Milford Track
One of the finest hikes in the world!
Hike in ancient glacier carved valleys, through lush rain forest, over spectacular mountain passes and past cascading waterfalls.
You’ll soon discover why Milford Track can’t be beaten.
General Info:
Duration: 3 nights / 4 days
Length: 53.5km
Season: October-April
From: Te Anau Downs & Glade Wharf to Sandfly Point Milford Sound.
Depart from: Queenstown, Te Anau or Te Anau Downs.
Return to: Queenstown, Te Anau or Te Anau Downs.
Getting there: See Getting There section below and find our 2025/2026 bus time table here.
Suitable for: Hikers with a medium level of fitness.
Accommodation: Department of Conservation huts. The Milford Track huts provide basic accommodation including bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, simple cooking facilities (you will need your own cooking utensils), solar-powered lighting and cold running water (boil before use). Showers are not provided.
Requirements: DoC hut tickets and all camping equipment.
Hut Tickets: Available here - they sell out quickly, so be prepared.
What to take to walk the Milford Track: For a full list of what you need to take, visit our What to Take page or if you would rather hire your hiking equipment and have a food package prepared for you, you can here.
Important to know:
There is no cellphone coverage.
No food is available at the huts or on the track so bring all foods and snacks with you.
Weather conditions can change quickly in any season, so come prepared for all conditions, and track closures are possible so travel insurance is recommended.
Showers are not provided at the huts and water needs to be boiled before use.
Dogs are not allowed.
Essential App: Download The Great Walks App here
Getting There: Milford Track Transport
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.
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Track Transport
Great Walks Bus has all your Milford Track Transport needs covered. Departing from Te Anau or Queenstown.
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Self Drive
Want to self drive no problem but you will still need to book your water taxi and return bus back to your car.
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Car Relocation
Want to drive to the start of the track and have your car meet you at the other end? No problem our car relocation partners have you covered.
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Hiking Packages
Want everything (almost) taken care of? Check our some of our hiking packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Milford Track?
The walk is 53.5km.
Do you have to stay at every hut on the Milford Track?
Yes, you are required to stay at all DoC huts on the Milford track during the Great Walks season.
Does your bus operate everyday?
Our buses operates everyday from Queenstown & Te Anau from early October to late May.
Does your track transport operate on public holidays?
Yes, we operate every single day during Great Walks Season.
What happens if I miss the 14:30 return shuttle?
It is roughly 18km from Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point on your last day of hiking. It is a easy last day of hiking compared to the other days and almost everyone is off the track by 2pm in time for the 2.30pm bus. If you prefer more time to take and only returning to Te Anau there is a 5pm option.
Milford Track History
The track was established in 1888 by Europeans as an overland route between Lake Te Anau and Milford Sound, however the route was already known to local Maori as a renowned route for pounamu (greenstone) traders. The pioneering settler, Quintin McKinnon, who had arrived from the Shetland Isles in Scotland, became the first Milford Track guide and his name was given to the 1000m high pass, Omanui/McKinnon Pass along with Lake McKinnon, the Quintin Huts and the St. Quintin Falls in Clinton Valley.
In 1890 they decide the track needed an upgrade and wanted to turn it into a road and build huts along the track. Prisoners and convicts were brought in to make this happen but due to the environment, lack of equipment, and prisoners falling ill or escaping into the bush, this idea was quickly abandoned and the government was put in charge. By 1908 the Milford Track was described as ‘The Finest Walk in the World’ by the London Spectator, and today over 110 years later, we think it is still one of New Zealand’s and the world’s greatest walks.
Unfortunately, Quintin MacKinnon didn’t live to see this happen, in 1892 he was declared missing. Although his wrecked boat was found in Lake Te Anau, his body was never found and he is presumed to have drowned.
Fun Facts
Milford Track is home to New Zealand’s tallest waterfall, the Sutherland Falls,the falls are 580 metres tall.
McKinnon pass is named after the first Milford Track guide Quintin McKinnon.
Milford Track has been used for over 1000 years by the Maori as they came to Milford sound to fish and collect precious pounamu (greenstone).
Milford Track was the only route to Milford Sound until the highway was built in 1954.
Milford Track is 53.5km.
More Information
For more information about the Milford Track, please see the DoC website.