Milford Track
Milford Track
5
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Great Walks season is October - April. Outside this period facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional safety hazards to consider. Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
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5.0
372 reviews
Excellent
333
Very good
24
Average
7
Poor
3
Terrible
6
Patrick
Lucerne, Switzerland2 contributions
Feb 2020
There were already severe rain warnings (300 - 500 mm of rain within 2 days) announced days in advance starting in the afternoon on the first walking day by metservice.com.
Once arrived at the visitor center, the guy told me, that everything will be save and I just should take enough food for extra days with me. However; I might walk in and most likely, I won't be able to do the whole hike and walk back out. Which sounds reasonable, but gave already a bad taste.
Around 10am on the first hiking day, they sent out a e-mail, that the track is closed and I can't go. They haven't even tried to call.
My initial plan was to go over Dore Pass, therefore I would have ended up in the first hut without the information getting to me.
Furthermore you are standing there without an accommodation for the night.
It gives me the feeling, that it is all about the money and hope that the hikers are canceling it without getting a refund to get more on their bank account.
For that price, I would expect a more professional management and giving out information earlier, latest the evening before. And give the option of cancelling with severe weather conditions coming up.
Once arrived at the visitor center, the guy told me, that everything will be save and I just should take enough food for extra days with me. However; I might walk in and most likely, I won't be able to do the whole hike and walk back out. Which sounds reasonable, but gave already a bad taste.
Around 10am on the first hiking day, they sent out a e-mail, that the track is closed and I can't go. They haven't even tried to call.
My initial plan was to go over Dore Pass, therefore I would have ended up in the first hut without the information getting to me.
Furthermore you are standing there without an accommodation for the night.
It gives me the feeling, that it is all about the money and hope that the hikers are canceling it without getting a refund to get more on their bank account.
For that price, I would expect a more professional management and giving out information earlier, latest the evening before. And give the option of cancelling with severe weather conditions coming up.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthias_Auckland
Brunnen4 contributions
Feb 2020
Do the Milford Track, they said. It's the "finest walk in the world", they said.
Hardly ever in my life have I been more disappointed. I was partly disappointed in myself because I believed the hype about the track, but mostly because the Milford Track is just not worth the effort, the money nor the time.
Be aware: The Milford Track is located in one of the wettest places in the world. This alone should make you suspicious. The marketing people at DOC back in the day probably thought let's try and sell the wettest place in New Zealand by calling the Track the "finest in the world". Well, it should be called "wettest in the world". The problem is: You have to book so early in advance you never know what the weather will be like. Most likely it will pour down.
This means not only will you definitely get wet, you will get soaked, even if you have good gear. Because good rain gear will protect you from the rain, but you'll sweat because that gear won't let air out, so you'll get soaked from the inside (even if it's cold outside). And you can't dry your clothes or shoes, because the huts are not equiped for that. So be prepared to walk in wet shoes for three or four days. The DOC folks in Te Anau called the wetness "part of the fun". Yeah, good fun indeed for an hour, but certainly not for three days.
Another thing: You basically walk in a forest the entire time. All you see is bush and more bush with one or two clearings per day. It's nice bush, but after hours and hours in it it would be nice to see mountains or something else. And on the MacKinnon pass it probably rains so even there, where you're meant to have a beautiful view, you'll most likely see a wall of grey 50m in front of you. So if you're into views: Definitely don't do it. You'll be disappointed, no question.
Ah yes, have I mentioned the sandflies? As soon as you want to have a break, they attack you. So don't even think about having a peaceful lunch time break. You'll just want to eat your sandwich as quickly as possible and then carry on - screaming children for an entire night are more peaceful and enjoyable than that.
So no, never in my life would I recommend this walk. DOC does an awesome job at PR for a terrible track. I'm sure every time someone books it they laugh and say: "Look, we've sold the wettest and most overrated walk in the world to another idiot!" Don't buy it! There are dozens of walks alone in NZ that are nicer than the Milford, try them!
Hardly ever in my life have I been more disappointed. I was partly disappointed in myself because I believed the hype about the track, but mostly because the Milford Track is just not worth the effort, the money nor the time.
