Milford Track

Guided walk

From

2,829

NZD

The Milford Track is often called the finest walk in the world, and with good reason. Winding 53km through the heart of Fiordland National Park, it takes you from the still waters of Lake Te Anau to the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound.

Our guided Milford Track hike is a 5-day, 4-night all-inclusive adventure, designed to help you explore this legendary trail in comfort and confidence. Walk through ancient rainforest, cross alpine saddles, and descend into glacier-carved valleys, all while surrounded by towering peaks, waterfalls, and native wildlife.

Each evening, relax in comfort at our private lodges, with hot showers, hearty meals, and a well-earned drink from the bar. The track has its challenges, including the climb over Omanui / MacKinnon Pass, but the rewards are unforgettable, vibrant native flora, crystal-clear rivers, and the calls of kea, kākā, and even the elusive kiwi.

The journey ends in Milford Sound, where you’ll cruise the famous fiord before returning to Queenstown. To finish your adventure in style, choose a scenic helicopter flight back, complete with a breathtaking alpine landing.

5 days | 4 nights

54 km | 33.5 miles

Difficulty | Intermediate

November - April

Accommodation and meals included

Transport from Queenstown or Te Anau

Download Map

Info for Families

Itinerary

The Milford Track, the finest walk in the world

Day 1

Queenstown (or Te Anau) to Glade House

1.6km (1 mile)

Approx 30 minutes walking

Track Terrain

Well graded to Glade House. Some steep rocky sections and uneven ground on the Nature walk.

1.6km (1 mile)

Approx 30 minutes walking

Coach from Queenstown to Te Anau Downs
Your adventure begins in Queenstown. From the Ultimate Hikes Centre, you’ll travel by coach to Te Anau, with a scenic stop for lunch along the way. From there, the journey continues to Te Anau Downs.
Lake Te Anau Catamaran Transfer
At Te Anau Downs, you’ll board a RealNZ catamaran for a one-hour cruise across Lake Te Anau. Enjoy onboard commentary as you cross the lake and learn about the history of the region. The boat arrives at Glade Wharf, the official start of the Milford Track.
Short Walk to Glade House
From Glade Wharf, it’s a gentle 1.6 km walk to Glade House, your first private lodge on the track. Take your time and soak in the peaceful surroundings as you follow the path through beech forest alongside the Clinton River.‍
Afternoon Nature Walk
Once you’ve settled in at the lodge, your guides will take you on a 2km (roughly 1.5 hours) nature walk up the Glade Burn. This is a great introduction to the terrain and a chance to learn about the local environment.‍
Evening at Glade House
Relax in the lounge at the lodge with hot drinks and snacks. Wine, beer and soft drinks can be purchased at the bar from late afternoon. A three-course dinner is served in the dining room, followed by a briefing from your guides. It's a relaxed and social evening, giving you the chance to meet your fellow hikers and prepare for the days ahead. Please note the lodge generators turn off at 10pm.

Day 2

Glade House to Pompolona Lodge

16km (10 miles)

Approx 6-8 hours walking

Track Terrain

Mostly flat graded track with some rocky and uneven sections. Some areas prone to flood and a steep incline to the lodge over a dry rocky riverbed.

16km (10 miles)

