Milford Track
Milford Track
5
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Great Walks season is October - April. Outside this period facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional safety hazards to consider. Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
372 reviews
Excellent
332
Very good
24
Average
7
Poor
3
Terrible
6
meowmeowlam
Hong Kong, China227 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Milford track is on the bucket list of many people who enjoy hiking. I am one of those. And that’s why I decided to give myself a birthday present for hiking with two good friends at Milford Track by joining the ultimate hike.
Originally we planned for joining the ultimate hike instead of a cheaper way by booking the DOC huts ourselves is all because we do not want to carry too much for our hike. With Ultimate Hike, you can only bring one set of Clothings and some personal skincare items with you. As they will provide all transportation, food and drinks, dry room for you to dry your Clothings, clean towel, shampoo and body wash are in the bathroom, nice bedroom with blanket, heater and pillow. So, your backpack can be light as 5-7kg instead of bringing stove, sleeping bag, all food and drinks for 4 days walk...etc.
However, we met the unexpected heavy rain with storm and trapped in the lodge for over 50 hours.
With this crisis, the differences between booking DOC huts and Ultimate Hike are far bigger.
With Ultimate hike, food and drinks are supplied during our stay. The crew kept communicate with the HQ at Queenstown to get the most updated information, they are so transparent and organised to motivate the group. There are many kinds of board games, books and videos for you to kill time. Even after we are rescued by the team from Te Anau, the Ultimate Hike arranged accommodation to all 100+ participants, as well as tourist activities to them before finding the way to go back to Queenstown.
Up to now, you may already know the reasons for me to recommend Ultimate Hike for the guided walk on Milford Track to you:
1. They treat your safety as the top priority and they walk the talk.
2. They provide excellent customer experience even under a big crisis and under the acts of God.
3. They make your hike far much easier and organised
Although I cannot finish the hike and cross out the bucket list item this time, I will definitely come back and join Ultimate Hike again.
Highly recommend to you with my big applause to the great team.
Originally we planned for joining the ultimate hike instead of a cheaper way by booking the DOC huts ourselves is all because we do not want to carry too much for our hike. With Ultimate Hike, you can only bring one set of Clothings and some personal skincare items with you. As they will provide all transportation, food and drinks, dry room for you to dry your Clothings, clean towel, shampoo and body wash are in the bathroom, nice bedroom with blanket, heater and pillow. So, your backpack can be light as 5-7kg instead of bringing stove, sleeping bag, all food and drinks for 4 days walk...etc.
However, we met the unexpected heavy rain with storm and trapped in the lodge for over 50 hours.
With this crisis, the differences between booking DOC huts and Ultimate Hike are far bigger.
With Ultimate hike, food and drinks are supplied during our stay. The crew kept communicate with the HQ at Queenstown to get the most updated information, they are so transparent and organised to motivate the group. There are many kinds of board games, books and videos for you to kill time. Even after we are rescued by the team from Te Anau, the Ultimate Hike arranged accommodation to all 100+ participants, as well as tourist activities to them before finding the way to go back to Queenstown.
Up to now, you may already know the reasons for me to recommend Ultimate Hike for the guided walk on Milford Track to you:
1. They treat your safety as the top priority and they walk the talk.
2. They provide excellent customer experience even under a big crisis and under the acts of God.
3. They make your hike far much easier and organised
Although I cannot finish the hike and cross out the bucket list item this time, I will definitely come back and join Ultimate Hike again.
Highly recommend to you with my big applause to the great team.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FamGorgas
Munich, Germany9 contributions
Dec 2019
Due to a challenging booking process (the Milford Track season was fully booked within minutes after opening the booking system) we did the Milford Track directly after arriving in New Zealand. Actually it helped us to overcome the Jet Lag (12 hours time difference to our home country) immediately. We did the track with our two girls (12 and 15 years) and they enjoyed it very much. Luckily we had no rain during the track but benefited from heavy rain before leading to many water falls and a fantastic nature. We did the independent walk and the hut rangers gave every evening relevant information during the "Hut Talk" (weather, nature, watch outs/ highlights for the next day). The huts itself are basic but provide a save accomodation and the necesary cooking facilities (gas-cookers, dish washing liquid). Exxpect many sand flies during the track, so prepare ourself with the necessary anti-sand-fly things.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trmor
Melbourne, Australia8 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
Totally lived up to it’s reputation as the World’s Most Beautiful hike.
