Why Hiking the Milford Track Should Be on Every Adventurer’s Bucket List

There are hikes… and then there’s the Milford Track.

Often referred to as the “finest walk in the world,” New Zealand’s Milford Track is a 53.5 km (33.2 mile) backcountry trail that winds its way through rainforests, alpine passes, glacier-fed rivers, and the majestic fjords of Fiordland National Park. Part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area, this iconic trail is not just a walk — it’s a journey through one of the most dramatic and untouched landscapes on earth.

What Makes the Milford Track So Special?

The Milford Track is legendary, and not just because it’s beautiful (though it is jaw-droppingly beautiful). It’s the remote wilderness feel. The sense of walking a trail that hasn’t changed much in centuries. The moment you emerge from the lush green forest to be met with towering peaks, hanging valleys, and waterfalls that seem to drop straight from the clouds.

You’ll follow the footsteps of early Māori pounamu (jade) traders and 19th-century European explorers. You’ll cross dramatic suspension bridges, sleep in cozy lodges miles from anywhere, and climb to the windswept MacKinnon Pass — the literal and metaphorical high point of the journey.

Milford Track Highlights

• Glade Wharf to Clinton Hut: The walk begins with a boat ride across Lake Te Anau, followed by a gentle stroll through ancient beech forest alongside the Clinton River.

• MacKinnon Pass: Reaching 1,154m, this alpine saddle offers panoramic views of Fiordland’s towering mountains and glacier-carved valleys.

• Sutherland Falls: At 580 metres, one of the tallest waterfalls in New Zealand — and an unforgettable moment at the end of your trek.

• Rainforest Magic: Misty moss-covered trees, native birdsong, and that rich earthy smell of deep wilderness make each day special.

• A True Off-Grid Experience: With no cellphone signal or Wi-Fi, it’s a chance to fully unplug and reconnect with nature.

Do You Need to Be a Super-Fit Hiker?

Not at all — but you do need to be comfortable walking 4–6 hours a day with a small pack. Our trip includes supported logistics and stays in well-equipped lodges (with hot showers and hearty meals), so you’re not roughing it in tents. The Milford Track is well-marked and wonderfully maintained, making it a joy to hike for anyone with a moderate fitness level.

When’s the Best Time to Hike the Milford Track?

The Great Walks season runs from late October to late April, but February and March are generally the best months for more stable weather and slightly warmer days. That said, Fiordland is famously unpredictable, so pack for rain — and be rewarded with mist-shrouded mountains and waterfalls in full flow. It’s all part of the experience.

How the Milford Track Fits into Our Trip

We include the Milford Track as a key highlight of our Milford Track Multi-Active Adventure, a 13-day journey packed with variety, adventure, and some of the most iconic experiences the South Island has to offer.

Before and after your Milford hike, you’ll:

• Explore the adventure capital of Queenstown, with time for optional activities and a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu

• Raft the remote and wild Landsborough River, reached via an exhilarating helicopter flight

• Journey along the rugged and dramatic West Coast, home to ancient rainforests and wild beaches

• Take one of the world’s most scenic rail trips aboard the TranzAlpine from Greymouth to Christchurch

It’s a truly diverse itinerary — blending mountains, rivers, coastlines, and culture — with the Milford Track as your wilderness centrepiece.

Final Thoughts

The Milford Track isn’t just a “checklist” experience — it’s a soulful walk through one of the world’s last true wildernesses. Whether you’re drawn by the landscapes, the history, or just the sheer joy of putting one foot in front of the other, this is one trail you’ll carry with you long after your boots are off.