The New Zealand Milford Trek, located in Fiordland National Park, is a thrilling natural hike that allows hikers to explore beautiful landscapes such as mountains and even rainforests. The following beginners guide will help you learn more about this hike and how to complete it successfully.
Milford Trek Location
The Milford Trek begins in Glade Wharf, near the town of Te Anau Downs; it ends at the very edge of Milford Sound, in what is called Sandfly Point.
Milford Trek Difficulty Level
Milford Trek takes most hikers about 4 days from start to finish with 5 to 8 hours per day. Although the Milford Trek is fairly long, it is not considered exceptionally difficult. You will need decent stamina in order to complete a 4 day hike, but you won’t need to climb, maneuver over rocks, or complete any difficult technical feats. If you’re a beginner, you may wish to take a guided hike excursion.
Best Season to Hike Milford Trek
You will need to reserve a Milford Trek hiking permit in order to hike this trail and, since only 90 permits are issued per day (50 guided, 40 solo) you will need to reserve the permit well in advance. Summer is the busiest season, so expect to reserve your permit a year in advance if you want to visit during the summer months. Winter is the least busiest season, but it’s not recommended for beginners due to closures and the risk of avalanches.
What to Bring For Your Milford Trek Hike
In addition to standard hiking gear, you will want to make sure you have the following when hiking the Milford Trek:
- Warm clothes (including layers) and rain gear in case of rain and/or cold weather
- Hiking footwear; look for light or medium weight boots that have deep lugs for wet ground
- Hydration bladder or filtered water bottle
- Travel headlamp
Remember–pack lightly but safely. You won’t want to hit the trail without the right gear.