I have hiked in Australia, Canada, Nepal, India and Thailand. This 4 day hike has the best that nature has to offer - rivers, lakes, forests, waterfalls and spectacular mountains.
The DOC huts were not luxurious but they were perfect for cooking, eating, sleeping and meeting other hikers.
I highly recommend packing insect repellent, ears plugs and a eye mask.
We are in our late 50’s. We trained for this hike.
Overall we found it generally easy except for the hike through the emergency track on the downhill from McKinnon’s Pass - that was tough!!
We were extremely lucky with the weather only a little rain on the second day.
The views throughout the hike were stunning, however McKinnon’s Pass was spectacular!!!!!!
I highly recommend taking your time on this track - some hikers seem to race through it and then spend a lot of the day at the huts. We were usually one of the last to leave a hut and the last to arrive. This meant we had at least 40 minutes on McKinnon’s Pass where there was no one else but us. That was sooooo special.
I have hiked in Australia, Canada, Nepal, India and Thailand. This 4 day hike has the best that nature has to offer - rivers, lakes, forests, waterfalls and spectacular mountains.
The DOC huts were not luxurious but they were perfect for cooking, eating, sleeping and meeting other hikers.
I highly recommend packing insect repellent, ears plugs and a eye mask.
We are in our late 50’s. We trained for this hike.
Overall we found it generally easy except for the hike through the emergency track on the downhill from McKinnon’s Pass - that was tough!!
We were extremely lucky with the weather only a little rain on the second day.
The views throughout the hike were stunning, however McKinnon’s Pass was spectacular!!!!!!
I highly recommend taking your time on this track - some hikers seem to race through it and then spend a lot of the day at the huts. We were usually one of the last to leave a hut and the last to arrive. This meant we had at least 40 minutes on McKinnon’s Pass where there was no one else but us. That was sooooo special.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrick
Lucerne, Switzerland2 contributions
Feb 2020
There were already severe rain warnings (300 - 500 mm of rain within 2 days) announced days in advance starting in the afternoon on the first walking day by metservice.com.
Once arrived at the visitor center, the guy told me, that everything will be save and I just should take enough food for extra days with me. However; I might walk in and most likely, I won't be able to do the whole hike and walk back out. Which sounds reasonable, but gave already a bad taste.
Around 10am on the first hiking day, they sent out a e-mail, that the track is closed and I can't go. They haven't even tried to call.
My initial plan was to go over Dore Pass, therefore I would have ended up in the first hut without the information getting to me.
Furthermore you are standing there without an accommodation for the night.
It gives me the feeling, that it is all about the money and hope that the hikers are canceling it without getting a refund to get more on their bank account.
For that price, I would expect a more professional management and giving out information earlier, latest the evening before. And give the option of cancelling with severe weather conditions coming up.
Once arrived at the visitor center, the guy told me, that everything will be save and I just should take enough food for extra days with me. However; I might walk in and most likely, I won't be able to do the whole hike and walk back out. Which sounds reasonable, but gave already a bad taste.
Around 10am on the first hiking day, they sent out a e-mail, that the track is closed and I can't go. They haven't even tried to call.
My initial plan was to go over Dore Pass, therefore I would have ended up in the first hut without the information getting to me.
Furthermore you are standing there without an accommodation for the night.
It gives me the feeling, that it is all about the money and hope that the hikers are canceling it without getting a refund to get more on their bank account.
For that price, I would expect a more professional management and giving out information earlier, latest the evening before. And give the option of cancelling with severe weather conditions coming up.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthias_Auckland
Brunnen4 contributions
Feb 2020
Do the Milford Track, they said. It's the "finest walk in the world", they said.
Hardly ever in my life have I been more disappointed. 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.
Be aware: The Milford Track is located in one of the wettest places in the world. This alone should make you suspicious. The marketing people at DOC back in the day probably thought let's try and sell the wettest place in New Zealand by calling the Track the "finest in the world". Well, it should be called "wettest in the world". The problem is: You have to book so early in advance you never know what the weather will be like. Most likely it will pour down.
