It took me 35 years to do this hike - and it was definitely worth the wait! It's tempting to avoid the country's most popular trails, thinking that they may be overrated, or too busy. But I guess they are popular for a reason, and this hike was amazing. I loved it. Highly recommended if you are lucky enough to get yourself a ticket!!
This track is 53.5 km (33 miles) long, and will take you 4 days. It passes through beautiful sections of the Fiordland National Park, and crossing MacKinnon Pass (1,154 metres) on the 3rd day. Everyone must walk in the same direction, and stay in the 3 allocated huts along the way. (https://www.newzealand.com/nz/feature/milford-track/)
Bookings usually open in June each year and all tickets are gone very quickly. For more details, see https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/milford-track/
The track's remote location makes access a bit tricky, requiring a boat trip at the start and end of the track, but there are plenty of shuttle operators in the area with many transport options to choose from.
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| Van shuttle from Te Anau to Te Anau Downs |
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| Boat shuttle from Te Anau Downs to the start of the track |
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| Heading out on day 2 |
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| A place to sit and wait if the river is unpassable after rain |
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| Setting off in the dark on day 3 |
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| the climb up to MacKinnon Pass |
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| Day Shelter on the top |
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| Day shelter to escape the sandflies while having a rest |
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| early start on day 4 |
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| Track finish at Sandfly point, and boat pick up area |
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| 10 minute boat trip to Milford Sound and a nice cafe! |
