Milford Track
✓ Verified against the agency · DOCThe 'finest walk in the world' — 53.5 km one-way from Glade Wharf on Lake Te Anau to Sandfly Point at Milford Sound. Crosses McKinnon Pass (1,140 m), passes Sutherland Falls (580 m), through ancient beech forest and the Arthur Valley. Maximum 40 independent walkers per day. Camping prohibited. Boat access at both ends.
Distance
53.9 km
Max elevation
1,140m (McKinnon Pass)
Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Safety classification
DifficultyMulti-day trek
GuideNo guide needed
GearNo technical gear
OfficialYes
MaintainedYes
Season
Great Walk season 1 Nov–30 Apr (2026/27: 1 Nov 2026–30 Apr 2027, last departure 28 Apr). In season a non-technical booked-hut walk. Off-season (1 May–31 Oct) it is a serious alpine undertaking: snow, ice, short daylight, 57+ avalanche paths and unbridged flooding streams — ice axe, crampons and alpine skills required.
Hazards
- ▲sudden weather change
- ▲extreme rainfall
- ▲river/stream flooding