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Itinerary On the Milford Track

Relieved walkers at Mackinnon Pass on the Milford Track
Route of Travelling the Via Francigena

Overview

Itinerary on the Milford Track: The Milford Track route is 53 km long and for those contemplating this trail for their walking holiday in New Zealand, some planning is required. The path is well marked. The weather in this part of New Zealand is unpredictable and needs to be catered for. Expect to be rained upon!

Some Highlights: The independent walkers’ hut are comfortable and welcoming, especially if the weather is overwhelming. MacKinnon’s Pass, cheeky Keas (native parrots), Sutherland Falls and the numerous streams which you walk through.

The walk must be done in 4 days, as the track can only support 40 independent walkers and 40 guided walkers per day during the walking season.

  • Where to Start: from Te Anau, in New Zealand’s South Island.
  • How to get there: Take a bus from Christchurch. A bus will transfer you to the wharf at Te Anau Downs, where a ferry will take you to Glade Wharf.
  • How to get back from Milford Sound: Bus to Te Anau via the Homer Tunnel.

“Finest Walk”

Luggage transfer: Independent walkers must carry all their own food and sleeping bags. Cooking equipment and facilities are provided at each hut.

Your Milford Track Accommodation: Accommodation for independent walkers is in the DOCS huts. Mattresses are provided as well as limited battery lighting, washing up facilities and food utensils. Guided walkers are provided with warm huts, hot food and hot showers.

Day 1. Glade Wharf to Clinton Hut (3.5 km)
This is an easy day along a fire trail to Clinton Hut.

Day 2. To Mintaro Hut  (16.5 km)
More challenging, along the Clinton River with a gradual climb to Mintaro Hut.

Day 3. To Dumpling Hut  (14 km)
This is the day that we climb 500 metres to the wonderful MacKinnon Pass, and then 1000 metres to Dumpling Hut.

Day 4. To Sandfly Point and Te Anau  (18 km)  – your destination! Quite flat today, but the track seems to go on forever – until we arrive at Sandfly Point.

on the milford track

Rewards

Food: Your choice. Make sure it’s something you like. Take snacks for when you’re on the track.

When to go? The walking season is from October to May. The track is closed out of season due to the inhospitable weather.

Walking Gear: Good walking boots and socks are critical. Your boots should have been worn in. Take appropriate rain gear. Make sure it’s made from a breathable material such as Gore-Tex.

Our Take: Walking the Milford gives you the opportunity to experience the clean great outdoors of New Zealand, and follow in the footsteps of its great explorers.

The MacKinnon Pass

On the Milford Track – ISBN -0-9578968-2-4 (91pp): 

Four Days of walking the Milford Track – Brilliant!

4 Days – Scenery Plus

We’ve put together our experiences of four days walk on the Milford track to help you plan your journey. Of course, there’s nothing like doing it yourself. ON THE MILFORD TRACK includes:

  • Four Day Itinerary.
  • Maori Myths of the Landscape.
  • The Discovery of Mackinnon’s Pass.
  • Gear to Take.
  • Clothes to Wear.
  • Places to Visit.
  • DOCS Huts and experiences.
  • Challenges and Rewards.
  • Price includes Post.

We post you a copy of On the Milford Track once we have received your payment through Pay Pal.

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