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The Milford Track - The Best Walk in the World

Milford-1

Traversing the very heart of New Zealand’s wild fiord country, the Milford Track has long been described as “the finest walk in the world”. Since Quintin Mackinnon pioneered the route in 1888, everyone from hardened trekkers to novices have taken up the challenge of the Milford Track.

The Fiordland National Park is the cornerstone of the Te Wahipounamu Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area. Walkers on the track to Milford Sound enjoy close encounters with the native birdlife: the Robin; Kea; Weka; Fantail; Parakeet; Bellbird; even Kiwi have been spotted! They also experience 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 one and only Milford Track.

Accommodation options on the Milford Track: The Milford Track Guided Walk offers the option to book a private room, complete with ensuite bathroom. Our private rooms are available as queen or twin. You can also choose to stay in a multishare dorm room, catering for 4 – 6 people.

Track Details: This is a 5 Day 55 Kms / 34.8 miles Track difficulty: Moderate.

To view the elevation map – Click Here

Day 0: Pre Track Briefing Queenstown

On the afternoon before your departure you are required to attend a Pre-Track Briefing. Here you will receive a comprehensive outline of what to expect, be provided with equipment, given an opportunity to purchase last minute required items, complete the required medical forms, ask answer any last minute questions that you may have and meet your fellow walkers. Please advise our reservations department if you are unable to attend the Pre-Track Briefing (strongly advised to attend).

DAY 1: Queenstown, Te Anau, Glade House

The adventure begins in Queenstown where you board a coach to Te Anau, arriving in time for lunch and a group photo. From Te Anau Downs harbour, a launch takes up to the head of Lake Te Anau. From the wharf it's a short walk to the historic Glade House for afternoon tea. Afterwards the guides take you on a short nature walk to explore the area. After a hot shower and three-course meal it time to retire.

Walking: 20 minutes / 1.6km ( 1 mile )

Day 2: Glade House to Pompolona Lodge

Cross the emerald green Clinton River by swingbridge then up the Clinton Valley, and on to the Hirere Falls lunch shelter. Check out Mackinnon's original hut site, a detour known as the wetland walk and 'the big tree'.

After lunch the Beech forest gets more luxuriant the further you go and the valley walls climb steeper and higher. On sunny days the swimming hole is a cool but refreshing haven!

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. 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.

Walking 5 - 7 hours, 16km (10 miles )

Day 3 Pompolona Lodge to Quintin Lodge

The most challenging day, 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 as the valley floor drops away beneath your feet.

At the top is 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.

Take 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!

Walking 6 - 8 hours, 15 km ( 9miles )

Day 4 Quintin Lodge to Mitre Peak Lodge

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. 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.

Walking 6 to 8 hours, 21 km ( 13 miles )

Day 5 Milford Sound cruise, Te Anau, Queenstown

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 including Southern Fur Seals, Bottlenose and Dusky Dolphins and sometimes 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."