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. Perhaps the most famous of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks, the Milford Track is some 53.5km (33.2 miles) in length, taking you from Glade Wharf at the head of Lake Te Anau to Sandfly Point at Milford Sound.It follows the Clinton Valley to the Mackinnon Pass, which you then walk up and over to descend into the Arthur Valley, leading to Milford Sound. guided Milford Walk, visit the tours page. View current conditions on the MacKinnon Pass webcam. Located in Fiordland National Park in the Fiordland region. I see that the Milford Hike is open from late October through April, but is there a best time to go within that window to have the nicest weather? Know the Outdoor Safety Code - 5 simple rules to help you #makeithome. Milford Track in November - cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur anytime. Required fields are marked *. There should still be space for February – best to email or call the folks at Active Adventures and they’ll look into it for you. Take a look at these businesses to find out if a walking tour is right for you. The Milford Track is extremely popular that when bookings open each year (typically June), hut spaces disappear in seconds. The boat will take you from Te Anau Downs to Glade Wharf. Liz Carlson, of the popular travel blog Young Adventuress, recently walked the Milford Track and has some exclusive, what you should know before you go, insights to share with us…. You need to take a boat transfer to access the start of the track (Te Anau Downs to Glade Wharf) and then again at the end of the track (Sandfly Point to Milford Sound Township). You can reach us toll free on 1.800.661.9073 (USA, Canada, AU) or 0808.234.7780 (UK). Your safety is your responsibility. Hut bookings are essential during this period and Milford Track hut reservations are open from 9:30am on Tuesday 18th August 2020 on the Department of Conservation website. Hi, I want to visit the Milford track in february 2016, do you know if it is possible? Te Anau, the nearest township, has a full range of accommodation, shopping and hiking gear hire services. There are 3 huts on the Milford Track, which must be booked well in advance during the Great Walks season. In what conditions? The track will not be suitable for all walkers. There are a number of specialist tour operators who can aide you in bringing your Milford Track walking experience to life. In the Great Walks season (27 October 2020 – 30 April 2021): Best time to walk the track - there are more facilities and fewer hazards. The Milford Track can only be walked in one direction, over 4 days and 3 nights, starting at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishing at Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. The Milford Track Day-By-Day. The Milford Track is a hiking (tramping) trail (track) located in Fiordland National Park on New Zealand's South Island.. For other tracks, see Tramping in New Zealand.. Cheers! The Milford Track can be undertaken as a guided walk or walked independently. It may still be possible to book the Milford Track for April, which is autumn down here, so a bit cooler but generally settled weather. From May to late October, it can be cold and wet, with ice, snow and short daylight hours - only go if you have alpine, river crossing and navigation skills. Booking a walk with a tour provider. Experience first hand why this is called the 'finest walk in the world' as you take part in a 5 day / 4 night all-inclusive guided walk through the heart of Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Here’s how you can arrange track transport in one easy booking. The cost per person, per night is really expensive: $140 NZD and that’s only for a bunk in the Milford Track huts, nothing else! Past Hirere Falls you will get your first view of Mackinnon Pass and the impressive Pompolona icefield. it can be cold and wet, with ice, snow and short daylight hours, avalanche-prone bridges across some major watercourses are removed, DOC does not manage hazards such as flooding and avalanches, have the skills for the ATES class you are going into, have talked to the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre. The Milford Track is quite short only just over 50 kms, so I decided to add the Routeburn Track to the trip. Take a minute to soak in the scenery at the wharf at the mouth of Clinton River surrounded by mountains that are more than 3,000 feet taller than the lake. We (2 french people) want make Milford Trek 20 April ; Is-it possible? Hi are you interested in a 24/1/63 walking certificate for the completion of the walk? Or ?. It's the "finest walk in the world", they said. Since the Milford Track sells out almost as soon as it is for sale, to avoid disappointment and if you are booking with not so much advance notice, why not try one of our alternate walks in New Zealand, such as the Routeburn, Kepler, Abel Tasman, Queen Charlotte or Kaikoura Coastal Track. Until 30 November 2020, the section between Dumpling Hut and Sandfly Point is closed due to signficant storm damage. Huts are available at a fee to visitors to cover care and maintenance at around $162 for three huts. Proof of eligibility will be required