Milford Track
The finest walk in the world
Overview
The iconic four-day traverse from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound, over MacKinnon Pass and past Sutherland Falls.
Itinerary
Into the Clinton Valley
Serene beech forest and the blue Clinton River
Up the Clinton
Prairie Falls viewpoint
MacKinnon Pass
MacKinnon Pass panorama and Sutherland Falls
Out to Milford Sound
Giant Gate Falls and Milford Sound
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1
1h 30m
Into the Clinton Valley
Glade WharfClinton Hut
Distance
5 km
Elevation gain
50m
Est. time
1h 30m
A gentle opening day along the Clinton River through beech forest. The water taxi drops you at Glade Wharf for a short, flat walk to Clinton Hut.
Serene beech forest and the blue Clinton River
- 2
Day 2
6h
Up the Clinton
Clinton HutMintaro Hut
Distance
16.5 km
Elevation gain
400m
Est. time
6h
Follow the Clinton River as it narrows and the valley steepens. Waterfalls tumble from hanging valleys above.
Prairie Falls viewpoint
- 3
Day 3
7h
MacKinnon Pass
Mintaro HutDumpling Hut
Distance
14 km
Elevation gain
750m
Est. time
7h
The highlight of the track — climb to 1154m MacKinnon Pass, the highest point, then descend past the 580m Sutherland Falls.
MacKinnon Pass panorama and Sutherland Falls
- 4
Day 4
6h
Out to Milford Sound
Dumpling HutSandfly Point
Distance
18 km
Elevation gain
100m
Est. time
6h
A long final descent through the Arthur Valley to Milford Sound. A ferry takes walkers across to the village.
Giant Gate Falls and Milford Sound
Huts on this walk
- Night 1HutSleeps 40
Clinton Hut
BunksFlush toiletsHot water - Night 2HutSleeps 40
Mintaro Hut
BunksFlush toiletsHot water - Night 3HutSleeps 40
Dumpling Hut
BunksFlush toiletsHot waterCold showers
Walk it: step-through map
Plan this Great Walk
Trips are private by default. Share when you're ready.
Walk data from DOC — used with permission.