days with a maximum altitude of 1154m. Daily distances range from 10-15km, making it accessible to trekkers with a good level of fitness.
The best months to trek the Milford Track are from October to April. During these months, the weather is most stable, offering clear skies and mild temperatures, which enhance the trekking experience.
The cost of the Milford Track trek can vary widely. A basic trek might cost around ₹15,000 - ₹25,000, covering transport, food, permits, and a guide. Luxury options can exceed ₹50,000.
Yes, a permit is required for the Milford Track. It can be purchased online or at the Department of Conservation offices in New Zealand. The cost is approximately NZD 20 per person.
While the Milford Track is classified as moderate, it is not recommended for absolute beginners due to its length and the need for a good level of fitness. Some trekking experience is advisable.
The maximum altitude of the Milford Track is 1154m. Altitude sickness is rare at this elevation, but it's always wise to acclimatize properly and stay hydrated.
Essential items include sturdy trekking boots, waterproof clothing, a good backpack, a sleeping bag rated for 0°C, a water filter or purification tablets, and a first aid kit.
The nearest city is Te Anau. From there, you can take a bus to Glade Wharf, the starting point of the Milford Track. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
The total distance of the Milford Track is 53km, divided into four daily segments ranging from 10-15km each.
While it's possible to trek the Milford Track independently, hiring a guide is highly recommended for safety, local knowledge, and to enhance your experience.
During the best trekking months (Oct-Apr), daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, while nights can drop to 0°C to 5°C.
Mobile network coverage is limited along the Milford Track. There are no ATMs at the base camp, so it's advisable to carry sufficient cash for your trek.
Have more questions? Use the AI planner above for personalised answers.
Similar Treks You Might Like
More adventures with similar difficulty and terrain
Planning Milford Track?