for the New Zealand rate. Unfortunately it’s not really possible to sleep in your own tent on the Milford Track. All transport must be arranged before starting the track. The Milford Track is mainly complex avalanche terrain. Select your Milford Track booking – you may need to scroll down the page if you have multiple bookings with us. If you prefer to enjoy all of the benefits of a guided Milford Walk, visit the tours page. You can book directly with transport operators, most are privately owned it but must still be booked via DOC, via the DOC online booking system or a visitor center. This article is an itinerary.. It's the "finest walk in the world", they said. Guided walks with the DOC ranger maybe available during the late afternoon. The Milford Track is quite short only just over 50 kms, so I decided to add the Routeburn Track to the trip. If you get a discount you won't be charged a booking fee. Huts must be booked in advance. Milford Track is open in summer from the last week of October to the end of April and from the start of May to the end of October in winter. Take your camera and capture the stunning panoramas from, Adult (18+ years): $70 per person, per night, Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required, Child (17 years and under): $35 per person, per night. The track may only be walked in one direction, Glade Wharf to Milford Sound, during the booked walking season (late October to late April), with a maximum of 40 independent walkers permitted to start the track each day. Fully guided, this is the perfect way to get a taste of the Milford Track if you're limited on time. So you’re better off going guided or booking a DOC hut. From Te Anau, take a bus or private transport to Te Anau Downs (30 minutes), then a boat trip to Glade Wharf at the head of Lake Te Anau (1 hour 15 minutes). If you get a boat from Sandfly Point, you can do a hike to the Giant Gate Falls and back. During winter, transport operators require minimum numbers and do not always operate a daily service. How far in advance do I need to book? We recommend you plan your trip early so you can nab those ideal dates. The cost effective way to experience this 4 day walk is the freedom or Independent walk using Department of Conservation huts (carrying your own food and bedding). Hi Albert, Find out what to take. Hi Sofie, The ‘Manuka’ trip was beyond any expectations I could have dreamed of! After a boat cruise fromTe Anau Downs (1 hour 15 minutes), take a leisurely walk through beautiful beech forest along the banks of the Clinton River to Clinton Hut, where all walkers spend the firstnight. View map of transport to book (PDF, 1,339K). If you would like to book the Milford Track please contact either Active Adventures New Zealand (nz@activeadventures.com) or the Department of Conservation. Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2020 - 26 October 2020): Walking the track at this time should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well equipped people. In this blog, I will cover the Milford Track part of the trip. To receive the discount we need to sight your membership card and Backcountry Hut Pass, so please visit a DOC visitor centre in person. Hut bookings are essential during this period and Milford Track hut reservations are open from 9:30am on Tuesday 18th August 2020 on the Department of Conservation website. The cost per person, per night is really expensive: $140 NZD and that’s only for a bunk in the Milford Track huts, nothing else! Adult (18+ years): $15 per person, per night, avalanche equipment: beacon, snow shovel, avalanche probe, mountain radio or satellite messenger (optional). In this blog, I will cover the Milford Track … If you already have an active Shopping Cart, you need to ensure you have enough time remaining to complete the booking and payment. Note, Mintaro Hut could pose a risk in the event of a severe earthquake. The track over Mackinnon Pass is not marked and is often covered in deep snow. For the Milford Track you have to book into huts to sleep along the route and on Tuesday at 9.30am the bookings opened, by 9.36am the beds were nearly all sold out for summer 2019. A maximum of 40 independent walkers are allowed to start the Milford Track hike each day. Could you link to this page instead: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/milford-track/fees-and-bookings/, Sure thing Melissa, I’ve done that now. The best way to end your Milford Track walk. In order to access the Milford Track walkers need to take a boat journey across the lake, from Te Anau Downs, a short drive from the town of Te Anau on state highway 94 (the Milford Road). There are alternate avalanche bypass tracks to be aware of, when conditions are bad these become compulsory so be aware of them. But it doesn’t have to be. Actually it helped us to overcome the Jet Lag (12 hours time difference to our home … For the Milford Track you have to book into huts to sleep along the route and on Tuesday at 9.30am the bookings opened, by 9.36am the beds were nearly all sold out for summer 2019. "Ordinarily resident in New Zealand" means those: who hold a residence class, student or work visa; and, who have lived in New Zealand for six of the previous 12 months; and. 3 