About this event

Between Hump Ridge and Routeburn we have two days based in Te Anau, and on the second of them we are heading into Piopiotahi / Milford Sound.

Milford Track bookings did not come through for this season, but that is no reason to miss the place itself. We are running a full day at the fiord with two options, so everyone gets the version of it they want.

We travel together from Te Anau by shuttle - around two hours each way through some of the most dramatic road scenery in the country. Keep a camera within reach for the Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes and the approach to the Homer Tunnel. At the Milford Sound foreshore the group splits.

Option A - Day walk on the Milford Track

A water taxi takes you across to Sandfly Point, the official end of the Milford Track, and you walk the final section in reverse. It is flat, beautifully graded and about 11 km return through ancient rainforest along the Arthur River, with swing bridges and the waterfall views at Giant Gate Falls. You finish on the path Milford trampers walk out on, without the four-day commitment. Water taxi back to the foreshore when you are done.

Option B - Milford Sound nature cruise

A cruise on the fiord itself: towering cliffs, waterfalls dropping straight into the water, fur seals on Seal Rock, and Mitre Peak rising 1,692 m directly from the surface. Cruise length depends on the operator and the timing we lock in.

Both groups regroup at the foreshore for the shuttle back to Te Anau.

This is a logistics-heavy day with three booked components - shuttle, water taxi and cruise. Please tell us which option you want as early as you can so we can book accurate numbers.

Photos

What Wakahi Walks does

• Organise the event from start to finish
• Lead the group on the track
• Book huts, campsites or lodges (as applicable)
• Arrange logistics — transport and carpool coordination
• Group coordination and safety planning
• Organise training events

Your contribution covers this organising work — not just the hut bookings.

Logistics

• Departure point: Te Anau - exact pickup point TBC
• Departure time: 8:00 am

Costs

Pre-event and post-event group dinners

We usually meet for a group dinner before the walk and a celebration dinner after it. Both are optional, but most attendees join.

What to bring

Important notes

• Confirm your option, walk or cruise, as early as possible so group bookings can be made accurately
• Three components need booking on your behalf: shuttle, water taxi and cruise
• Costs are approximate and will be confirmed closer to the date
• The walk option requires the water taxi both ways - there is no road access to Sandfly Point

Safety

• Fiordland weather changes quickly and rain is the norm rather than the exception. Carry the waterproof layer even on a clear morning
• Sandflies at Sandfly Point and along the Arthur River are persistent. Repellent is not optional
• Water taxi and cruise departures run to a fixed timetable. Keep to the agreed return time so the group is not split at the foreshore
• The track is flat and well graded but the surface stays wet under the canopy. Watch your footing on the swing bridge approaches

YOUR SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

Useful links

• Event discussion on the forum
• Blog
• Forum
• Wakahi Guides

Reserve your spot

Discussion

Hosted by Rafick · A Wakahi Walks / Great Walks of New Zealand Meetup event