0
Book Now
Milford Experience Package

Milford Track

Connections available from

  • Te Anau Downs
  • Queenstown
  • Te Anau
Milford Track Day Walk - Milford Sound End

One of the finest walks in the world

Hike in ancient glacier carved valleys, through lush rain forest, over spectacular mountain passes and past cascading waterfalls. Starting from Glade Wharf in Lake Te Anau and ending in Sanfly Point in Milford Sound, this 53.5km hike can be completed in 3 nights, 4 days.

Track Transport

General info

  • Length/ duration

    53.5km, 3 days/ 4 nights

  • Season

    October - April

  • Hut Bookings

    Required

    Book through DOC

Bookings

Securing your spot on one of the world's great walks takes planning - hut passes are released through the Department of Conservation and sell out within hours. Mark the date in your diary and be ready to book the moment they go live.

Missed out?

Don't worry, our Milford Experience Package lets you experience the magic of Milford Sound without the overnight booking commitment.

Learn More

Getting There

Getting to and from the Milford Track can seem stressful but with the Great Walks Bus we have all your Milford Track transport options covered. Bus services depart from Queentown or Te Anau, return packages including the water taxi’s, partnership with car relocation businesses and advice for those who want to drive themselves.

The walk itself begins at Glade Wharf, a 45-minute water taxi from Te Anau Downs and finishes at Sandfly Point, a 10-minute water taxi to Milford Sound. Learn more about your different transport options below.

Good to know

Fitness

The Milford Track is a multi-day alpine walk and a good level of fitness is recommended before you go.

What to take

Pack for all conditions as weather can change quickly in any season. For a full kit list visit our What to Take, or choose our Hire Equipment or Food package when you book if you'd prefer to travel light.

Know before you go

There is no cellphone coverage on the track, no food available at the huts, dogs are not permitted, and travel insurance is recommended as track closures are possible.

Helpful links

Milford Day Walk Hero

Milford Experience Package

Our Milford Experience Package offers an exclusive opportunity to experience New Zealand's most celebrated hiking trail without the multi-day commitment. It's perfect for those visiting Milford Sound for the day or staying at Milford Sound Lodge.

FAQs

  • What is the history of the Milford Track?

    The Milford Track was established in 1888 as an overland route between Lake Te Anau and Milford Sound, though the path had been used for over 1,000 years by Māori as a renowned route for pounamu (greenstone) traders. The pioneering settler Quintin McKinnon, who arrived from Scotland's Shetland Isles, became the first official Milford Track guide. His legacy lives on in the names given to the 1,154m high Omanui/McKinnon Pass, Lake McKinnon, the Quintin Huts, and St. Quintin Falls in the Clinton Valley.

    In 1890, authorities decided the track needed upgrading and planned to build a road with huts along the route. Prisoners were brought in for the work, but harsh conditions, lack of equipment, illness, and escapes into the wilderness quickly forced abandonment of the plan. By 1908, the London Spectator famously described the Milford Track as "The Finest Walk in the World" — a title many believe it still holds today, over a century later.

    Tragically, Quintin McKinnon never lived to see this recognition. In 1892 he went missing on Lake Te Anau. Though his wrecked boat was found, his body never was, and he is presumed to have drowned.

  • Can I store my luggage with you?

    Yes, however we can only provide luggage storage on the Milford Track as our lock up is in Te Anau. If you require luggage storage for the Routeburn or Kepler Track we recommend that you speak to your hotel about their luggage storage facilities. 

  • Do you operate all year round?

    We offer a regular service throughout the Great Walks and track season which runs from the 1st November - 30th April. We also operate during fringe season (the first month of off season) which is when the huts become available. Please bear in mind that during fridge season the huts are unavailable to book so operate on a first come first serve basis and they also do not have power.

    If you are looking to walk outside the Great Walks season (1st May -31st October) then we do also offer a private charter service.

  • Can I be picked up or dropped off at my accommodation?

    To ensure all buses leave and arrive on time, we pick all our guests up from set locations - please see below. 

  • Where do the buses depart from, and return to?

    Our buses all depart and return to convenient pick up locations: 

    Central Queenstown, 43 Camp Street, Queenstown, 9300

    Frankton Bus Terminus, Queenstown, 9300

    Queenstown Airport Pick-up/Drop -Off, Frankton, Queenstown, 9300

    Te Anau Central, Fiordland Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau, 9600

    Milford Sound Information Centre & Cafe, 83 Milford Sound Highway, Milford Sound, 9679

  • When do your buses depart?

    You can find our 2025/2026 bus time table here.

  • How big are your buses?

    We offer two sizes of our comfortable buses: a 20 seater and a 17 seater.

  • Do you offer child car seats?

    Yes we do. And we strongly recommend that if your child is under 8, you reserve a child car seat that allows our seat belts to fit your child correctly and safely. If your child is younger than 8 and you do not reserve a car seat and there are none available, they will be unable to travel.