Milford Track

New Zealand's 'finest walk' lives up to its billing. The Milford Track carves through Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, taking you from the head of Lake Te Anau to Sandfly Point in Milford Sound. Over 53 km, you'll traverse ancient rainforests, cross swing bridges over glacier-fed rivers, and climb Mackinnon Pass for jaw-dropping views of alpine meadows and waterfalls. It's a journey that immerses you in the raw, primal beauty of the South Island.

Highlights & What to See

• Mackinnon Pass – the track's high point, offering panoramic views of Fiordland's peaks and valleys, with the chance to see kea (mountain parrots) soaring overhead.
• Sutherland Falls – at 580 metres, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world; feel its mist as you approach on a short side trail.
• Giant Gate Falls – a powerful cascade that thunders through a narrow gorge, just before the final stretch to Milford Sound.
• Lake Ada & Clinton River – serene stretches of water reflecting the surrounding cliffs and forest, perfect for spotting native birds like the tūī and kererū.
• Milford Sound – the grand finale, where you emerge at sea level to see the fiord's sheer cliffs and waterfalls; take a boat cruise to fully appreciate the scale.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers complete the track in four days and three nights, booking huts or guided lodges in advance. Allow for a full day of travel to and from the track, including a ferry across Lake Te Anau to the trailhead. The track is one-way and well-marked, so pacing is steady but not rushed. Plan for a half-day at the end to explore Milford Sound before heading back to Te Anau or Queenstown.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Milford Sound – the track ends here; take a scenic cruise or kayak tour to see seals, dolphins, and waterfalls from the water.
• Doubtful Sound – a deeper, quieter fiord accessible via a boat and bus trip from Manapouri; fewer crowds and a more remote feel.
• Te Anau – the gateway town to Fiordland, with a lovely lakefront, glowworm caves, and access to other Great Walks like the Kepler Track.

Please check official sources for current details.