About this event
February 2028 marks our Fiordland return to the Milford Track — walked as a group, DOC huts booked together, one continuous four-day crossing from Clinton to Sandfly Point. This is a fully coordinated Wakahi trip: group hut bookings, water taxi and shuttle transfers arranged, and a WhatsApp group for the logistics in between. Spaces are limited and mandatory training applies for anyone new to the group or who has not walked with us in 6+ months. Full trail details, terrain, and what to expect are on the Milford Track trail page — this page covers what is specific to walking it with us.
Photos
No photos yet. Attendee photos will appear here once the event is underway.
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 (48-50 Lakefront Drive). Participants must arrive in Te Anau no later than Saturday 13 February. Mandatory boat transfers at both ends — strictly a one-way track. Early booking of Te Anau accommodation is essential.
- Departure time: 8:00 am
Costs
| Item | Amount (NZD) | Group Booking |
|---|---|---|
| DOC Huts (3 nights: Clinton, Mintaro, Dumpling) | $318 NZ / $456 intl - TBC in April 2027 | Yes |
| Flights | $300 | No |
| Base accommodation (Te Anau, pre/post) | $50-150 | No |
| Shuttles to/from Te Anau | TBC | Yes – in November 2027 |
| Pre/post-hike water taxi | TBC | Yes – in November 2027 |
| Member Contribution | $50 NZ / $100 INTL | Yes |
Contributions are due 1 week after huts are booked and are non-refundable. No pulling out after huts are booked unless a suitable replacement is found.
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.
Restaurant options (average cost per person):
- Redcliff Restaurant and Bar (12 Mokonui Street) - ~$60
- Ditto (92 Town Centre) - ~$45
- La Toscana Pizzeria (108 Town Centre) - ~$45
Voting coming soon.
What to bring
Gear
- Backpack 50-65L with a rain cover
- Waterproof pack liner or heavy-duty liner bags
- Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag - bunks have mattresses but no bedding
- Quick-dry hiking clothing - no cotton
- Thermal base layers, top and bottom
- Insulated jacket, down or synthetic
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen
- Trekking poles
- Headtorch plus spare batteries
- 2L water capacity
- Personal first aid and blister care
- Insect repellent - sandflies are constant in Fiordland
- Hut shoes or lightweight sandals
- Quick-dry towel and toiletries
- Earplugs for the shared bunkrooms
- Phone and power bank in a dry bag
- Rubbish bag - everything you carry in comes out
Food
- All food for the full walk - carry it in, carry the rubbish out
- Breakfasts: instant oats, coffee or tea
- Lunches: wraps, crackers, cheese, salami, tuna
- Trail snacks: nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, muesli bars
- Dinners: dehydrated meals, or pasta or couscous with a sauce
- Electrolyte tablets or drink powder
- Carry a full extra day of food. Weather can close the track and force an unplanned night in a hut, which the group has had happen
- Gas cooking rings are provided in the huts, so no stove is needed
- Water is available at every hut
Important notes
- Mandatory group training: if you have not walked with the group (or not in 6+ months), you must attend at least 2 day walks before the event or face removal and replacement
- No pulling out once group bookings are made unless an acceptable replacement is found
Safety
- Moderate/high fitness required
- Organiser carries a PLB
- Fast walkers must stay within 500m of the group
YOUR SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Useful links
Reserve your spot
9 of 15 spots remaining.
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Who's going (1)
-
Rafick Organiser
Discussion
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