nights accommodation on track + 1 night at Milford Sound in our private lodges. The Milford Track begins at Te Anau Downs and finishes at Sandfly Point at Milford Sound. The Milford Track starts at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishes in Milford Sound. Your email address will not be published. Great restaurants, quality accommodation in a remarkable alpine setting make Te Anau a very appealing place to prepare for (or recover from) walking the Milford Track. There are over 57 avalanche paths, which may bring avalanche debris to the valley floor. Sin costes de reserva. milford track transport packages ONE EASY BOOKING, EVERYTHING TAKEN CARE OF The magic of Fiordland is well known, but the logistics of getting to, and around it can be a hassle – especially when it comes to transport. Booking Tickets for the Milford Track Huts: Jackson booked our tickets back in the Spring before we hiked in December. Find hotels near Milford Track, New Zealand online. The Milford Track starts at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishes in Milford Sound. New Zealand had been number one on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, and it didn’t disappoint. A short side track is signposted 10 min before Clinton Hut. We love this place and would like to keep it in its pristine state for a long time to come. Cheers. The track may only be walked in one direction, Glade Wharf to Milford Sound, during the booked walking season (late October to late April), with a maximum of 40 independent walkers permitted to start the track each day. Do the Milford Track, they said. Active Adventures New Zealand have availability up to 90 days before, so yes, you could still book the Milford Track for October or December 2015 (that is for dorm share). Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai, https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/milford-track/. From 27 October to 29 November 2020 a minimum of four people are required for boat transport to proceed to the Milford Track. All meals and snacks on track. Be prepared for all conditions. http://milfordtrack.net/milford-track-booking/, http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/milford-track/fees-and-bookings/, New Zealand Great Walks Information, Hiking, Packing & Safety Tips, The Four Coolest and Three Weirdest things you’ll find in New Zealand, Planning Your Honeymoon? by Paul M | Apr 22, 2014 | Hiking New Zealand | 23 comments, by Paul M | Hiking New Zealand | 23 comments. Cheers. No reservation costs. Thank you. The track finishes at Sandfly Point on Milford Sound. Where do I start?! If you hold a Backcountry Hut Pass you can get a 10% discount off these fees. You must discuss an alternative option with transport operators before you begin your walk. Cheers. Take a boat trip (20 minutes) to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, where there are bus services back to Te Anau and on to Queenstown. About the Milford Track. Cheers! Once you have decided what time you want to travel, you’ll need to check availability. Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2021 – 26 October 2021): Walking the track should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well-equipped people - facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional hazards. Instant confirmation for most services upon booking * (*loop packages confirmed within 24 hours) Booking | Tracknet Transport × Great Walks Update: Milford & Routeburn Track transport packages are now live for 2020/2021 season! Milford Track Pricing & Departures. Milford Track. Click here for our other Great Walks we offer. After finishing your walk, take a spectacular flight from Milford Sound Airport to Queenstown Airport and get back to Queenstown in less … The world famous Milford Track begins at Glade Wharf at the head of Lake Te Anau. Boats, buses and car relocation services all operate for the Milford Track. Booking a Milford Track experience. Dress for these conditions. nz@activeadventures.com Click here for our other Great Walks we offer. If you have less than 3 minutes remaining when completing this form, you will be prompted to ‘Extend Time’ to start the new booking again. Organising track transport to and from the Milford Track can get confusing. If you are going into places avalanches could occur, be sure you: Maps of avalanche paths: Clinton Valley avalanche paths (JPG, 1,742K) | Arthur Valley avalanche paths (JPG, 1,703K). The impressive falls drop 580 m in 3 leaps from Lake Quill. The world famous Milford Track begins at Glade Wharf at the head of Lake Te Anau. There are alternate avalanche bypass tracks to be aware of, when conditions are bad these become compulsory so be aware of them. In addition to what to take in the Great Walks season, you also need: Take five minutes and learn how to prepare for a multiday tramp and #MakeItHomeNZ. Contact a transport operator for information: You need to be totally self-sufficient. Many of the bridges are removed over winter to avoid damage from avalanches, so you must be competent at crossing large, swift, icy rivers. A few hours' drive from Te Anau is the bustling town of Queenstown, home to a large range of accommodation and things to do. Explore with Google