A Quick Guide To The Milford Track

The Great Walks in New Zealand are premier walking tracks that are maintained by the government’s Department of Conservation. These are some of the most stunning and varied hikes, taking you through the best nature this country has to offer. The Milford Track is one of the most famous Great Walks, running through Fiordland National Park on the South Island retracing the steps of early explorers. Whether you choose to do the track in its entirety or want to sample just a taste of it, here are a few things you need to know.

Important information about the Milford Track

Distance: 53.5 km one way

Duration: 4 days to complete the entire track

Starting point: Glade Wharf at the head of Lake Te Anau, 27 km from Te Anau

Finish point: Sandfly Point in Milford Sound

Accommodation: 3 well-serviced huts along the track

Options: Independent walk or guided walks

Milford Track Day Walk

Milford Track hut facilities 

The 'Great Walks season' describes peak tramping seasons, generally from mid-spring (October) to mid-autumn (April). During this time, the tracks become more heavily trafficked, therefore it’s required to book huts in advance to ensure you have a place to sleep during your hike as camping is not allowed on the Milford Track. However, this also means that facilities will be better maintained. Huts will have gas cooking stoves, flush toilets and resident wardens to help guide your experience.

During the Great Walks season, the facilities you can expect at each hut include:

• Dorm-style bunks with mattresses
• Flushing toilets, running water, washing basins (no showers)
• Cooking facilities with fuel, tables and seating (no cooking utensils)
• Heating with fuel available
• Resident DOC ranger to help advise your experience

Outside the Great Walks season, hut facilities are reduced. During this time, gas is not provided, the flush toilets are replaced with pit toilets, there is no running water and there aren’t any DOC rangers based at the huts. However, you don’t need to book your bed in advance as beds are first come, first serve. Because this period falls during the colder seasons, flood and avalanche risks exist. Bridges are also removed and water crossings will be required.

Outside the Great Walks season, the facilities you can expect at each hut include:

• Dorm-style bunks with mattresses
• Pit toilets
• No running water, but water can be obtained from the outside water tank
• Cooking area with tables and seating, but you need to bring your own stove and utensils

Please note: we recommend all hikers visit the Fiordland DoC (Department of Conservation) Office before undertaking the Milford Track for the most up to date track information. This is particularly important when hiking out of season as weather and track conditions can change quickly.

It is essential to book your Milford Track hut in advance, and they often sell out within 24 hours. Bookings for Milford Track huts will typically go on sale for the next season in May time, so make sure you're ready to book with your desired dates in mind! Bookings can be made on the DOC Milford Track Hut webpage.

Milford Track Transport

The Milford Track requires both road and boat transport. If you are walking independently (not with a guided group), you will travel one way from Te Anau Downs to Milford Sound. You will get a transfer boat across Lake Te Anau to the start of the track at Glade Wharf, and an afternoon shuttle boat from Sandfly Point at end of the track into Milford Sound. From there, choose a coach back to Te Anau or all the way to Queenstown, or select a boat-only option if you are arranging your own road transport.

If you would like to self-drive, our boat only option gets you to the start and off the track by water; free parking is available at Te Anau Downs, and you will need to organise a vehicle relocation or transport back to your car after you finish. Prefer everything taken care of? Book a coach and boat from Te Anau or Queenstown for an easy, joined-up journey at both ends. We operate two daily lake departures in season (typically 10.30am and 2.00pm), with comfortable catamarans, onboard bathrooms and local commentary. 

Finishing your tramp with time to spare? You can add a Milford Sound Day Cruise as a celebratory finale; our afternoon sailing is designed to line up with walkers coming off the track, and our team can help you match the timings and onward coach connections.

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