The Milford Track begins at Te Anau Downs and finishes at Sandfly Point at Milford Sound. Booking a walk with a tour provider. We recommend you plan your trip early so you can nab those ideal dates. In addition to what to take in the Great Walks season, you also need: Take five minutes and learn how to prepare for a multiday tramp and #MakeItHomeNZ. 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. Te Anau, the nearest township, has a full range of accommodation, shopping and hiking gear hire services. The cost per person, per night is really expensive: $140 NZD and that’s only for a bunk in the Milford Track huts, nothing else! Further along the track, you will reach the dramatic Mackay Falls and intriguing Bell Rock. Instant confirmation for most services upon booking * (*loop packages confirmed within 24 hours) Booking | Tracknet Transport × Great Walks Update: Milford & Routeburn Track transport packages are now live for 2020/2021 season! But it doesn’t have to be. guided Milford Walk, visit the tours page. In what conditions? The Milford Track starts at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishes in Milford Sound. Hardly ever in my life have I been more disappointed. Organising track transport to and from the Milford Track can get confusing. In the Great Walks season (27 October 2020 – 30 April 2021): Best time to walk the track - there are more facilities and fewer hazards. During winter it’s not imperative to book huts, but it is important to buy hut tickets before you begin your walk via the DOC visitor center. The Milford Track is a public walk, so although you can't use the huts without a booking or camp (you can't camp anywhere on the track) you can day hike. Hut bookings are essential during this period and Milford Track hut reservations are open from 9:30am on Tuesday 18th August 2020 on the Department of Conservation website. Quintin McKinnon and Donald Sutherland opened up the Milford Track in 1889 and began guiding tourists through the now world-famous route. Booking Tickets for the Milford Track Huts: Jackson booked our tickets back in the Spring before we hiked in December. The track may only be walked in one direction, Glade Wharf to Milford Sound, during the booked walking season (late October to late April), with a maximum of 40 independent walkers permitted to start the track each day. In 2019, the Great Walks season runs from 29 October 2019 to 30 April 2020. The refund will be processed to the credit card used to pay for the booking. To have a safe and enjoyable trip, it's essential you have appropriate clothing and equipment. Proof of eligibility will be required for the New Zealand rate. Hikers keen to get onto the Milford Track, but unable to get a booking, will have a different way to explore it with a new water taxi service. In order to access the Milford Track walkers need to take a boat journey across the lake, from Te Anau Downs, a short drive from the town of Te Anau on state highway 94 (the Milford Road). There are many transport operators for the Milford Track, if you are travelling with a tour company, this will be taken care of. Is it possible to sleep in our own tent? You will need to have navigation and alpine skills to traverse this section of the track. Early settlers. Instant confirmation for most services upon booking * (*loop packages confirmed within 24 hours) Booking | Tracknet Transport × Great Walks Update: Milford & Routeburn Track transport packages are now live for 2020/2021 season! Your safety is your responsibility. View current conditions on the MacKinnon Pass webcam. Booking a Milford Track experience. Once you arrive, take some time to checkout the great swimming holes near the hut, or take a short walk around the wetland boardwalk. The track may only be walked in one direction, Glade Wharf to Milford Sound, during the booked walking season (late October to late April), with a maximum of 40 independent walkers permitted to start the track each day. If you get a boat from Sandfly Point, you can do a hike to the Giant Gate Falls and back. Reserva online, paga en el hotel. The Milford Track is without a doubt the most well known of New Zealand's 'Great Walks'. It’s long and winding with three distinct ‘arms’ and several outstanding waterfalls…, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. The Milford Track can be undertaken as a guided walk or walked independently. A gradual climb follows the Clinton River to its source, Lake Mintaro, at the base of the renowned Mackinnon Pass. Fiordland National Park experiences very high rainfall (up to 9000 mm per year) and weather conditions can change quickly in any season. June Vidrine, Active Adventures New Zealand ‘Manuka’ trip, March 2017, Milford Track LocationMilford Track Hiking Gear ListMilford Track ReviewsMilford Track Photo GalleryMilford Track VideoMilford Track HistoryMilford Track FAQMilford Track ItineraryHiking Tours New ZealandThe Great Walks Discovery ‘Takahe’ tripMilford Track Blog, Apr 11, 2015 | Hiking New Zealand, New Zealand Photos & Videos, Doubtful Sound is the deepest of all the fiords. Your email address will not be published. Time: 1 hr 30 min returnThe side trip to Sutherland Falls is a definite highlight that is highly recommended