This means not only will you definitely get wet, you will get soaked, even if you have good gear. Because good rain gear will protect you from the rain, but you'll sweat because that gear won't let air out, so you'll get soaked from the inside (even if it's cold outside). And you can't dry your clothes or shoes, because the huts are not equiped for that. So be prepared to walk in wet shoes for three or four days. The DOC folks in Te Anau called the wetness "part of the fun". Yeah, good fun indeed for an hour, but certainly not for three days.
Another thing: You basically walk in a forest the entire time. All you see is bush and more bush with one or two clearings per day. It's nice bush, but after hours and hours in it it would be nice to see mountains or something else. And on the MacKinnon pass it probably rains so even there, where you're meant to have a beautiful view, you'll most likely see a wall of grey 50m in front of you. So if you're into views: Definitely don't do it. You'll be disappointed, no question.
Ah yes, have I mentioned the sandflies? As soon as you want to have a break, they attack you. So don't even think about having a peaceful lunch time break. You'll just want to eat your sandwich as quickly as possible and then carry on - screaming children for an entire night are more peaceful and enjoyable than that.
So no, never in my life would I recommend this walk. DOC does an awesome job at PR for a terrible track. I'm sure every time someone books it they laugh and say: "Look, we've sold the wettest and most overrated walk in the world to another idiot!" Don't buy it! There are dozens of walks alone in NZ that are nicer than the Milford, try them!
Hardly ever in my life have I been more disappointed. 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.
Be aware: The Milford Track is located in one of the wettest places in the world. This alone should make you suspicious. The marketing people at DOC back in the day probably thought let's try and sell the wettest place in New Zealand by calling the Track the "finest in the world". Well, it should be called "wettest in the world". The problem is: You have to book so early in advance you never know what the weather will be like. Most likely it will pour down.
This means not only will you definitely get wet, you will get soaked, even if you have good gear. Because good rain gear will protect you from the rain, but you'll sweat because that gear won't let air out, so you'll get soaked from the inside (even if it's cold outside). And you can't dry your clothes or shoes, because the huts are not equiped for that. So be prepared to walk in wet shoes for three or four days. The DOC folks in Te Anau called the wetness "part of the fun". Yeah, good fun indeed for an hour, but certainly not for three days.
Another thing: You basically walk in a forest the entire time. All you see is bush and more bush with one or two clearings per day. It's nice bush, but after hours and hours in it it would be nice to see mountains or something else. And on the MacKinnon pass it probably rains so even there, where you're meant to have a beautiful view, you'll most likely see a wall of grey 50m in front of you. So if you're into views: Definitely don't do it. You'll be disappointed, no question.
Ah yes, have I mentioned the sandflies? As soon as you want to have a break, they attack you. So don't even think about having a peaceful lunch time break. You'll just want to eat your sandwich as quickly as possible and then carry on - screaming children for an entire night are more peaceful and enjoyable than that.
So no, never in my life would I recommend this walk. DOC does an awesome job at PR for a terrible track. I'm sure every time someone books it they laugh and say: "Look, we've sold the wettest and most overrated walk in the world to another idiot!" Don't buy it! There are dozens of walks alone in NZ that are nicer than the Milford, try them!
Written August 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
expatbizzum
Wellington, New Zealand42 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
So the first hut is a bit of a waste of time and it would be easy to make the second hut on day one. The trek is ok with one reasonable day of ascent over the pass. We didn’t get much of a view but it was a good walk none the less. We had to do the ‘emergency decent’ track on the far side of the pass due to rockfall dangers; it is tricky to find a rhythm due to the big steps required. Amazing rain on our last day which made the rock walls pour with water. We did a car relocation with EasyHike - great service and highly recommended.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S K
Wellington, New Zealand79 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We’re just off the Milford Track after four fantastic days. Yes, there was rain and wind - inconveniently on the McKinnon Pass crossing - but the rain just made the waterfalls better the next day. Ultimate Hikes run a slick operation: it seems quite casual, but it’s really highly choreographed. The lodges are comfortable and the wine and food is very good (and so much better than lugging the stuff in yourself)! The lodge crews are enthusiastic and capable. And it’s really great fun getting to know an interesting group of international travellers better night by night. The guides (ours were Michael, Caitlin, Scott and Maia) were just magnificent. Who’d want to stand out in a tempest at the top of McKinnon Pass handing out hot lemon tea to straggling walkers? Well, Caitlin did just that. These youngsters are soon off to find new jobs for the winter. Our group of 50 walkers would give them all a reference in a heartbeat. The sheer beauty of the scenery wins out in the end, but the competition it faced from other facets of the walk was as stiff as the wind at the top of the pass. If your legs are up to it, don’t miss it!