Approx 6-8 hours walking

Breakfast and Departure
Your day begins once the lodge generators start up, head to the dining room for a continental breakfast, followed by a cooked option. Make your lunch from the preparation tables provided. At the scheduled time, your guides will meet you outside the lodge to begin the day’s walk.
Glade House to Hirere Hut (Lunch Stop)
Cross the Clinton River via swing bridge and follow the well-formed track through beech forest. Watch for mile markers and take a short detour near the 2-mile marker to view the Clinton wetlands via boardwalk. You’ll pass Clinton Hut before continuing along the river to Hirere Hut (about 12 km), where you’ll stop for lunch and a hot drink
Hirere Hut to Prairie Lake(Optional Detour)
The track leads out of the forest into open grasslands and manuka bush. Weather permitting, take the side trail to Prairie Lake, a stunning alpine tarn where brave swimmers can dip into glacier-fed waters.
The Prairie to Pompolona Lodge
Return to the main track and begin a gradual climb through beech forest. The track winds uphill before reaching Marlene’s Creek, a wide usually dry river bed with very large boulders, this for many can be the most challenging part of the day as you navigate over the boulders until you reach Pompolona Lodge.‍
Evening at Pompolona Lodge
A lodge host will welcome you, show you to your room and point out the facilities. After a hot shower, you can rinse out your hiking clothes and hang them in the drying room. Enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge before the bar opens in the late afternoon. Dinner is served in the dining room, followed by a short guide briefing for the next day. Generators turn off at 10 pm.

Day 3

Pompolona Lodge to Quintin Lodge via Ōmanui/MacKinnon Pass

15km (9 miles)

Approx 7-11 Hours walking

Track Terrain

Steep uphill following zigzags to Pass Hut on rocky uneven track. Steep downhill (including steps) to Quintin Lodge. This is a very challenging day and can be affected by weather.

15km (9 miles)

Approx 7-11 Hours walking

Pompolona Lodge to Mintaro Hut
After breakfast and lunch preparation it is time to set off for day 3. The track begins behind the lodge, crossing a dry riverbed before rising steadily through beech forest. Look out for tree fuchsia along the way, its purple flowers are easy to spot. Take your time through this section. At Mintaro Hut, stop to refill your water bottle and use the toilets. This is the last rest point before the pass.
Mintaro Hut to MacKinnon Memorial
Cross a footbridge and begin the steady zigzag climb up the Ōmanui / MacKinnon Pass. The climb becomes steeper and more rugged after the 15-mile marker. Tree cover thins as you gain altitude, and the views begin to open up. Higher up, the zigzags stretch out across the exposed face of the pass before reaching the MacKinnon Memorial, a tribute to the first European who discovered this route.
MacKinnon Memorial to Pass Hut
Most of the uphill work is behind you. Take a break at the memorial and enjoy a warm drink with your guides. You’ll get sweeping views down into the Arthur Valley. From here, continue over a short final climb to reach Pass Hut, the highest and most exposed point on the track. This is your lunch stop and a chance to rest, change clothing if needed, and refill your water bottle.
Pass Hut to Anderson Shelter
Leaving Pass Hut, you’ll begin a steep and rocky descent. The terrain is rough and narrow in places, so take care and use hiking poles if you have them. The descent requires concentration and should be taken slowly. It is narrow in places and traverses the side of the mountain. You will pass the spectacular Anderson Cascades, which tumble beside a wooden staircase. Continue downhill until you reach Anderson Shelter, where you can rest, use the toilet, and have a snack.‍
Anderson Shelter to Quintin Lodge
The track continues across a bridge and down a final series of zigzags. Tree roots and large rocks become more frequent underfoot. At the 20-mile marker, you’re about 20-30 minutes from the bottom. Cross another swing bridge to reach Quintin Lodge, where your host will welcome you and show you to your room.‍
Optional Side Walk: Sutherland Falls
If time and energy allow, take the 1.5-hour return walk to Sutherland Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the world. The track climbs gently and crosses two swing bridges. You’ll see the falls in the distance from the second bridge, but we highly recommend continuing to the base. The thunder of the water and the cool spray make this one of the highlights of the entire Milford Track.‍
Evening at Quintin Lodge
After a long and rewarding day, settle into the lodge for a hot shower and a well-earned drink. Dinner is served in the dining room, followed by a short briefing about the final day of your walk.

Day 4

Quintin Lodge to Milford Sound

21km (13.5 miles)

Approx 6-9 Hours walking

Track Terrain

Mostly flat, well graded, however it is uneven track with rocky sections and prone to flooding.

