Milford Track

One of the world's most famous multi-day hiking trails, traversing through rainforest, past waterfalls, and across mountain passes to reach Milford Sound. It's a bucket-list trek offering breathtaking scenery and immersion in Fiordland's raw wilderness.

Things to do

• Hike Milford Track — Complete the 53.5 km four-day guided walk from Glade Wharf to Milford Sound, passing through native beech forest, climbing MacKinnon Pass, and crossing suspension bridges over rushing streams.
• View Sutherland Falls — Trek to New Zealand's tallest waterfall at 580 metres, cascading down sheer cliffs on day three of the track near the Clinton River valley.
• Cross MacKinnon Pass — Ascend to the 1,154-metre mountain pass on day two, offering panoramic views across the Darran Mountains and Clinton Valley before descending to Quintin Lodge.
• Cruise Milford Sound — Take a scenic boat cruise from the track's endpoint through Milford Sound to encounter Mitre Peak, rainforest cliffs, and marine wildlife including dolphins and penguins.
• Camp at Dumpling Hut — Stay overnight at this backcountry hut nestled in the beech forest on day one, immersed in the soundscape of native birdlife and flowing water.
• Explore Clinton Canyon — Walk through the lush Clinton River valley on days one and two, observing native moss-covered beech trees and native bird species adapted to the temperate rainforest.
• Visit Homer Tunnel — Walk through the historic 1.2 km tunnel carved through solid rock in the 1930s to access Milford Sound, now part of the track exit route.

Food to try

• Fresh Greenshell Mussels — Sample locally farmed mussels from Milford Sound served fresh at lodges and restaurants, highlighting the pristine marine environment of the fiord.
• Fiordland Venison — Enjoy tender wild venison sourced from the surrounding region, often prepared with local berries and served at lodges along the track.
• Whitebait Fritter — Try this traditional New Zealand delicacy made from juvenile whitebait caught in local rivers, served as a golden pan-fried patty.
• Lodge Packed Lunches — Each day on the track includes a packed lunch provided by lodge operators, typically featuring fresh bread, local cheeses, and cured meats suited for hiking energy.
• Native Bush Berries — During season, forage or enjoy local dishes incorporating horopito and other native Fiordland berries found along the track.

Local customs & good to know

• Book well in advance — The Milford Track is strictly quota-controlled and permits fill months ahead, requiring booking through the Department of Conservation or licensed operators to secure a place.
• Respect Māori heritage — Acknowledge that Fiordland is Ngāi Tahu ancestral land; local guides often share Māori history and place names like Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) to deepen cultural understanding.
• Prepare for extreme weather — Fiordland receives some of New Zealand's highest rainfall; packing waterproof gear and remaining flexible with schedule changes is essential and culturally expected by local operators.
• Leave no trace — Strict conservation ethics apply in this fragile ecosystem; pack out all waste and follow hut guidelines to preserve the wilderness for future trampers and protect native species.