How Long Is New Zealand’s Milford Track?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Arguably New Zealand’s most famous walk, the

53 kilometre

journey begins at the head of Lake Te Anau, and leads you across suspension bridges, board walks and a mountain pass.

How long is Milford Track NZ?

DISTANCE:

53.5 km one way

(transport required). DURATION: 4 Days / 3 Nights (required) – the first day is really short and you can start in the afternoon. START: Glade Wharf, Lake Te Anau via water taxi from Te Anau Downs (27km from Te Anau). FINISH: Milford Sound via water taxi from Sandfly Point.

Is the Milford Track hard?

The Milford Track is a

moderately difficult hike

, requiring a fair level of fitness as long distances are hiked each day. There is a challenging pass on Day 3, but the rest of the walk is suitable for most levels of ability.

Can you do Milford Track in 2 nights?

Can we skip huts and only stay 2 nights on the track?

No, the Department of Conservation manages people on the track very carefully and all hikers must book and stay in all three huts

.

Can you do the Milford Track in 2 days?

As mentioned you can only walk the Milford Track in one direction and you have to book the full itinerary that DOC stipulate. This means – whether you like it or not –

you can only do the track in four days

, and you have to hike 5km on day one, staying in Clinton Hut for the rest of the day.

How many nights is Milford Track?

The Milford Track can only be walked in one direction over

3 nights

and 4 days.

Can you swim on the Milford Track?

Walking the Milford Track


There are a number of swimming holes near the hut

. Begin the day with a gradual climb to the source of the Clinton River, pretty Lake Mintaro.

What is the best time to walk the Milford Track?


March / April / May (Autumn)

Some would say the best time to walk the Milford Track – temperatures are often still warm, the crowds of summer have lessened and there’s not quite as much rain as Spring. Keep in mind the Great Walks season finishes in early May.

How many people walk the Milford Track each year?

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.

Can you do the Milford Track in 3 days?


The walk usually takes 4 days (3 nights in huts

): First day: 3.5km (2.2miles) walk to Clinton hut. Second day: 16.5km (10.25miles) walk to Mintaro hut. Third day: 14km (8.7miles) walk to Dumpling hut (over the Mackinnon pass, 1154m/3786ft)

How fit do you need to be to do the Milford Track?


A moderate level of fitness

is required to complete the Milford Track. How long does Milford Track take? The track can only be walked one way and it will take four days, three nights to complete in Great Walks season. Expect to walk long distances each day and a challenging pass on day 3.

Can you free walk the Milford Track?


Independent (or ‘freedom’) walkers will hike the Milford Track without a guide

and will need to book well in advance, prepare adequately and carry their own gear for the duration of the hike.

How much does Milford Track cost?

Great Walk huts Summer prices (incl GST) Milford Track Updated prices

$110


$55
Previous prices

1

$70 $35

Are there showers on the Milford Track?


No, the independent walker’s (DOC) huts do not have showers

. They have gas cooking facilities, bunks with mattresses, flush toilets and a washroom with a cold tap and small mirror.

How far is the Milford Track?

Arguably New Zealand’s most famous walk, the

53 kilometre

journey begins at the head of Lake Te Anau, and leads you across suspension bridges, board walks and a mountain pass.

Are there toilets on Milford Track?

Also, there is no camping allowed on the Milford Track. During the peak season the huts, Clinton, Mintaro and Dumpling, have gas cookers, tables, cold running water, lighting and heating in the common area. The bunkrooms are communal with mattresses provided.

Flush toilets are also available

.

How many great walks are there in New Zealand?

New Zealand has

nine

Great Walks in total—with five on the South Island, three on the North Island, and one on Stewart Island—centered in some of the country’s most iconic scenery.

How long is the Kepler track?

How long is the Kepler Track?

The full loop is 60km

however this can be shortened by a water taxi across Lake Te Anau to Brod Bay, and by finishing the walk at Rainbow Reach.

Is there phone reception on Milford Track?


There is no cellular or internet service on the tracks

.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.