21km (13.5 miles)

Approx 6-9 Hours walking

Quintin Lodge to Boatshed
Leave Quintin Lodge via the same swing bridge you crossed the day before. The trail follows a gentle downhill gradient, with glimpses of Sutherland Falls in the distance. Around the 22-mile marker, you’ll pass Dumpling Hut. Feel free to stop in and use the toilet, or continue on to Boatshed, your morning tea stop beside the Arthur River. Enjoy a hot drink and a snack, there is still a bit of walking to do before lunch..
Boatshed to Giants Gate Falls
After crossing a footbridge, you’ll soon reach Mackay Falls and Bell Rock, a hollowed-out boulder you can stand inside to view the falls. From here, the track continues for about 6.4 km through lush beech forest until you reach Giants Gate Falls, a stunning lunch stop beside the river. You can eat under the shelter or relax on the rocks by the water.
Giants Gate to Sandfly Point
After Giants Gate, the track skirts a large slip area created by the 2020 floods. On rainy days, a temporary waterfall often flows down the exposed rockface. The trail then flattens out, making for an easy final walk to Sandfly Point. Wait in the shelter for the Te Namu, your boat transfer to Milford Sound. (And yes, the sandflies here live up to their name.)
Mitre Peak Lodge
Your journey ends at Mitre Peak Lodge, located right on the edge of Milford Sound with sweeping views of the iconic Mitre Peak, rising straight from the sea. The lodge offers full electricity, hot baths, and a well-earned chance to rest. In the evening, gather in the lounge for a celebratory drink and your final group dinner.

Day 5

Milford Sound to Queenstown

No walking

Milford Sound boat cruise and coach to Queenstown

Track Terrain

No walking

Milford Sound boat cruise and coach to Queenstown

Wake up in the heart of Fiordland National Park
Your final day begins at Mitre Peak Lodge, the only accommodation located right on the edge of Milford Sound. Wake to the stillness of the fiord and watch the morning light shift across Mitre Peak, a view few others get to experience.
Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast in the dining room and prepare your lunch for the return journey. Your guides will collect your hiking gear and ensure everything is packed, labelled, and loaded onto the bus. Bring a small day bag with anything you’d like for the cruise and trip back to Queenstown.
Milford Sound Cruise
Board a scenic Milford Sound cruise, which travels the length of the fiord out to the Tasman Sea. Along the way, your skipper will share commentary about the region’s geology, wildlife, and history. Keep an eye out for waterfalls, dolphins, seals, and, if you're lucky, Fiordland crested penguins. This cruise is a special end to your hike and a chance to see the landscape you’ve just walked through from the water.
Return to Queenstown via Te Anau
After the cruise, rejoin your coach for the return journey. Travel back along the stunning Milford Road, through the Homer Tunnel and the dramatic alpine scenery of Fiordland National Park. Stop briefly in Te Anau, then continue on to Queenstown, arriving at the Ultimate Hikes Centre around 4:00 pm.‍
Optional Helicopter Flight
For those looking to finish their journey in style, there is the option to fly out of Milford Sound by helicopter (weather permitting). Soar above the mountains and valleys you’ve just walked through, enjoy a breathtaking alpine landing, and arrive back in Queenstown with a bird’s-eye view of Fiordland. Your guides will arrange this in Quintin Lodge if you are interested.

‍

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Guides

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Always Ready

Our guides stay in constant radio contact with each other, the lodges, and our Queenstown base. Meaning they can respond quickly and effectively to changing weather, track conditions, or minor injuries, keeping you safe and supported throughout.

First Aid and Beyond

All our guides are first aid certified, with advanced training for the challenges of remote environments. They can manage minor issues on the track and are equipped to respond to more serious situations until additional help is available.

Continuous Learning

Our guides take part in ongoing training to stay up to date with safety practices and to deepen their knowledge of the tracks. What unites them is a genuine love for the outdoors and a passion for sharing it with others.

