Milford Track
The Milford Track is a four-day hike through the Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand , the unguided (a so-called independent walker ) or as a guided tour ( guided walk bookable) can and the Great Walks belongs.
A strict booking system was introduced to cope with the crowds. Only a maximum of 90 hikers are allowed onto the route per day (40 independent hikers and 50 in guided tours). On the 53.5-kilometer route there are six huts at different distances, three each for unguided and guided hikes. Camping is not allowed, only one overnight stay is possible at each hut, the path can only be walked in one direction. A boat takes you to the starting point across Lake Te Anau .
There are several buildings at the respective overnight stays: one or two dormitories with bunk beds and a stay hut with gas cooker, cold water, wood stove and the hut book. Here in the evening the ranger reports on the weather forecast (mostly rain) for the next few days and possible dangers on the next stage.
Hikers on the unguided tour reach the first hut ( Clinton Hut ) after about an hour's walk through the rainforest.
On the second day, after 16.5 km or 6 hours through moss forests, steppes and rainforests, you reach the Mintaro Hut . The third stage leads over the 1,073 m high Mackinnon Pass with a view over the Fiordlands, past numerous waterfalls and over several suspension bridges to Dumpling Hut . The 14 km long route (6 to 7 hours) leads along Lake Ada , a side path leads to the Sutherland Falls .
On the last day, after 18 km, you reach the destination, Sandfly Point , which is named after the sandflies with good reason . From there, a boat takes hikers through Milford Sound to the port of the same name.
Most of the restrictions do not apply during the off-season , but the winter conditions make the track difficult to pass, much more dangerous and only manageable for very experienced and properly equipped hikers.
Web links
- Department of Conservation information page on the Milford Track ( English )
- Route guidance map PDF file
- Elevation profile of the Milford Track PDF file
Coordinates: 44 ° 49 ′ 40.8 ″ S , 167 ° 47 ′ 37.8 ″ O