Street View | Watch videos. There is no vehicle or private access to the start/end of the track. Te Anau, the nearest township, has a full range of accommodation, shopping and hiking gear hire services. Time: 6–7 hrDistance: 14 kmClimb to Mackinnon Pass and the memorial to explorer Quintin McKinnon, with exceptional views of Lake Mintaro and the Clinton Canyon along the way. Answer 1 of 5: We are hoping to do a family trip to NZ in late 2020 or very early in 2021 and want to book a self guided tour of Milford Track. Thanks. You’ll be dwarfed by the sheer scale of the rock walls towering above on either side as you walk up the Clinton Valley, and will pass through changing vegetation as you climb higher towards Mintaro Hut. There are many transport operators for the Milford Track, if you are travelling with a tour company, this will be taken care of. The Milford Track Day-By-Day. The track may only be walked in one direction, Glade Wharf to Milford Sound, during the booked walking season (late October to late April), with a maximum of 40 independent walkers permitted to start the track each day. Where is the Milford Track? We will likely have 7 people in our party. We are planning our trip in November 2016, and would like to know when the hut bookings open for that season. The Milford Track is a public walk, so although you can't use the huts without a booking or camp (you can't camp anywhere on the track) you can day hike. Weather conditions can change quickly in any season. This multi-day hike will take you through ancient rainforests and valleys, and past magnificent waterfalls, pristine lakes, and snow-capped mountain peaks. Reserva online, paga en el hotel. Book online, pay at the hotel. Unless you strike it lucky with a cancellation the track is usually fully booked soon after bookings are opened in June. Original Beech Hut near the present site of Quintin Lodge on the Milford Track. In 2019, the Great Walks season runs from 29 October 2019 to 30 April 2020. Transport arrangements can be affected by bad weather. The Milford Track is one of the most magnificent and well-known experiences in Fiordland. Booking Tickets for the Milford Track Huts: Jackson booked our tickets back in the Spring before we hiked in December. Go! The Milford Track starts at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishes in Milford Sound. We will likely have 7 people in our party. A maximum of 40 independent walkers are allowed to start the Milford Track hike each day. Transportation for the Milford Track. Good availability and great rates. Click cancel button. Thanks. Highlights. This website aims to be a comprehensive information resource on the Milford Track, letting you have all in the information you need in one place. Answer 1 of 5: We are hoping to do a family trip to NZ in late 2020 or very early in 2021 and want to book a self guided tour of Milford Track. The bridge is a great place to spot eels and trout in the river A few hours' drive from Te Anau is the bustling town of Queenstown, home to a large range of accommodation and things to do. Hardly ever in my life have I been more disappointed. Or if it is sold out? so if i do want to sleep on my own tent, i need to go off the track at least 500m every night ? The huts do not provide cooking utensils or showers. Cheers! Further along the track, you will reach the dramatic Mackay Falls and intriguing Bell Rock. Alpine areas are usually covered in snow. On the way to Dumpling Hut take a moment to admire Sutherland Falls in the distance. The Great Walks season describes peak tramping seasons, generally from mid-spring to mid-autumn. Are there different levels of inns or hotels? It's best to do this before making a booking. You’ll need to create an account on the huts/campsites system, even if you already have an account on the Great Walks system. You can book directly with transport operators, most are privately owned it but must still be booked via DOC, via the DOC online booking system or a visitor center. Guided walkers stay in separate huts and have a value-added experience through accommodation, hosting and service while independent walkers stay in Department of Conservation (DOC) huts … Pierre Perrod, Hi Pierre, To book Milford huts you’ll need to visit the Department of Conservation website. A short boat ride from Sandfly Point will take you to your journey’s end, with world-famous views of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi along the way. Suitable for all abilities, enjoy Giant Gate Falls up close and soak up the beauty of this famous trail. Understand []. The Milford Track can be undertaken as a guided walk or walked independently. I have memories that will last a lifetime, best money I have EVER spent. Be aware: The Milford Track is located in one of the wettest places in the world. So our Department of Conservation (DOC) controls how many people hike this iconic track. My kids are 9 and 8 and use to take walks, is the track okay fore them? Bookings are open for trips to 30 April 2021. The Milford Track begins at Te Anau Downs and finishes at Sandfly Point at Milford Sound. You may also be charged a booking fee. Buena disponibilidad y excelentes precios. The link to the booking form PDF on this page http://milfordtrack.net/milford-track-booking/ no longer works. If i wanted to go late this year (Oct,Nov or Dec 2015) would there still be any availabilities? Daylight is limited and the high mountains let little sunlight into the valleys. Running water is turned off inside the huts. 