Hike of the Week: Milford Track, New Zealand

Welcome to our Hike of the Week series. These weekly posts aim to inspire you to go out there and experience amazing backpacking locations in person. Simply looking at them on your phone or monitor is not enough. Feel the wind, breathe the air, and bask in the sun.

It's time to let out your inner Hobbit (or Elf) because we're going to explore the Milford Track in enchanting New Zealand.

Featured Photo: MacKinnon Pass (photo by Geoffrey Marquie)

Why This Hike?

Located in Fiordland National Park, this 4-day hike will take you from the lake, through forests, and up mountains. You'll see gorgeous, snow-capped mountains, clear-flowing rivers and streams, and enchanting trees and plants. You'll feel like you have stepped into a Tolkien book.

Distance: 53.5 kilometers (~33 miles)
Type: Point-to-point
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Elevation gain: 1,755 meters (~5,700 feet)
Best time to visit: late October to late April
4 days are recommended to complete this hike.
It's considered one of the “Great Walks” in the world.
The Department of Conservation huts provide beds, cooking stoves, and potable water.
Other highlights include stunning views of the fjord valleys below and breathtaking waterfalls. (It rains quite a bit here, so their flows should be good!) Best of all is New Zealand's tallest waterfall, Sutherland Falls, at 1,900 feet!

Take note of these factors before starting your adventure:

Parts of the trail are prone to avalanches during the winter and spring.
Expect sudden rains with cold weather.
You may need to cross rivers or streams, especially after rains, which are often.
Camping is not allowed on the trail - there are designated huts to stay overnight. (Which must be booked in advance.)
Pets are not allowed on the trail.

How Do I Get There?

Queenstown Airport is the closest to Fiordlands National Park, if you will be renting a car and driving yourself. Independent hikers may drive to Te Anau Downs then take the ferry up to the Northern shore of Te Anau Lake. Guided packages will provide bus pickups to Te Anau Downs.

Map of Recommended Route

The following map outlines our recommended route.

Click the "Load Interactive Map" button to load the correct map. Once loaded, you can navigate along the route and view recommended campsites.

For even more detailed mapping, including being able to print a copy for yourself, click the "Open in CalTopo" button at the top of the map once it's loaded into view.

Day 1: Glade Wharf to Clinton Hut ( 5 km )
Day 2: Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut ( 16.5 km )
Day 3: Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut ( 14 km )
Day 4: Dumpling Hut to Milford Sound( 18 km )

Trail Description

Day 1 - Glade Wharf to Clinton Hut

The trail starts at the Northern shore of Lake Te Anau. From there it will be a 2-3 hour hike up to Clinton Hut. The trail will take you across the Clinton River via a hanging bridge. However, if you are part of a guided tour, your first stop will be Glade House. If you reach lodging early, you will have time to explore the river before dinner.

Day 2 - Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut

Start the next day early and follow Clinton River up to its source, Lake Mintaro. This part of the trek will be uphill so make sure that you have the right shoes for the job. You will pass by Hirere Falls and hike through Clinton Valley with its towering rock walls on both sides. After a 6 hour hike, you will reach the second stop of the journey, Mintar Hut.

Day 3 - Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut

Your third day starts off with a climb up Mackinnon Pass to the Quintin McKinnon memorial where you may lose your breath in awe of the view of Lake Mintaro and Clinton Canyon. This would be the best time to whip out that camera and capture the beauty that surrounds you. Take in as much scenery as you can because you will then be heading down to the valley floor for your next stop, Dumpling Hut.

Day 4 - Dumpling Hut to Milford Sound

Your last day takes you along Arthur River up to the Boatshed. If you have time to spare, you should check out Mackay Falls and Bell Rock. You'll see the man-made rock cuttings alongside the Arthur River and Lake Ada. Head on to Sandfly Point where you'll take a short boat ride to Milford Sound. The trail is walked in one direction so you may need to book a ride or lodging at Milford Sound ahead of time.

What Will I Need?

If you take a guided tour package, most of your necessities will be provided, like food and lodging. All you will need are clothes, bug spray, and snacks for the trail. You may need to make accommodations pre- and post-hike depending on your guided tour.

As for independent hikers, the huts provide cooking stoves, drinking water, and beds. You will have to bring your own food, sleeping bag or quilt, and toiletries. You'll also still need your own cooking pot and eating utensil. Trekking poles aren't a bad idea either.

Titanium cooking pots are great for backpacking. They're ultralight, but extremely durable.

Since torrential rains are to be expected, make sure that you have some waterproof rain gear and shoes. Try to pack light as you will need to reach the huts before it gets dark. Otherwise, a search party will be sent out to look for you!

If there's anything else you need to complete your pack, visit our full line of high-quality, affordable backpacking gear.

Shop Backpacking Tents
Shop Ultralight Tarps
Shop Backpacking Quilts
Shop Down Sleeping Bags
Shop Insulated Sleeping Pads
Shop Backpacking Pillow
Shop Folding Trekking Poles
Shop Titanium Cookware
Shop Tent and Tarp Accessories

Finally, to make sure you don't forget something at home, use our Ultimate Backpacker's Packing List. It even includes a convenient printable checklist!

Do I Need a Permit?

Only 40 people are allowed to start the trail each day. So, be sure to make reservations in advance. Guided tour packages include all track transport to the Milford Track (buses and boats), pre-walk briefing in Queenstown the day before departure, all Milford Track hut bookings and fees, NZ mountain safety council approved pack liner, and a souvenir map.

If you plan on going independently, you will also need to apply for permits ahead of time. You will also need to book reservations for the huts during the hiking season (late October to late April ).