and well worth the effort. Any idea when bookings will open for the next season? Discounts are not available online. There are many transport operators for the Milford Track, if you are travelling with a tour company, this will be taken care of. This website aims to be a comprehensive information resource on the Milford Track, letting you have all in the information you need in one place. Gas is not provided – you will need to bring your own cooking stove. Cheers! One of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Milford Track is a spectacular 3-day hike traversing through the very best scenery Fiordland has to offer. PLEASE NOTE: If you are a Concessionaire, School Or Community Group and have NOT registered, Please register for an account. There are a number of specialist tour operators who can aide you in bringing your Milford Track walking experience to life. The Milford Track is a public walk, so although you can't use the huts without a booking or camp (you can't camp anywhere on the track) you can day hike. The best way to end your Milford Track walk. Until 27 October 2020, you can go far as Dumpling Hut (Dumpling Hut will be closed from 27 October to 29 November 2020). During the summer season it is essential to book all three huts on the track beginning from the Lake Te Anau end and staying in each hut consecutively over your trip. The full 3 night, 4 day Milford Track walk will reopen from 30 November 2020 to 30 April 2021. The world famous Milford Track begins at Glade Wharf at the head of Lake Te Anau. Thanks. Great restaurants, quality accommodation in a remarkable alpine setting make Te Anau a very appealing place to prepare for (or recover from) walking the Milford Track. If you already have an active Shopping Cart, you need to ensure you have enough time remaining to complete the booking and payment. Hi, I want to visit the Milford track in february 2016, do you know if it is possible? Experience first hand why this is called the 'finest walk in the world' as you take part in a 5 day / 4 night all-inclusive guided walk through the heart of Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Transport arrangements can be affected by bad weather. The Milford Track is listed as one of the ten New Zealand's Great Walks. Milford Track. Fully guided, this is the perfect way to get a taste of the Milford Track if you're limited on time. Also the youngest member of that group was born 30/1/56! Take a look at these businesses to find out if a walking tour is right for you. There are over 57 avalanche paths, which may bring avalanche debris to the valley floor. The Milford Track begins at Te Anau Downs and finishes at Sandfly Point at Milford Sound. Consider guided walks on the Miford Track (Destination Fiordland website). How far in advance do I need to book? A few hours' drive from Te Anau is the bustling town of Queenstown, home to a large range of accommodation and things to do. While the track is repaired, you can only do a return walk from Glade Wharf. The boat will drop you off at Glade Wharf where the track starts as a gentle run through the temperate rain forest. Cheers. On the third day you will climb over 500 m to Mackinnon Pass and then descend 1000 m to Dumpling Hut. Contact a transport operator for information: You need to be totally self-sufficient. This multi-day hike will take you through ancient rainforests and valleys, and past magnificent waterfalls, pristine lakes, and snow-capped mountain peaks. track is not recommended for children under the age of 10, due to the exposed  mountainous environment and often adverse weather conditions. To book Milford huts you’ll need to visit the Department of Conservation website. About the Milford Track. New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand: A 10% discount is available to members, staff and instructors of the following organisations, who also hold a valid 12 month Backcountry Hut Pass: NZ Mountain Safety Council; NZ Federated Mountain Clubs; NZ Deer Stalkers Association; NZ Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR); Scouts New Zealand; GirlGuiding NZ. Where is the Milford Track? You need to take a boat transfer to access the start of the track (Te Anau Downs to Glade Wharf) and then again at the end of the track (Sandfly Point to Milford Sound Township). Payment is with Backcountry Hut Tickets or a Backcountry Hut Pass - buy these from a DOC visitor centre before you go. Guided walkers stay in separate huts and have a value-added experience through accommodation, hosting and service while independent walkers stay in Department of Conservation (DOC) huts … Officially there is no camping on the Milford Track at all. The Milford Track is quite short only just over 50 kms, so I decided to add the Routeburn Track to the trip. There are a number of specialist tour operators who can aide you in bringing your Milford Track walking experience to life. But it doesn’t have to be. Know how to use these tools. This multi-day hike will take you through ancient rainforests and valleys, and past magnificent waterfalls, pristine lakes, and snow-capped mountain peaks. If you would like to book the Milford Track please contact either Active Adventures New Zealand (nz@activeadventures.com) or the Department of Conservation. Actually it helped us to overcome the Jet Lag (12 hours time difference to our home … The track passes through the heart of Fiordland National Park all the way through to Milford Sound and has a long history. Booking a walk with a tour provider. The Milford Track can be undertaken as a guided walk or walked independently. Book online, pay at the hotel. All cancellations must be made in writing and sent to info@ultimatehikes.co.nz or Ultimate Hikes Reservations, PO Box 259 Queenstown NZ, 9348. No reservation costs. A DOC ranger is in residence. Alpine areas are usually covered in snow. The impressive falls drop 580 m in 3 leaps from Lake Quill. Cross the Clinton River on this impressive 72 metre suspension bridge, built by Fijian engineers in 1978. 