Milford Track

The Fiordland National Park is the cornerstone of the Te Wahipounamu Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area. Enjoy close encounters with the native birdlife: the Robin; Kea; Weka; Fantail; Parakeet; Bellbird; even Kiwi have been spotted! Walkers on the track to Milford Sound encounter Fiordland at its most spectacular: deep lakes; silent fiords; luxuriant forest and sheer canyons carved out of imposing granite define this landscape. On fine days there is a postcard shot around every corner, but only when it rains and torrents of water cascade down the mountainsides have you truly experienced the magic of the Milford Track.

History of the Milford Track

The Milford Track has a rich history almost as long as that of New Zealand itself. Walking the track gives you a real sense of how it was in the early days of a young nation. Inspire yourself with the deeds of those who shaped our land.

Donald Sutherland, the first European resident of Milford Sound, discovered the Sutherland Falls in 1880, adding to the Milford's reputation as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Sutherland started building a track up the Arthur Valley so visitors could be shown his falls, but access was limited by the rugged Fiordland coast and finding an overland route from the great lakes of the interior became an imperative.

In September 1888, Quintin Mackinnon and Ernest Mitchell set off to build a track up the Clinton Valley, at the northern end of Lake Te Anau. Persistent rain soaked them to the skin, saturated all available firewood and eventually caused a flood which washed their provisions away. After beating a retreat to Te Anau Downs for new supplies, they returned to the valley and on 16th October 1888, crossed a pass which lead to the Arthur Valley, Sutherland Falls and Milford Sound.

The pass was named in honour of Mackinnon and the first track was completed within two years. In 1890 it was a lengthy expedition to Milford Sound, it could take days to row up Lake Te Anau. Mackinnon, who was the first guide, did his best with kaka (a native parrot) and pigeon stew and his famous pompolonas (scones made from mutton fat candles). It was not uncommon to be hut bound by flooding for several days at a time and at the end of it all you had to walk back the way you came.

The track was retained in Government control until 1992 when the licence to operate it was sold to Tourism Milford Ltd. In the past decade extensive time, effort and investment have gone into upgrading the facilities, providing a world class trekking venture.

From these humble beginnings to "the finest walk in the world", the Milford Track takes you on so much more than just a physical journey.

Accommodation

The Milford Track is in the heart of Fiordland, some of New Zealand's most isolated and rugged back country. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy all the comforts of home at the same time. The lodges have been purpose designed and built, with everything right down to the last nail flown in by helicopter! The result is sheer indulgence in the last place you would expect it.

All lodges have drying rooms, flush toilets and hot showers complete with soap, shampoo, conditioner and even hairdryers. A full kitchen treats you with a three course dinner and cooked breakfast, enjoy a drink from the bar before dinner or pick up extra film or sunscreen from the shop. They even have generated electricity (turned off at 10.00pm each evening). Take your pick from multi share accommodation: bedrooms with bunk beds sleeping 4 to 6 people per room; or the new private bedrooms with one queen or 2 single beds and private bathrooms as shown above.

Food and refreshment

After an invigorating day on the Milford Track you will have worked up an appetite. All lodges have a full kitchen and lodge staff have been working to make sure your time inside on the Milford Track is as memorable as your time outside.

Enjoy a snack and cold drink when you arrive at the lodge. A three course dinner follows: hearty home made soup; a traditional New Zealand main; fresh garden salad and no Kiwi meal would be complete without 'pudding' (dessert), and tea or coffee. A selection of New Zealand wine, beer and soft drinks are available for purchase from the bar throughout the evening.

A hot cuppa will be ready and waiting for early risers and breakfast offers a selection of fruit and cereal to a full cooked breakfast of bacon and eggs. Just what you need to send you on your way for another day in the great wide open. Your guides will lay everything out for you to make your own picnic lunch on the way out: a delicious sandwich and your choice of fruit and energy snacks to keep you going through the day. Lunch is on route but there will be hot drinks ready for you at all lunch stops.

For those of you with any special dietary requests or requirements, let us know at the time of booking and we will be more than happy to cater to your needs.

