Milford Track

The Milford Track is a four-day hike through the Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand, which can be booked unguided ( as so-called independent walker ) or as a guided tour ( guided walk ) and is one of the Great Walks.

To cope with the crowds a strict booking system has been introduced. Only a maximum of 90 hikers are allowed on the track (40 independent walkers and 50 in guided tours) per day. At the 53.5 km long stretch located at different distances from six cabins, three each for unguided and guided walks. Camping is not allowed on any hut only an overnight stay is possible, the path may be committed in one direction only. With a boat you will be brought to the starting point over Lake Te Anau.

At the respective Sleepings there are several buildings: one or two dorms with bunk beds and a stay cottage with gas stoves, hot water, wood stove and the hut book. Here in the evening reported the ranger about the weather forecasts (usually rainfall) for the next few days and possible dangers to the next stage.

Wanderer of the unguided tour reach the first hut ( Clinton Hut ) after about an hour's walk through the rainforest.

The second day is around 16.5 km and 6 hours through moss forests, grasslands and rainforests, the Mintaro Hut. The third stage passes through the 1,073 meter-high Mackinnon Pass with views of the Fiordland numerous waterfalls and over several suspension bridges to Dumpling Hut. The 14 km long distance ( 6-7 hours) has at Lake Ada along a side road leads to the Sutherland Falls.

On the last day you can reach the goal, the Sandfly Point, which is named sandflies with good reason after the 18 km. From there, a boat will take hikers through the Milford Sound to the same port.

During the off-peak season, most of the restrictions do not apply, but the track through the wintry conditions be difficult to use, much more dangerous and can only be managed by very experienced and properly equipped hikers.