Milford Track

Route overview

Boat to Glade Wharf; Clinton Hut; Mintaro Hut; Omanui/McKinnon Pass; Dumpling Hut; Sandfly Point and booked exit boat.

The Milford Track is a fixed-direction wilderness journey with mandatory hut nights and transport logistics during the Great Walks season. Walkers follow the Clinton Valley, cross the alpine pass, descend beside waterfalls and finish at Sandfly Point. Fiordland rainfall, flooding, avalanche exposure and the absence of mobile coverage make schedule discipline and self-sufficiency essential.

Trail facts

Country

New Zealand

Region

Southland / Fiordland, with Routeburn Track also crossing Otago

Distance

53.5 km one way

Typical duration

4 days / 3 nights

Difficulty

Hard

Elevation gain

Over 500 m ascent to Omanui/McKinnon Pass on day 3; approximately 1,000 m descent to Dumpling Hut

Best season

Great Walks season 1 November 2026–30 April 2027; winter only for expert, fully equipped parties

Trail type

Point-to-point multi-day track

Access and logistics

Permits and access

No separate hiking permit, but hut and all transport bookings are required in season; camping is prohibited.

Safety context

Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.

Flooding can make valleys impassable; avalanche risk may extend into December; heavy rain, snow, strong wind, slips, strict boat deadlines and no cellular coverage.

Highlights

Clinton Valley, Omanui/McKinnon Pass, Sutherland Falls side trip, Mackay Falls, Lake Ada and Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.

Why find a buddy

A buddy improves decisions around weather, river conditions, pace, hut logistics and emergency communication.

Primary source

Open the primary route source.

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