Walking the Milford Track

Day 1 - Queestown to Glade House (1.6km/1m)

Your adventure begins at Queenstown 9.00am where you catch a coach to Te Anau, arriving in time for a light lunch and a group photo. After lunch we drive to Te Anau Downs boat harbour, where a launch waits to take us up to the spectacular northern end of Lake Te Anau. From the wharf it is a short walk to historic Glade House, our first lodge, for a hot shower, filling meal and comfortable bed.

Day 2 - Glade House to Pompolona Lodge (16km/10m)

Leave Glade House and cross the emerald green Clinton River by swingbridge. You make your way up the Clinton Valley, being sure to stop and take it all in as you walk to the Hirere Falls lunch shelter. Your guides will point out Mackinnon's original hut site, a detour known as the wetland walk, 'the big tree' and other points of interest.

After lunch the Beech forest gets more luxuriant the further you go and the valley walls climb steeper and higher. On sunny days follow your guides into the swimming hole, cool but very refreshing!

From here it's onto the Prairie, an open meadow where you can capture the true nature of the ice carved Clinton Canyon. Named the Valley of the Perpendicular by the early pioneers and it is easy to see why as the rock walls tower up to 4000 feet above you. It is a short climb to Pompolona Lodge from here for your second night on the Milford Track.

Day 3 - Pompolona Lodge to Quintin Lodge (15km/9m)

Today is the day people find the most challenging, but also the most rewarding. After an early start the track leads toward the head of the Clinton Valley. As you begin your climb the 3 leaps of St Quintin Falls can be seen and Mt Balloon rears into view, onto the Practice Hill and Lake Mintaro. From here you climb a series of zig zags, the views on the way up will astound you as the valley floor drops away beneath your feet.

Once you reach the top all the effort will be worthwhile. Your guide will be waiting with hot and cold drinks at Mackinnon's memorial cairn. Look out from 12 second drop to the Arthur Valley beneath you. After lunch in Pass Hut the track takes you down a long downhill section to Quintin Lodge. On the rocky descent you will pass towering rock cliffs, glacial streams, moss covered forest, a cascading waterfall section and have your first view of Sutherland Falls.

After a hot cup of tea at Quintin Lodge leave your backpack behind for the 1.5 hour round trip to the mighty Sutherland Falls , fifth highest on the planet at 1904 feet / 540 metres. Take your jacket and dare to walk right in behind the falls, a once in a lifetime experience!

Day 4 - Quintin Lodge to Mitre Peak (21km/13m)

Your final day on the Milford Track. Follow the Arthur River as it makes it's way to Milford Sound. Walk through deep luxuriant beech forest, a final view of Sutherland Falls, glimpses of Diamond Creek and Danger Mountain can be seen before arriving at Boatshed for morning tea.

From here cross the river by swingbridge and carry on to MacKay Falls and Bell Rock. Linger here and savour this unearthly beauty. Follow the track and as you near the 30 mile peg you may hear the steady roar of Giant's Gate Falls, your lunch spot.

The final stretch of the track follows tranquil Lake Ada to Sandfly Point where the Maori goddess Te Hine-nui-te-po released the sandfly to stop men lingering too long in the beauty of Fiordland. From here you catch the launch to Milford Sound and Mitre Peak Lodge, where you will enjoy a celebratory dinner. Relax with the knowledge that the hard part is now behind you while the magnifiicence of Milford Sound spreads before you.

Day 5 - Milford Sound to Queenstown (no walking)

After breakfast embark on your Milford Sound cruise. Out on the Fiord, you realise the grandeur of the surrounding mountains, the centrepiece being Mitre Peak, rising vertically over one mile from the water line.

The Fiord is a marine reserve and a haven for many marine animals. Look for Southern Fur Seals basking on the rocks. Bottlenose and Dusky Dolphins are sometimes found swimming in pods, the latter often performing leaps and flips. In early summer the fiord is also home to the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin, which come into the fiord to mate and raise their young.

Milford’s reputation as being one of the wettest places on earth is not unfounded. But don’t be fooled into thinking you have to see it in fine weather, as Rudyard Kipling described it as the eighth wonder of the world, in rain!

On returning to the wharf, board your coach and climb your way out from Milford Sound and on to Queenstown via Te Anau (arriving at approx 4.15pm), completing your journey of the "finest walk in the world." Please note that this arrival time does not connect with flights from Queenstown.

