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With thanks to Susan Talty
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LOCATION
The Milford Track (53.5 kilometres) is in the heart of spectacular Fiordland National Park which is part of the Te-Wahipoumanu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.
The track starts at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishes in Milford Sound. Te Anau, the nearest township, has a full range of accommodation, shopping and hire services.
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A SHORT HISTORY
Donald Sutherland and John Mackay found Mackay and Sutherland Falls in 1880, and possibly also crossed Mackinnon Pass before pioneer explorer and surveyor Quintin Mackinnon.
In 1888, Sutherland and others were commissioned to cut a track up the Arthur Valley as far as Sutherland Falls, while Mackinnon was employed to cut a track up the Clinton Valley from the head of Lake Te Anau. On 17 October 1888, Mackinnon and his companion Ernest Mitchell reached the head of the Clinton Valley, crossed the pass and continued down the Arthur Valley on the track cut by Sutherland. |
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THE TRACK
The rewards of walking the Milford Track are many. Once described as the finest walk in the world, the Milford Track is one of New Zealand’s most popular walks, with approximately 14,000 people completing the track each year.
Walkers can expect:
- Parts of the track to have a rough or uneven walking surface
- To walk through flood water up to a metre deep after / during heavy rain
- To cross unbridged streams
- To get wet and muddy boots – it’s part of the Milford Track experience
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WEATHER
Fiordland National Park has a cool, temperate climate with unpredictable and sometimes heavy rainfall, and weather systems that change rapidly.
Unpredictable weather patterns mean that cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain, which can cause temporary surface flooding on the track, can occur at any time of the year. Be prepared for at least one wet day on your trip. Remember, exposure/hypothermia can affect anyone when the weather is wet, cold and windy, and hypothermia can kill. Correct clothing is essential. Please check current conditions before departing on your trip.
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EXPERIENCE/FITNESS LEVEL
Any fit person can walk the Milford Track. You will need to be able to carry all your own food and equipment over rough, rocky, uneven surfaces, climbing and descending for up to 20kms a day. It is an ideal trip for groups or individuals.
Make sure all of your party is capable of undertaking the trip. Physical fitness and good equipment will make the difference to your enjoyment, regardless of the weather. |
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RECOMMENDED CLOTHING
You will need at least one complete set of clothes to walk in and another dry set to change into at night. It is not possible to dry clothes in the huts. It is essential that this clothing is carried as your safety and the safety of others could well depend on it.
Please Note: cotton clothing such as jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts is not suitable. Polypropylene, or other high quality outdoor fabrics, are recommended. |
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EXAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1: Glade wharf - Clinton hut
Day 2 : Clinton hut - Mintaro hut
Day 3 : Mintaro hut - Dumpling hut
Day 4 : Dumpling hut - Sandfly point |
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ARRANGEMENTS
Walkers need to arrange transport connections before they pick up their accommodation passes or tickets from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau. Bus and boat companies depart daily during the booked walking season, servicing both ends of the track.
There are three Department of Conservation huts on the track; Clinton, Mintaro and Dumpling. During the booked season huts are supplied with gas cookers, tables, benches, cold running water, lighting and heating in the main kitchen/dining hut. | |