Be aware: The Milford Track is located in one of the wettest places in the world. This alone should make you suspicious. The marketing people at DOC back in the day probably thought let's try and sell the wettest place in New Zealand by calling the Track the "finest in the world". Well, it should be called "wettest in the world". The problem is: You have to book so early in advance you never know what the weather will be like. Most likely it will pour down.
This means not only will you definitely get wet, you will get soaked, even if you have good gear. Because good rain gear will protect you from the rain, but you'll sweat because that gear won't let air out, so you'll get soaked from the inside (even if it's cold outside). And you can't dry your clothes or shoes, because the huts are not equiped for that. So be prepared to walk in wet shoes for three or four days. The DOC folks in Te Anau called the wetness "part of the fun". Yeah, good fun indeed for an hour, but certainly not for three days.
Another thing: You basically walk in a forest the entire time. All you see is bush and more bush with one or two clearings per day. It's nice bush, but after hours and hours in it it would be nice to see mountains or something else. And on the MacKinnon pass it probably rains so even there, where you're meant to have a beautiful view, you'll most likely see a wall of grey 50m in front of you. So if you're into views: Definitely don't do it. You'll be disappointed, no question.
Ah yes, have I mentioned the sandflies? As soon as you want to have a break, they attack you. So don't even think about having a peaceful lunch time break. You'll just want to eat your sandwich as quickly as possible and then carry on - screaming children for an entire night are more peaceful and enjoyable than that.
So no, never in my life would I recommend this walk. DOC does an awesome job at PR for a terrible track. I'm sure every time someone books it they laugh and say: "Look, we've sold the wettest and most overrated walk in the world to another idiot!" Don't buy it! There are dozens of walks alone in NZ that are nicer than the Milford, try them!
Written 10 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
expatbizzum
Wellington, New Zealand42 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
So the first hut is a bit of a waste of time and it would be easy to make the second hut on day one. The trek is ok with one reasonable day of ascent over the pass. We didn’t get much of a view but it was a good walk none the less. We had to do the ‘emergency decent’ track on the far side of the pass due to rockfall dangers; it is tricky to find a rhythm due to the big steps required. Amazing rain on our last day which made the rock walls pour with water. We did a car relocation with EasyHike - great service and highly recommended.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S K
Wellington, New Zealand79 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We’re just off the Milford Track after four fantastic days. Yes, there was rain and wind - inconveniently on the McKinnon Pass crossing - but the rain just made the waterfalls better the next day. Ultimate Hikes run a slick operation: it seems quite casual, but it’s really highly choreographed. The lodges are comfortable and the wine and food is very good (and so much better than lugging the stuff in yourself)! The lodge crews are enthusiastic and capable. And it’s really great fun getting to know an interesting group of international travellers better night by night. The guides (ours were Michael, Caitlin, Scott and Maia) were just magnificent. Who’d want to stand out in a tempest at the top of McKinnon Pass handing out hot lemon tea to straggling walkers? Well, Caitlin did just that. These youngsters are soon off to find new jobs for the winter. Our group of 50 walkers would give them all a reference in a heartbeat. The sheer beauty of the scenery wins out in the end, but the competition it faced from other facets of the walk was as stiff as the wind at the top of the pass. If your legs are up to it, don’t miss it!
Written 5 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl P
Christchurch, New Zealand14 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Milford Track is amazing. All the huts are great - no pots or plates so take your own but there is gas. DoC wardens are great so do listen carefully to what they say especially in regards to your safety. Tracks are great and poles make them even better. Expect rain…expect lots of rain.
What I would do differently next time - get a rainproof poncho that goes over me and bag (cover blown off up on pass, and over three rain filled days the packs got wet so more weight to carry). I would also take either a waterproof camera or a waterproof lanyard around my neck with my phone in it to take pictures. The extra food recommended by DoC was invaluable (we stayed an extra night on track due to high winds and track flooding). And if you wear glasses try contact lenses. And don’t forget your sandfly repellant.
