Many nature enthusiasts dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail or summitting Mount Everest. Others want to accomplish the same level of adventure but in a shorter timeframe. If this is your goal, look no further than New Zealand’s Milford Track.
Get to Know New Zealand
The South Pacific Ocean is home to Māori Aotearoa, also known as New Zealand. Two large islands and a few small islands make up this remote country, more than 1,000 miles from Australia. The biggest urban city in New Zealand is Auckland but its capital is Wellington.
Volcanoes, glaciers, fjords, beaches, and mountains all make up the untamed wilderness of New Zealand. Its history, range of ethnic groups, and array of lifestyles contribute to its rich culture. New Zealand is roughly 1,000 miles long and 280 miles wide.
The Milford Track
The Milford Track is New Zealand’s most famous walk. It’s almost 33 miles (53 kilometers) long and begins at Lake Te Anau in southwest South Island, New Zealand. The track will take you across various terrain and scenery. Suspension bridges, boardwalks, lakes, waterfalls, and a mountain pass are part of the adventure.
The Recommended Itinerary
On average, it takes most walkers about four days and three nights to complete the Milford Track. However, you can do it in as many or as few days as you deem fit. The following is the recommended stretch for an intermediate walker. It’s important to note that the Milford Track can only be walked in one direction. Be sure to pack the necessary items for a safe and comfortable trek.
Day 1
At the start of your journey, you will have to take a 1-hour and 15-minute boat ride across Lake Te Anau to reach the beginning of the track, where you will encounter your first suspension bridge, forest, hut, and swimming holes. This part of the trek is a mere 3 miles (4.82 kilometers) total. Many walkers, however, spend their first night at Clinton Hut. If you think you might want to stay at Clinton Hut, be sure to make reservations ahead of time.
Day 2
Compared to day one, the gradual climb of day two will offer a few more challenges but you will be rewarded with incredible scenery. Day two is almost a 10-mile (16-kilometer) walk from Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut. You’ll first follow the Clinton River to beautiful Lake Mintaro. Throughout the rest of your day, views of Hirere Falls, Mackinnon Pass, and the Pompolona Icefield will keep you company. As with all the accommodations along the Milford Track, you’ll need to book your space ahead of time.
Day 3
Day three’s hike is about 8.5 miles (13.6 kilometers) from Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut, and it will test your coordination skills slightly, as you zig-zag your way up to MacKinnon Pass and Memorial. This is where you may want to take a short break to take in the spectacular views of the trek you’ve just made. The good news is that on this day, you also start descending.
Day three will take you to several stunning waterfalls, an alpine garden, and the Roaring Burn River, which all lead you to Dumpling Hut (you’ll need reservations for this one as well).
Day 4
The last 11 miles (80 kilometers), from Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point, will continue to motivate and inspire you with views of Arthur River, Mackay Falls, Bell Rock, and Lake Ada. At Sandfly Point, you’ll take your second boat ride to the end of your wilderness expedition.
The Huts at Milford Track
Don’t expect luxurious lodging at the huts, but they offer 40 bunks, cooking space, heating, lighting, flushing toilets, and tap water. It’s highly recommended that you boil the tap water before drinking.
Hut rates will cost you up to $140 per person, per night. Fees depend on the time of year and age. You can show up without a reservation, but you risk the chance of being charged a penalty fee or being turned away if the hut is full. Camping is not allowed on the track.
Know Before You Go
Packing the necessary gear is vital to having a great experience. Checking with Milford Track experts and rangers is your best bet to knowing what to bring. Keep in mind that you need enough food to survive several days. There is no access to food on the track. There are fees associated with your walk, including lodging, boat rides, and unexpected expenses that may arise such as equipment rental.
With the basic knowledge, careful planning, and proper preparation, you’re on your way to one of the world’s most exhilarating walks. With impressive landscapes, abundant wildlife, and proximity to Fiordland National Park, the Milford Track is guaranteed to be a walk of a lifetime.