Written April 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl P
Christchurch, New Zealand14 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Milford Track is amazing. All the huts are great - no pots or plates so take your own but there is gas. DoC wardens are great so do listen carefully to what they say especially in regards to your safety. Tracks are great and poles make them even better. Expect rain…expect lots of rain.
What I would do differently next time - get a rainproof poncho that goes over me and bag (cover blown off up on pass, and over three rain filled days the packs got wet so more weight to carry). I would also take either a waterproof camera or a waterproof lanyard around my neck with my phone in it to take pictures. The extra food recommended by DoC was invaluable (we stayed an extra night on track due to high winds and track flooding). And if you wear glasses try contact lenses. And don’t forget your sandfly repellant.
What I would do the same… dehydrated my own main meals (but took store brought mashed potato). Having the car easy hike relocated made it easy at Milford Sound end and took the stress out of sorting all the boat rides. Going on a nature walk with DoC warden Ross helped my flora knowledge throughout. Being happy it rained because you see Milford Sounds in all her glory 😀
What I would do differently next time - get a rainproof poncho that goes over me and bag (cover blown off up on pass, and over three rain filled days the packs got wet so more weight to carry). I would also take either a waterproof camera or a waterproof lanyard around my neck with my phone in it to take pictures. The extra food recommended by DoC was invaluable (we stayed an extra night on track due to high winds and track flooding). And if you wear glasses try contact lenses. And don’t forget your sandfly repellant.
What I would do the same… dehydrated my own main meals (but took store brought mashed potato). Having the car easy hike relocated made it easy at Milford Sound end and took the stress out of sorting all the boat rides. Going on a nature walk with DoC warden Ross helped my flora knowledge throughout. Being happy it rained because you see Milford Sounds in all her glory 😀
Written December 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arcticozzie
Perth, Australia121 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
This is an activity I've always dreamt of doing, finally in a position to be able to afford a family trip to NZ and the number one thing on the list for me was the Milford Track. We are a Family of 4, (2 Adults and a 13 and 15 year old), signed up with Ultimate Hikes getting the last spots available, which meant the kids had to pay the full adult price.
Trip is amazing, views, organisation, accommodation, food, hard to fault. Booked in June for a New Years Day Departure.
Weather was perfect, trip was 10/10
Trip is amazing, views, organisation, accommodation, food, hard to fault. Booked in June for a New Years Day Departure.
Weather was perfect, trip was 10/10
Written June 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jakeyoc
2 contributions
Apr 2021
Great relocation system, easy to use lock boxes, so nice to have the car waiting at the other end.
So far the most stunning walk I have done (and I have done a lot) Incredible place. Don't be afraid of the rain We had the perfect amount, which was magic for all the waterfalls. Vista upon vista, Knowledgeable rangers, flora and fauna in every beautiful shade of green.
P.S Fiordland O,& Easyhike, great team.
So far the most stunning walk I have done (and I have done a lot) Incredible place. Don't be afraid of the rain We had the perfect amount, which was magic for all the waterfalls. Vista upon vista, Knowledgeable rangers, flora and fauna in every beautiful shade of green.
P.S Fiordland O,& Easyhike, great team.
Written April 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are mattresses provided in the shelters, or do I need to bring one?
Written November 23, 2024
Hi! Has anyone experience walking the milford track with children? our youngest will be 9 - very fit and has previously walked the Queen Charlotte Track successfully. Any advice or tips?
Written September 7, 2021
Not with kids but have walked and ran milford and queen charlotte. Your 9 year old will be fine. You guys will love the milford track.
Written September 8, 2021
Is there charging points in DOC huts?
Written February 13, 2021
Would leg gaiters be advisable for this trek?
Written December 26, 2019
Hi, you can do without them in my opinion. Throughout the walk, we were lucky to have dry weather. Not much rocks, soil or sand throughout the walk to make it annoying. Mostly water, though. If it rains, be prepared to walk in wet boots. That's what everyone's doing anyway.