3 nights accommodation on track + 1 night at Milford Sound in our private lodges. Sin costes de reserva. How long is the Milford Track? The Milford Track Day-By-Day. The Milford Track can only be walked in one direction over 3 nights and 4 days. The huts along the Milford Track have to be some of the nicest I have ever seen. Contact the operator for further information. Once described as the finest walk in the world, the Milford Track is one of New Zealand’s most popular walks, with approximately 14000 people completing the Milford track each year. December/January is usually fully booked within minutes, the remainder of the season is usually fully booked within weeks. Click here for our other Great Walks we offer. I and my girlfriend would like to walk the track. Pierre Perrod, Hi Pierre, We will likely have 7 people in our party. Check the DOC website for exact booking dates as these do vary from year to year. The Milford Track is located in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island and starts at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishes in Milford Sound. Take your camera and capture the stunning panoramas from, Adult (18+ years): $70 per person, per night, Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required, Child (17 years and under): $35 per person, per night. Perhaps the most famous of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks, the Milford Track is some 53.5km (33.2 miles) in length, taking you from Glade Wharf at the head of Lake Te Anau to Sandfly Point at Milford Sound.It follows the Clinton Valley to the Mackinnon Pass, which you then walk up and over to descend into the Arthur Valley, leading to Milford Sound. Guided walkers stay in separate huts and have a value-added experience through accommodation, hosting and service while independent walkers stay in Department of Conservation (DOC) huts … From here, you’ll drop steadily through an attractive alpine garden to the valley floor, passing several waterfalls along the Roaring Burn River before arriving at Quintin Shelter. Be aware: The Milford Track is located in one of the wettest places in the world. We (2 french people) want make Milford Trek 20 April ; Is-it possible? Many of the bridges are removed over winter to avoid damage from avalanches, so you must be competent at crossing large, swift, icy rivers. This is a DOC Great Walk and as such receives a very large number of visitors per year. Your email address will not be published. Water can be obtained from the outside water tank; if this is frozen, then from the nearest water course or by melting snow. Find hotels near Milford Track, New Zealand online. If you get a discount you won't be charged a booking fee. A maximum of 40 independent walkers are allowed to start the Milford Track hike each day. The track may only be walked in one direction, Glade Wharf to Milford Sound, during the booked walking season (late October to late April), with a maximum of 40 independent walkers permitted to start the track each day. During winter, transport operators require minimum numbers and do not always operate a daily service. You must discuss an alternative option with transport operators before you begin your walk. I’d like to know more about dining and sleeping accommodations. milford track transport packages ONE EASY BOOKING, EVERYTHING TAKEN CARE OF The magic of Fiordland is well known, but the logistics of getting to, and around it can be a hassle – especially when it comes to transport. Bookings are required for huts and transport. Could you link to this page instead: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/milford-track/fees-and-bookings/, Sure thing Melissa, I’ve done that now. Or ?. It may still be possible to book the Milford Track for April, which is autumn down here, so a bit cooler but generally settled weather. Camping is not permitted on the Milford Track. Take a look at these businesses to find out if a walking tour is right for you. For full details, see Know before you go on the Mintaro Hut page. Cheers! The rule for the Great Walks is you either stay at the designated campsites (of which there are none on the Milford track) OR you are at least 500m off the track… so in essence the backcountry. Huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting and cold running water. Unless you strike it lucky with a cancellation the track is usually fully booked soon after bookings are opened in June. Check the Fiordland