Milford Track Packages

The Milford Track is open from November to April each year. Prices include transfers from Queenstown, 5 days/4 nights on the track, meals and accommodation at lodges along the route, and return transfers to Queenstown.

2009/2010 season (November 2009 - April 2010)

2010/2011 season (November 2010 - April 2011)

If you would like more information on the Milford Track just fill out our enquiry form or send us an email. Full itineraries and scheduled departure dates are available on request.

Frequently asked questions on walking the Milford Track:

Will I be fit enough?
To enjoy your trek you need to be able to carry a medium sized backpack for 4-8 hours over 10-21km of mountain track each day. To maximise your enjoyment we encourage you to set your own pace whilst walking the track, there is no need to keep up with the fastest walkers. There is always a guide at the back of the party. The track surface varies from smooth, well-formed paths to rough terrain broken up by rocks and tree roots and we recommend that you wear hiking boots, which provide firm ankle support. If you are not a regular walker, we suggest you begin a daily walk regime 6-8 weeks before your departure. Some practice carrying a pack and hill/staircase walking during this time will make you even better prepared for your walk.

What weather should I expect on the month I am walking?
The unpredictable nature of the weather in this region means that snow, high winds and rain can occur at any time of the year. It is therefore very important to be prepared for the worst weather conditions, and carry the appropriate clothing at all times. Generally January and February are warmer, not necessarily dryer. In November and December the mountain lilies are just coming out and there is still snow on the surrounding mountains. If you are a keen photographer this would be the time to walk. The month of March is more settled weather wise: fresh mornings, sunny days, cooler nights and the days are getting shorter. Due to the nature of Fiordland we cannot predict any forecast.

How heavy is the pack?
It's likely to be 5-7 kg (10-14lbs) full.

Do I have to carry my pack or do you transport it?
You carry your own pack from lodge to lodge. Unfortunately we do not offer a service for transporting your luggage.

What clothing do I need to bring?
For walking: boots, polypropylene underwear (top and bottom), fleece or merino hat, fleece jacket, gloves, shorts, walking socks, t-shirt for fine days. For evenings: shirt, trousers, underwear, sandals or light shoes, night wear.

Can I wash my clothes?
Lodges have hand washing facilities with soap powder and drying rooms. Being able to wash and dry clothing helps keep the pack weight down.

Do I have to bring all my clothing with me?
We will lend you a raincoat. If you do not wish to bring all your clothing or do not have a particular item, we have a very reasonably priced shop where items can be purchased prior to your departure from Queenstown.

Where should I leave my excess baggage while I'm walking?
A small bag (we can lend you one if necessary) of clothing for use at Milford Sound will be sent by road from Queenstown to await your arrival at Mitre Peak Lodge. Any further baggage can be stored at your hotel (it is advised that you stay at the same hotel after the Milford Track as you stayed before walking). Please note that because of weight restrictions on our coaches, suitcases can not be transported.

What time do I arrive back in Queenstown?
We arrive at approximately 4pm. This arrival time may connect with some flights from Queenstown. Milford Track walkers can finish at Queenstown airport if required.

How bad are the sandflies?
We recommend that you wear insect repellent each day. They are notably worse on the Milford Track. Insect repellent can be purchased from our retail shop.

Where can I park my vehicle?
Generally the hotels/motels where you are staying will store your vehicle while you are walking, if you are staying on your return. It would however pay to confirm this with your accommodation.

Is there alcohol on the track?
New Zealand Beer and wine is available for purchase at the lodges. This is paid for at the end of your walk.

I am vegetarian. Is this a problem?
Vegetarian meals can be provided on all tracks. We will endeavour to cater for your dietary requirements, however please remember we operate in an extremely isolated and challenging environment.

How many people share the bunkrooms?
Bunkrooms sleep 4 - 6 people with shared bathroom facilities. Private rooms are available on the Milford Track with either a queen-sized bed or twin beds and their own bathrooms. Please request these as they sell very quickly.

I will be travelling by myself, is that a problem?
No problem. It is a great opportunity to walk with like-minded individuals from around the world.

Are there toilets on the tracks?
All of our lodges have flush toilets. There are also toilets (some flush, some Kiwi long drop style!) at all our lunch shelters and huts.