Written April 22, 2020
Hello, I noticed areas of the track are sometimes flooded to knee level or above. Is it reasonable to remove one's hiking books and wear sandles or water shoes at those points and change back to boots later? It would seem that walking in wet hiking boots could be a bit miserable. Does anyone have a good suggestion for this?
Written December 23, 2019
Unfortunately wet boots are pretty much a part of completing the track. We spent the first two days actively trying to avoid puddles and water, however on the third day the rain was so heavy that most off the section of track had turned into a stream.
And there were so many river crossings that it would take far too much time to take your boots on and off, plus it would be quite dangerous to try and cross in sandals and the river stones can be incredibly slippery. Sadly not many alternatives.
Written December 26, 2019
I'm worried about the difficulty. I've heard mixed things about the altitude and difficulty of the definitely. My husband and I aren't avid hikers but we do get out a few times a year. We did Tongariro yesterday up until the bus stop but took a couple of breaks during the ascend. Previously we've also done the Sulphur Track in Banff which was a continuous uphill climb with breaks scattered in between. What would you say the difficulty of Milford is?
Written November 14, 2019
We saw people of all ages and fitness levels completing this walk. It’s very doable at your own speed taking breaks as and when required. The day up and over the McKinnon pass is the hardest day but again taking breaks will see you make the top. Weight is the variable the more you pack the more you carry, in your question it is not clear if you are walking independently or as part of a catered group. The key difference being independent walkers carry their food which will make a difference to the weight you are carrying. Food aside it is common to walk in the same gear on consecutive days so the tip is pack light wear layers and reuse yesterday's thermals, it can get cold so don't under pack on warmth.
Written November 17, 2019
I’m doing the walk at the beginning of Nov 19, what do I need to take in terms of clothing. I’ve been given advice on what to take but some seems OTT....what do I actually need without going crazy?
Thanks
Written October 20, 2019
It goes without saying that the weather in this beautiful part of the world will play a part in your walk. Rain on an average of 250 days per year means you are likely to encounter some. I now believe if you don't you are unlucky. We had 1 wet day and what a difference it made the valley came alive. A hundred waterfalls that had not been there the day before and the rivers roared. It is also not out of the question for this part of NZ to have snow in November if a front moves in. it's also worth noting that the top of the McKinnon pass sits at 1154 metres aboves sea level. It is common to walk in the same gear on consecutive days so the tip is pack light (waterproof layers as well as thermal) wear layers and reuse yesterday's thermal. The more you pack the more you carry. That said we walked in February (one of our warmer months) and it was bitterly cold (gloves and beanies) and raining at the top of the pass.
Written October 21, 2019
I'm looking to do this in December, and I'm wondering about the steepness/technical difficulty of Mackinnon pass. Is the track reasonably okay for someone who isn't an experienced climber? Is there any point at which a slip of the foot could send you plummeting?
Written August 19, 2019
The climb is not technical, climbing and descending Mackinnon pass is the most challenging part of the walk, that said you can stop often to rest and take in the beautiful views. On the day we went over the pass there were young and old walkers with varying levels of fitness, everyone made it in their own time. Enjoy
Written August 20, 2019
Hola te quería consultar acerca del Milford Track, a tu criterio cual sería el mes mas apropiado para realizar esta hermosa caminata y sacar fotos de esos increibles paisajes, sé que no tuviste buen tiempo, quiza fue una excepcion pienso, como
estuviste allá valoraría mucho opinión al respecto, gracias y saludos desde Argentina!
Written February 19, 2019
A little more... you can go on a guided tour where you stay in their nice lodge. This is expensive. Or you can go self guided where you stay in huts. Much cheaper. Both have advantages. I went on the self guided hike and throughly loved it. Remember, either way, register early - there are limited openings.
Written March 2, 2019
Hi There,
Just wondering how you booked the boat from Sandfly point to Milford Sound? I can't seem to find this with ease!
Hiking in April!
Written August 3, 2018
There is a link in your Confirmation E-mail to allow on-line booking. You can't book transport without first having booked the huts. Unless you're travelling in the "off-season' ?
Written September 29, 2018
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