What I would do the same… dehydrated my own main meals (but took store brought mashed potato). Having the car easy hike relocated made it easy at Milford Sound end and took the stress out of sorting all the boat rides. Going on a nature walk with DoC warden Ross helped my flora knowledge throughout. Being happy it rained because you see Milford Sounds in all her glory 😀
What I would do differently next time - get a rainproof poncho that goes over me and bag (cover blown off up on pass, and over three rain filled days the packs got wet so more weight to carry). I would also take either a waterproof camera or a waterproof lanyard around my neck with my phone in it to take pictures. The extra food recommended by DoC was invaluable (we stayed an extra night on track due to high winds and track flooding). And if you wear glasses try contact lenses. And don’t forget your sandfly repellant.
What I would do the same… dehydrated my own main meals (but took store brought mashed potato). Having the car easy hike relocated made it easy at Milford Sound end and took the stress out of sorting all the boat rides. Going on a nature walk with DoC warden Ross helped my flora knowledge throughout. Being happy it rained because you see Milford Sounds in all her glory 😀
Written 25 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arcticozzie
Perth, Australia121 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
This is an activity I've always dreamt of doing, finally in a position to be able to afford a family trip to NZ and the number one thing on the list for me was the Milford Track. We are a Family of 4, (2 Adults and a 13 and 15 year old), signed up with Ultimate Hikes getting the last spots available, which meant the kids had to pay the full adult price.
Trip is amazing, views, organisation, accommodation, food, hard to fault. Booked in June for a New Years Day Departure.
Weather was perfect, trip was 10/10
Trip is amazing, views, organisation, accommodation, food, hard to fault. Booked in June for a New Years Day Departure.
Weather was perfect, trip was 10/10
Written 10 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jakeyoc
2 contributions
Apr 2021
Great relocation system, easy to use lock boxes, so nice to have the car waiting at the other end.
So far the most stunning walk I have done (and I have done a lot) Incredible place. Don't be afraid of the rain We had the perfect amount, which was magic for all the waterfalls. Vista upon vista, Knowledgeable rangers, flora and fauna in every beautiful shade of green.
P.S Fiordland O,& Easyhike, great team.
So far the most stunning walk I have done (and I have done a lot) Incredible place. Don't be afraid of the rain We had the perfect amount, which was magic for all the waterfalls. Vista upon vista, Knowledgeable rangers, flora and fauna in every beautiful shade of green.
P.S Fiordland O,& Easyhike, great team.
Written 29 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kassie
Auckland, New Zealand36 contributions
Dec 2019
Did this independently, my first time on a multi-day hike! It was a magical experience. The hut rangers make you feel welcome and give you all the necessary information on weather, etc. The first night, we even got a crash course in plants. The scenery is fantastic, was extremely lucky to have good weather on Mackinnon Pass day with spectacular views. It's not too difficult even for someone who hasn't hiked multi-day before, though your feet are very worn out by the end. Overall one of my best memories!
Written 23 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jos
2 contributions
Jan 2022
Deserves it status as a great walk of the world. It was outstanding from start to finish. It exceeded all expectations, especially the vegetation and waterfalls, pools and swimming holes. Easyhike provided seamless transport connections and were excellent to deal with.
Written 21 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie, Wellington NZ
5 contributions
Jan 2021
This walk was everything I had hoped for and more. I did the Ultimate Hikes guided walk, which was expensive but was totally worth it. We didn't have any rain at all throughout the whole walk, which was heaven. We got to see stunning views of the mountains and also enjoyed several swims in the sun (the water was freezing). We saw quite a few birds and the birdsong an amazing backdrop to the beautiful landscape. I loved looking at the waterfalls and the water in the streams and rivers, which was at times breathtakingly clear or had beautiful tones of greens and aqua. The waterfalls were still amazing, even without the rain. And there was no wind ...
Written 4 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are mattresses provided in the shelters, or do I need to bring one?
Written 23 November 2024
Hi! Has anyone experience walking the milford track with children? our youngest will be 9 - very fit and has previously walked the Queen Charlotte Track successfully. Any advice or tips?
Written 7 September 2021
Not with kids but have walked and ran milford and queen charlotte. Your 9 year old will be fine. You guys will love the milford track.
Written 8 September 2021
Is there charging points in DOC huts?
Written 13 February 2021
Would leg gaiters be advisable for this trek?
Written 26 December 2019
Hi, you can do without them in my opinion. Throughout the walk, we were lucky to have dry weather. Not much rocks, soil or sand throughout the walk to make it annoying. Mostly water, though. If it rains, be prepared to walk in wet boots. That's what everyone's doing anyway.
