Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Milford Track, Oceania. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- New Zealand
- Country
- Oceania
- Biome
- Fiordland rainforest (0–1,150 m)
- Best season
- November – April
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Fiordland rainforest (0–1,150 m)
- Best season: November – April
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Milford Track
Topic summary
The classic 53-km 4-day 'finest walk in the world' in Fiordland National Park.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: November – April
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Fiordland rainforest (0–1,150 m)
Verification notes
Last verified January 1, 1970.
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Milford Track trip tools
How to get there
The track begins at Glade Wharf at the head of Lake Te Anau, with a boat forming part of the approach. It ends at Sandfly Point in Milford Sound. Coordinate arrival and departure transport for these separate endpoints, and confirm current access arrangements with the Department of Conservation.
- Glade Wharf
The starting point of the Milford Track, at the head of Lake Te Anau. The approach includes a boat journey, followed by an hour or two of walking to the first hut.
- Sandfly Point
The finishing point of the Milford Track in Milford Sound. Plan departure arrangements separately from access to Glade Wharf.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Milford Track
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Milford TrackAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Milford Track
Planning to fish Milford Track, New Zealand? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in New Zealand are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Milford Track?
- A New Zealand fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current New Zealand fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Milford Track
Thinking about hunting Milford Track, New Zealand? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in New Zealand are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Milford Track?
- Confirm the land around Milford Track is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in New Zealand?
- A New Zealand hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A point-to-point walk through Fiordland
The Milford Track crosses mountain country and temperate rainforest in Fiordland National Park, in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. Its 53.5 km route starts at Glade Wharf at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishes at Sandfly Point in Milford Sound. Between those endpoints, the landscape includes rainforest, wetlands and an alpine pass. That combination makes this a multi-day mountain walk rather than simply a forest trail. The Department of Conservation classifies the Milford Track as a Great Walk. For planning, its point-to-point layout is important: the finish is separate from the start, so arrival and departure arrangements need to be considered together. Build the trip around both endpoints, not just the walking distance.
Walking time and overnight facilities
Most walkers complete the main trail in 15 to 20 hours of hiking spread over three days, with an additional hour or two needed to reach the first hut from a boat. Keep that initial approach separate when estimating the time needed for the trip. The Department of Conservation maintains three huts along the track: Clinton Hut, Mintaro Hut and Dumpling Hut. There are also three private lodges and four day shelters. These facilities provide the framework for a multi-day journey, but their presence should not be treated as confirmation of availability or a particular overnight arrangement. Confirm current accommodation and access requirements with the Department of Conservation before committing to transport or a walking schedule.
Preparing for forest and alpine terrain
Preparation should account for both the wet forest setting and the exposed character of an alpine pass. Carry rain protection, layers suitable for changing mountain weather, and a way to keep essential gear dry. Footwear should be appropriate for sustained walking through rainforest, wetlands and mountain terrain. The overall distance and several days of walking also make pack comfort and a manageable pace important. Use the stated hiking times as a broad planning guide rather than a promise of how quickly any individual will travel. Although some people run the Milford Track in one day, that is not the usual walking pattern. For a walking trip, plan around the multi-day journey and check current conditions with the Department of Conservation.
Route options
- Milford Track multi-day walk53.5 km (33.2 mi)
Follow the point-to-point route from Glade Wharf to Sandfly Point through rainforest, wetlands and an alpine pass. Most walkers spend 15 to 20 hours hiking over three days, plus an additional hour or two from the boat to the first hut.
- Milford Track one-day run53.5 km (33.2 mi)
Some runners complete the same full track in one day. This is an alternative pace for the established route, not a shorter trail or the usual walking itinerary.
Sample itineraries
- Milford Track with a separate arrival day · 4 days
Allow an arrival day for the boat to Glade Wharf and the walk to the first hut, followed by three hiking days toward Sandfly Point in Milford Sound. The 53.5 km route crosses rainforest, wetlands and an alpine pass. Confirm the overnight sequence and transport with DOC.
- Experienced runner's single-day traverse · 1 day
Single-day runs of the 53.5 km track have been completed, but this is not a standard walking itinerary. Consider it only with substantial mountain-running experience, suitable conditions and confirmed access arrangements. The route runs from Glade Wharf to Sandfly Point through remote mountain and rainforest terrain.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Plan for wet rainforest travel and changing mountain weather. Check current alpine-pass conditions with DOC rather than assuming the season alone makes the full route suitable.
Summer
Summer
Rain protection remains important in temperate rainforest. Carry layers for the alpine pass and confirm current track conditions, hut arrangements and boat transport before committing.
Fall
Fall
Prepare for wet ground and variable temperatures between forest and alpine terrain. Keep essential clothing dry and check current conditions before setting out.
Winter
Winter
Treat the mountain setting and alpine crossing as reasons for additional caution. Ask DOC about current conditions and suitable experience; do not assume a summer-style walking plan or transport arrangements apply.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Plan for wet rainforest travel and changing mountain weather. Check current alpine-pass conditions with DOC rather than assuming the season alone makes the full route suitable. |
| Summer | Summer | Rain protection remains important in temperate rainforest. Carry layers for the alpine pass and confirm current track conditions, hut arrangements and boat transport before committing. |
| Fall | Fall | Prepare for wet ground and variable temperatures between forest and alpine terrain. Keep essential clothing dry and check current conditions before setting out. |
| Winter | Winter | Treat the mountain setting and alpine crossing as reasons for additional caution. Ask DOC about current conditions and suitable experience; do not assume a summer-style walking plan or transport arrangements apply. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current access requirements, hut arrangements and any permits with the New Zealand Department of Conservation before planning the trip.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Wet rainforest and wetland terrain can make footing slippery; use footwear with reliable grip.
- The alpine pass brings exposure to changing mountain weather; carry waterproofs and insulating layers.
- The 53.5 km route requires sustained effort. Typical hiking time is 15–20 hours over three days, plus the initial walk from the boat.
- Boat access to Glade Wharf adds a logistical dependency; confirm transport before setting out.
What to pack for Milford Track
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Insulating layers for alpine terrain
- Waterproof protection for spare clothing and sleeping gear
- Footwear with reliable wet-ground grip
- Navigation tools and route information
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp
- Food appropriate to the planned walking days
- Water containers and treatment method
- Sleeping equipment matched to confirmed accommodation provisions
Milford Track FAQ
- Where does the Milford Track start and finish?
- It starts at Glade Wharf at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishes at Sandfly Point in Milford Sound. It lies in Fiordland National Park in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island.
- How long is the walk?
- The track is 53.5 km. Most walkers spend 15–20 hours hiking over three days, excluding an additional hour or two from the boat to the first hut. Allow separately for arrival logistics.
- What accommodation is along the route?
- DOC maintains Clinton Hut, Mintaro Hut and Dumpling Hut. There are also three private lodges and four day shelters. Confirm accommodation arrangements and provisions before deciding what to carry.
- What terrain does the track cross?
- The route passes through temperate rainforest and wetlands and crosses an alpine pass amid Fiordland's mountains. Pack for both wet forest travel and exposed mountain conditions.
- Who manages the track?
- The New Zealand Department of Conservation classifies the Milford Track as a Great Walk and maintains its three public huts. Contact DOC for current track conditions and trip requirements.