Private Lodges

Manaakitanga – Care for others

Dedicated to providing you with modern comfort in ancient surroundings, each lodge is fully staffed with comfortable lounges with snacks, tea and coffee available. Our dining facilities, provide delicious food for breakfast and dinner.

Food & Beverage

All meals are provided from lunch on day one to your packed lunch on day five.

Breakfast

Breakfast is a choice of continental and cooked options.

Snacks

Snacks are available on arrival at the lodge and before dinner.

Lunch

Lunch is subway style where you make your own from a range of sandwich and salad fillings with fruit and snacks to pack too.

Drinks

Tea, coffee and water are available at all times. Wine, beer and some soft drinks can be for purchase from the bar in late afternoon.

Dinner

Dinner is three courses you will be asked to choose a main course from three different options each night.

Dinner on the first three nights is a set menu, you will be asked to choose a main course from three different options on the last two nights.

Snacks

Snacks are available on arrival at the lodge and before dinner.

Drinks

Tea, coffee and water are available at all times. Wine, beer and some soft drinks can be for purchase from the bar in late afternoon.

Dietary Requirements

Vegetarian and gluten free options are available. Any particular allergies or dietary requirements must be advised prior to departure. We will do our best to accommodate requests bearing in mind the isolated environment.

Lodge Facilites

Designed for your comfort in remote surroundings.

Warm and comfortable lounges

Private & shared accommodation

Towels and linen provided

Facilities for hand washing and drying your clothes.

Books and games

In lodge bar

Generated electricity till 10pm

Power points to charge devices.

No wifi

There is no internet access on track or in the lodges

Rooms & Pricing

A room to suit your style & budget

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Multishare

Up to 6 people

Single bunks beds

Shared rooms are great for family and friends to bunk in together. Bathrooms are shared with hot showers and hairdryers.

Inclusions

Shared bathroom: Hot showers, flushing toilets

Towels, shampoo, body wash & hairdryer

Pillows and duvets, sleepsheets provided or your can bring your own

Adult

2,829

NZD pp

Child

2,125

NZD pp

Add an additional children for

$1,419 NZD and save $706. Child age 10-16 years inclusive.

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2 people

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1 person

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Private Room

1-2 people

1 Queen or 2 Twin beds

Private rooms have a queen or two single beds and adjoining ensuite bathroom with shower and toilet facilities.

Inclusions

Ensuite private bathroom: hot showers, flushing toilets

Towels, shampoo, body wash & hairdryer

All linen provided

Adult

NZD pp

Child

NZD pp

Add an additional children for

Select dates

2 people

3,649

NZD pp

1 person

5,899

NZD pp

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Multishare

Up to 6 people

Single bunks beds

Shared rooms are great for family and friends to bunk in together. Bathrooms are shared with hot showers and hairdryers.

Inclusions

Shared bathroom: Hot showers, flushing toilets

Towels, shampoo, body wash & hairdryer

Pillows and duvets, sleepsheets provided or your can bring your own

Child

NZD pp

Adult

NZD pp

Add an additional children for

Select dates

2 people

NZD pp

1 person

NZD pp

Select dates

View all

Only a few left!

Private Room

1-2 people

1 Queen or 2 Twin beds

Private rooms have a queen or two single beds and adjoining ensuite bathroom with shower and toilet facilities.

Inclusions

Ensuite private bathroom: hot showers, flushing toilets

Towels, shampoo, body wash & hairdryer

All linen provided

Child

NZD pp

Adult

NZD pp

Add an additional children for

Select dates

2 people

NZD pp

1 person

NZD pp

Select dates

FAQs

Let’s plan your Ultimate Hike

Routeburn Falls lodge outdoor deck for guests to relax on

What are the lodges like?

Private, shared or bunk-style rooms with ensuite or shared facilities. Linen, towels & toiletries included.

Where is Ultimate Hikes?

The tracks we operate on are in the Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks. All of our walks depart from and return to Queenstown.

Can we wash and dry clothes?

