Milford Track

A world-renowned four-day hiking trail through pristine rainforest and alpine landscapes, ending with a dramatic descent to Milford Sound. Often described as one of the finest treks on Earth, it showcases towering peaks, waterfalls, and untouched wilderness.

Things to do

• Hiking the Milford Track — Undertake the famous four-day guided or independent walk from Glade Wharf to Milford Sound, passing through rainforest, alpine meadows, and dramatic mountain passes.
• Climbing Mount Balloon — Ascend this peak accessible from the track for panoramic views of the Darran Mountains and surrounding valleys.
• Crossing Mackinnon Pass — Trek through this iconic high alpine saddle (1,154 metres) on day three, often shrouded in mist but offering breathtaking vistas when clear.
• Exploring Sutherland Falls — Visit this 580-metre three-tiered waterfall, one of New Zealand's highest, reached via a side trail from the main track.
• Cruising Milford Sound — Experience the dramatic fjord at the track's end with its towering cliffs, waterfalls, and marine wildlife on a scenic boat cruise.
• Birdwatching in the rainforest — Spot native species including kea, fantails, robins, and bellbirds throughout the beech forest sections of the track.
• Photography at Key Summit — Capture stunning landscape photographs from this accessible viewpoint with 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Food to try

• Fiordland venison — Sample locally-hunted red deer prepared in restaurants around Milford and Te Anau, showcasing Southland's wild game tradition.
• Fresh greenshell mussels — Enjoy mussels farmed in nearby Doubtful Sound and served in lodges and Te Anau restaurants, often prepared simply to highlight their sweetness.
• Track lodge dinners — Savor hearty three-course meals prepared at Clinton, Mintaro, and Dumpling huts along the trail, featuring locally-sourced ingredients and meat pies.
• Southland blue cod — Try this premium white fish caught from Milford Sound, typically pan-fried and served in Te Anau accommodation before or after the trek.
• Native beech mushrooms — Experience foraged mushrooms from the local rainforest incorporated into lodge meals, reflecting Southland's sustainable food culture.

Local customs & good to know

• Book well in advance — The Milford Track is strictly quota-controlled with only 90 independent trampers and 40 guided walkers permitted per day, so reservations should be made months ahead.
• Respect Māori heritage — The landscape holds deep significance for Ngāi Tahu iwi; treat the land with respect and learn about its cultural importance during your trek.
• Weather is unpredictable — Fiordland's climate can change rapidly with heavy rainfall common; locals emphasize that proper waterproof gear and flexibility are essential, not optional.
• Leave no trace ethos — The tramping community in this region strongly values conservation; carry out all rubbish, use huts responsibly, and stay on marked tracks to preserve the wilderness.