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. A 40ltr backpack - that will contain your belongings and you will carry with you. Milford Track Huts Facilities . For ease of booking, I decided to book the trip with a local company called Ultimate Hikes New Zealand and their Classis trip which covers both treks. View current conditions on the MacKinnon Pass webcam. A gradual climb follows the Clinton River to its source, Lake Mintaro, at the base of the renowned Mackinnon Pass. All cancellations must be made in writing and sent to info@ultimatehikes.co.nz or Ultimate Hikes Reservations, PO Box 259 Queenstown NZ, 9348. Camping is not permitted on the Milford Track. Flush toilets are replaced with pit toilets. You’ll find the trail to be quieter in October and in April. 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. A scenic cruise on the majestic Milford Sound. 5 days | 4 nights ... Full payment is taken at time of booking so please read the cancellation policy carefully. The Milford Track can only be walked in one direction over 3 nights and 4 days. The track passes through the heart of Fiordland National Park all the way through to Milford Sound and has a long history. I am interested in making reservation for the Milford trail for February 18 or 19 0r 20/2018; If full please assign me on the cancelation/waiting list. An exceedingly popular track, there is a limit to 40 walkers at each of the DOC huts, booking is required. Big, comfortable, clean and modern, they definitely set the bar high for trekking accommodation in New Zealand. While the track is repaired, you can only do a return walk from Glade Wharf. The full 3 night, 4 day Milford Track walk will reopen from 30 November 2020 to 30 April 2021. Your email address will not be published. Unless you strike it lucky with a cancellation the track is usually fully booked soon after bookings are opened in June. The Milford Track is located in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island and starts at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishes in Milford Sound. After finishing your walk, take a spectacular flight from Milford Sound Airport to Queenstown Airport and get back to Queenstown in less than 40 minutes (instead of a 5-hour bus ride). is this correct? Each day on the track is a new adventure! Instant confirmation for most services upon booking * (*loop packages confirmed within 24 hours) Booking | Tracknet Transport × Great Walks Update: Milford & Routeburn Track transport packages are now live for 2020/2021 season! An exceedingly popular track, there is a limit to 40 walkers at each of the DOC huts, booking is required. PLEASE NOTE: If you are a Concessionaire, School Or Community Group and have NOT registered, Please register for an account. Cross the Clinton River on this impressive 72 metre suspension bridge, built by Fijian engineers in 1978. Our Premium package includes DOC hut tickets if you want us to take care of booking these for you. Hardly ever in my life have I been more disappointed. Avalanches are frequent. Also the youngest member of that group was born 30/1/56! A DOC ranger is in residence. The Milford Track is known as ‘the finest walk in the world’ and is perhaps the most famous of the nine New Zealand Great Walks.Experience the stunning grandeur of Fiordland National Park and be awed by its natural wonders: sheer ice-carved valleys, mountain passes, refreshing glacier-fed rivers, peaceful forests and cascading waterfalls. Milford Track – Build Your Own Transport Package + Flight Milford Sound to Queenstown. On the third day you will climb over 500 m to Mackinnon Pass and then descend 1000 m to Dumpling Hut. One of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Milford Track is a spectacular 3-day hike traversing through the very best scenery Fiordland has to offer. Book online. The boat will drop you off at Glade Wharf where the track starts as a gentle run through the temperate rain forest. The Milford Track starts at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishes in Milford Sound. Once you arrive, take some time to checkout the great swimming holes near the hut, or take a short walk around the wetland boardwalk. ... is different to the booking system for the period when the track is fully open (Great Walks booking system). Think New Zealand. Guided walkers stay in separate huts and have a value-added experience through accommodation, hosting and service while independent walkers stay in Department of Conservation (DOC) huts … During winter it’s not imperative to book huts, but it is important to buy hut tickets before you begin your walk via the DOC visitor center. Save and continue – this will take you to the shopping cart. Don’t wait another moment, if New Zealand is the dream, find a way! Admire the man-made rock cuttings alongside the Arthur River and Lake Ada, before spending the last 3 km on a smooth, wide track constructed by a prison labour gang between 1890 and 1892.