Discover how Ultimate Hikes lodges provide dedicated drying rooms to keep clothing ready for the next day’s adventure.

How do you manage risks?

Ultimate Hikes is a registered Adventure Activity, we are committed to providing a safe environment for all our guests on track.

When do I have to pay for my walk?

We take full payment by card at the time of booking. We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Do I need travel/medical insurance?

Yes. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND you take out your own medical/travel insurance to cover your walk and any circumstances in which you may not be able to walk including covid. In the unlikely event of a medical/accident emergency on the track, an evacuation by air will be carried out by New Zealand emergency services which will likely incur a significant financial cost.

Where can I leave my excess baggage while I'm walking?

We recommend you leave any excess luggage at your pre and post accommodation. We can store excess luggage at our centre in Queenstown for an additional fee. There is no need to book this – just bring it with you on the day of your departure.

Luggage storage is not available for Te Anau departures and drop offs. For further information, please contact our Reservations team prior to your arrival.

What are track conditions like?

Track conditions vary from wide flat and graded to very steep over rocks and tree roots.  There are some steep steps too, both up and down, and in heavy rain, sections of the track are prone to flooding.  Wind, rain and snow can also affect track conditions, particularly in exposed sections of the track.  A high level of stamina and stability is required.

What is your cancellation policy?

All cancellations must be made in writing and sent to [email protected] or Ultimate Hikes Reservations, PO Box 259 Queenstown NZ, 9348.

Cancellation fees for all Multi Day Walks are charged on the following basis per person:

Outside 90 days from date of walk departure: NZ$100 per person;
Between 89-60 days from date of walk departure: NZ$200 per person;
Between 59-31 days from date of walk departure: 50% of full fare; or
Within 30 days of date of walk departure: 100% of full fare.

The date and customer name, for which the walk has been booked, once confirmed by the Operator providing the services and activities described, is non-transferable.

See our terms and conditions for more information.

Will I be fit enough?

To enjoy your walk, you’ll need to carry a medium pack (5–7kg) for 6–9 hours over 10–21km each day. If you’re not a regular walker, start training 6–8 weeks before departure, including hills, stairs, and walking with a pack in all weather. Tracks range from rocky, root-covered sections to well-formed paths, and you may walk through water in heavy rain. Walking poles, core strength, and sturdy boots with ankle support are recommended. Walk at your own pace, there’s always a guide at the back.

Read here for more information on how to train for your hike.

Is there power in the lodges?

Power in the lodges is driven by generators. They are turned on in the morning (timings depend on lodges) and all are turned off at 10pm. There is no power from 10pm until the morning.  Nightlights operate on small batteries charged during the day.

Steele Creek lodge on the Greenstone Track (Grand Traverse) is on solar power so there is limited ability to charge devices, and there is no drying room.

Do you have a risk management strategy?

Before booking a hike with Ultimate Hikes you should be aware that Hiking on New Zealand’s Great Walks and tracks, involves risks that include natural hazards such as flood, rockfall, landslip, earthquake, tsunami (Milford Sound) and avalanche. Unpredictable weather including high winds, snow and heavy rain can occur at any time. The tracks are uneven, rocky and steep in places. Ultimate Hikes takes every reasonable precaution to eliminate or minimise the risks you could be exposed to,  but natural hazards can be unpredictable and should they occur, they could result in injury and even death.  Read our Risk Management Strategy here.

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Care for people and place

We recognise it is a privilege to operate in such a pristine natural environment and we work hard to ensure it remains that way, by promoting environmental and conservation practises.

Kea Conservation

Ultimate Hikes and our walkers have raised over $30000 for the Kea Conservation Trust to help monitor and protect endangered kea on the Milford Track.

Tiaki Promise

In partnership with the Department of Conservation, we support the Tiaki Promise, helping protect New Zealand's unique environment and preserve it for future generations.

Saving the birdsong

We support and assist the Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust in predator control, ensuring the protection of native birdlife along the Routeburn Track.

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