Written 22 April 2020
Hello, I noticed areas of the track are sometimes flooded to knee level or above. Is it reasonable to remove one's hiking books and wear sandles or water shoes at those points and change back to boots later? It would seem that walking in wet hiking boots could be a bit miserable. Does anyone have a good suggestion for this?
Written 23 December 2019
Unfortunately wet boots are pretty much a part of completing the track. We spent the first two days actively trying to avoid puddles and water, however on the third day the rain was so heavy that most off the section of track had turned into a stream.
And there were so many river crossings that it would take far too much time to take your boots on and off, plus it would be quite dangerous to try and cross in sandals and the river stones can be incredibly slippery. Sadly not many alternatives.
Written 26 December 2019
I'm worried about the difficulty. I've heard mixed things about the altitude and difficulty of the definitely. My husband and I aren't avid hikers but we do get out a few times a year. We did Tongariro yesterday up until the bus stop but took a couple of breaks during the ascend. Previously we've also done the Sulphur Track in Banff which was a continuous uphill climb with breaks scattered in between. What would you say the difficulty of Milford is?
Written 14 November 2019
We saw people of all ages and fitness levels completing this walk. It’s very doable at your own speed taking breaks as and when required. The day up and over the McKinnon pass is the hardest day but again taking breaks will see you make the top. Weight is the variable the more you pack the more you carry, in your question it is not clear if you are walking independently or as part of a catered group. The key difference being independent walkers carry their food which will make a difference to the weight you are carrying. Food aside it is common to walk in the same gear on consecutive days so the tip is pack light wear layers and reuse yesterday's thermals, it can get cold so don't under pack on warmth.
Written 17 November 2019
I’m doing the walk at the beginning of Nov 19, what do I need to take in terms of clothing. I’ve been given advice on what to take but some seems OTT....what do I actually need without going crazy?
Thanks
Written 20 October 2019
It goes without saying that the weather in this beautiful part of the world will play a part in your walk. Rain on an average of 250 days per year means you are likely to encounter some. I now believe if you don't you are unlucky. We had 1 wet day and what a difference it made the valley came alive. A hundred waterfalls that had not been there the day before and the rivers roared. It is also not out of the question for this part of NZ to have snow in November if a front moves in. it's also worth noting that the top of the McKinnon pass sits at 1154 metres aboves sea level. It is common to walk in the same gear on consecutive days so the tip is pack light (waterproof layers as well as thermal) wear layers and reuse yesterday's thermal. The more you pack the more you carry. That said we walked in February (one of our warmer months) and it was bitterly cold (gloves and beanies) and raining at the top of the pass.
Written 21 October 2019
I'm looking to do this in December, and I'm wondering about the steepness/technical difficulty of Mackinnon pass. Is the track reasonably okay for someone who isn't an experienced climber? Is there any point at which a slip of the foot could send you plummeting?
Written 19 August 2019
The climb is not technical, climbing and descending Mackinnon pass is the most challenging part of the walk, that said you can stop often to rest and take in the beautiful views. On the day we went over the pass there were young and old walkers with varying levels of fitness, everyone made it in their own time. Enjoy
Written 20 August 2019
Hola te quería consultar acerca del Milford Track, a tu criterio cual sería el mes mas apropiado para realizar esta hermosa caminata y sacar fotos de esos increibles paisajes, sé que no tuviste buen tiempo, quiza fue una excepcion pienso, como
estuviste allá valoraría mucho opinión al respecto, gracias y saludos desde Argentina!
Written 19 February 2019
A little more... you can go on a guided tour where you stay in their nice lodge. This is expensive. Or you can go self guided where you stay in huts. Much cheaper. Both have advantages. I went on the self guided hike and throughly loved it. Remember, either way, register early - there are limited openings.
Written 2 March 2019
Hi There,
Just wondering how you booked the boat from Sandfly point to Milford Sound? I can't seem to find this with ease!
Hiking in April!
Written 3 August 2018
There is a link in your Confirmation E-mail to allow on-line booking. You can't book transport without first having booked the huts. Unless you're travelling in the "off-season' ?
Written 29 September 2018
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