Milford Track
A world-famous Great Walk through Fiordland National Park.
Route overview
A point-to-point Great Walk through Fiordland National Park, traditionally walked from Glade Wharf to Sandfly Point.
The Milford Track is one of New Zealand's most celebrated hikes. It passes through rainforest, valleys, alpine passes and waterfalls before ending near Milford Sound.
Trail facts
- Country
- New Zealand
- Region
- Fiordland
- Distance
- 53.5 km
- Typical duration
- 4 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- 1,000 m
- Best season
- October–April
- Trail type
- Point-to-point
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Bookings are required during the Great Walks season. Access transport by boat and bus must be planned.
- Bookings
- Milford Track places can sell out quickly. Hikers should book well ahead and coordinate transport carefully.
Safety context
Bookings are required in season. Weather can be wet and conditions can change quickly.
Heavy rain is common and can affect the track. Bookings, transport and strict itinerary structure make planning important.
Typical itinerary
The classic Milford Track itinerary takes 4 days and 3 nights, with fixed hut stages during the Great Walks season.
Highlights
Clinton Valley, Mackinnon Pass, waterfalls, Fiordland scenery.
Why find a buddy
Milford Track is a good buddy trail because bookings and logistics are fixed, and many hikers prefer sharing the experience with one or two others.
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.