New Zealand — Nearest city or town varies by section.
The finest walk in the world
Distance: 53.5 km
Elevation Gain: 1150 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4 days
The Milford Track is a 53.5km, four-day one-way Great Walk through Fiordland National Park, running from Lake Te Anau to Piopiotahi/Milford Sound. Granite peaks, lush rainforest, hanging valleys, and spectacular waterfalls make this New Zealand’s most famous walking track. Access is by boat at both ends, adding to the sense of remoteness and adventure.
Complete information for walking the Milford Track — including transport, bookings, gear, and insider tips — is available in the Wakahi Guide.
Often called the finest walk in the world, the Milford Track follows the Clinton and Arthur Valleys through the heart of Fiordland National Park. After a gentle first day beside the Clinton River, the route climbs steadily to MacKinnon Pass for sweeping alpine views before descending into the lush Arthur Valley. The track showcases towering granite walls, deep-green temperate rainforest, and countless waterfalls that thunder to life after rain.
This Great Walk maintains its reputation through carefully managed access — only 40 independent walkers per day are permitted, creating an exclusive wilderness experience. The combination of dramatic alpine scenery, pristine rainforest, and the iconic boat journeys at each end makes the Milford Track a bucket-list adventure that fully delivers.
The Milford Track was pioneered in the late 1800s by Quintin MacKinnon and Ernest Mitchell, who established an overland route between Lake Te Anau and Milford Sound for early tourism. Long before European exploration, Māori travelled these valleys seasonally to access pounamu (greenstone) and other resources. The track names reflect both Māori heritage and early surveying history.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
In Great Walk season (late Oct–Apr) huts have wardens and gas cooking facilities, and MacKinnon Pass is usually clear of deep snow. Summer brings long daylight hours but frequent rain that transforms the track into a waterfall wonderland. Spring may hold snow on the pass; autumn offers calmer weather with cool nights and fewer crowds. Outside the season, snow and ice make the pass hazardous and facilities are reduced.
Detailed trail map coming soon
Hut bookings are essential in season and must be paired with boat transfers at both ends. Build in buffer time for weather delays and consider basing in Te Anau before and after for transport flexibility and accommodation options.
Bookings open once per year on the date announced by DOC. Demand is extremely high — huts for the Milford Track often sell out within 30 minutes on opening morning. Create a DOC account in advance, log in early, and have multiple flexible dates ready.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Milford Track (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Milford Track, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The Milford Track passes through pristine alpine and temperate rainforest ecosystems that take decades to recover from damage. Stay on marked tracks, respect wildlife, and carry out all rubbish. The limited daily numbers exist to protect this World Heritage wilderness — tread lightly.
