Milford Track, once described as the finest walk in the world lives up to its reputation. Come along with me for an epic four day, three night adventure following in the steps of the early explorers.

Quinton McKinnon blazed the track up the Clinton Valley from the head of Lake Te Anau and Donald Sutherland who’d cut a track up the Arthur Valley from Milford Sound to Sutherland Falls. It was McKinnon who discovered the Pass (McKinnon Pass) where you’ll find the McKinnon Memorial.

I have wanted to do this walk for 30 years and it seemed only fitting to complete it during the 30th Anniversary of the New Zealand Great Walks.

Highlights

- Beautiful walking trail through spectacular native forest

- McKinnon Pass, an alpine pass 1,156 metres

- Fiordland National Park is stunning

- Cascading waterfalls and rivers, big and small

- A kiwi trotting ahead of me down the track

- Bird songs in the forest

- Sounds of nature

- Set out on the first day of the 2022/2023 Great Walk Season 😀

- Was the first solo hiker to complete the walk for the new season

- Indescribably beautiful track!

Lowlights

- Sandfly Point - legend has it, this is where sandflies were created. Take plenty of repellant and you’ll be right.

The Facts:

Milford Track, New Zealand Great Walks.

ℹ️Stats

📅 Date:25/10/20222 - 28/10/2022

☀️Weather: Milford Early Summer, one day of sunshine, three of rain

🌲Location: Milford Track, Fiordland National Park, Southland, New Zealand

⛺️ Accommodation: New Zealand Great Walk Huts. Bookings Required - I booked on Opening Day of the new season and the season was sold out within minutes. If you miss out, watch the website for cancellations.

Day 1 – Glade Wharf to Clinton Hut

Time: 1–1 hr 30 min

Distance: 5 km

Day 2 – Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut

Time: 6 hr

Distance: 17.5 km

Day 3 – Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut

Time: 6–7 hr

Distance: 13 km - this is the toughest day as it’s when you climb to the McKinnon Pass

Day 4 – Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point

Time: 5 hr 30 min – 6 hr

Distance: 18 km

It is necessary to prearrange for water taxi’s at the start and at the finish of the Track.

There’s no cell phone coverage anywhere on the track.