National Park weather forecast (MetService website). Since the Milford Track sells out almost as soon as it is for sale, to avoid disappointment and if you are booking with not so much advance notice, why not try one of our alternate walks in New Zealand, such as the Routeburn, Kepler, Abel Tasman, Queen Charlotte or Kaikoura Coastal Track. The ‘Manuka’ trip was beyond any expectations I could have dreamed of! The Milford Track is one of the most magnificent and well-known experiences in Fiordland. It's the "finest walk in the world", they said. for whom New Zealand is their primary place of established residence. So our Department of Conservation (DOC) controls how many people hike this iconic track. The cost effective way to experience this 4 day walk is the freedom or Independent walk using Department of Conservation huts (carrying your own food and bedding). I have memories that will last a lifetime, best money I have EVER spent. Milford Track is open in summer from the last week of October to the end of April and from the start of May to the end of October in winter. Boats, buses and car relocation services all operate for the Milford Track. The best way to end your Milford Track walk. Time: 6–7 hrDistance: 14 kmClimb to Mackinnon Pass and the memorial to explorer Quintin McKinnon, with exceptional views of Lake Mintaro and the Clinton Canyon along the way. Do the Milford Track, they said. Know the Outdoor Safety Code - 5 simple rules to help you #makeithome. Booking a walk with a tour provider If you prefer to enjoy all of the benefits of a guided Milford Walk, visit the tours page. Adult (18+ years): $15 per person, per night, avalanche equipment: beacon, snow shovel, avalanche probe, mountain radio or satellite messenger (optional). Click cancel button. The Milford Track is known as ‘the finest walk in the world’ and is perhaps the most famous of the nine New Zealand Great Walks.Experience the stunning grandeur of Fiordland National Park and be awed by its natural wonders: sheer ice-carved valleys, mountain passes, refreshing glacier-fed rivers, peaceful forests and cascading waterfalls. Booking a walk with a tour provider The Milford Track is known as ‘the finest walk in the world’ and is perhaps the most famous of the nine New Zealand Great Walks.Experience the stunning grandeur of Fiordland National Park and be awed by its natural wonders: sheer ice-carved valleys, mountain passes, refreshing glacier-fed rivers, peaceful forests and cascading waterfalls. Milford Track in November - cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur anytime. Thank you for your answer. The Milford Track is one of the most magnificent and well-known experiences in Fiordland. Good availability and great rates. Be aware: The Milford Track is located in one of the wettest places in the world. My kids are 9 and 8 and use to take walks, is the track okay fore them? Where is the Milford Track? From late October to April, experience 'the finest walk in the world' - along valleys carved by glaciers, through ancient rainforests and past cascading waterfalls. Understand []. Required fields are marked *. So our Department of Conservation (DOC) controls how many people hike this iconic track. It's the "finest walk in the world", they said. About the Milford Track. In order to access the Milford Track walkers need to take a boat journey across the lake, from Te Anau Downs, a short drive from the town of Te Anau on state highway 94 (the Milford Road). A 40ltr backpack - that will contain your belongings and you will carry with you. Think New Zealand. Flush toilets are replaced with pit toilets. Cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur at any time of the year. Thanks. Parts of the Milford Track are exposed, steep, slippery, rough and muddy. Are there different levels of inns or hotels? Buena disponibilidad y excelentes precios. Highlights. Here’s how you can arrange track transport in one easy booking. Al l in the company of experienced guides. Durng the Great Walks season, full transport packages are available from one of these independent operators. Click OK to continue. Enjoy an easygoing 4-hour walk on an undulating, well-formed section of track. Huts must be booked in advance. There are alternate avalanche bypass tracks to be aware of, when conditions are bad these become compulsory so be aware of them. Milford Track Guided Walks - Ultimate Hikes; Trips & Tramps; New Zealand Walking Tours (opens in new window) nz@activeadventures.com After finishing your walk, take a spectacular flight from Milford Sound Airport to Queenstown Airport and get back to Queenstown in less than 40 minutes (instead of a 5-hour bus ride). During the winter months Fiordland can be very wet and cold. Milford Track starts on Lake Te Anau. In this blog, I will cover the Milford Track … Guided walks give the opportunity to stay in more comfortable accommodation, but if you want to stay in a hut, it pays to check availability early as they do fill up fast, especially in summer. The huts do not provide cooking utensils or showers. For the Milford Track you have to book into huts to sleep along the route and on Tuesday at 9.30am the bookings opened, by 9.36am the beds were nearly all sold out for summer 2019.