The Milford trail has grown global reputation the past few years. Found in Fiordland, located in the southwest corner of New Zealand’s South Island. Many have been struck by its alluring beautiful landscape, waterfalls, and great weather. Perhaps they are as astonished as Blanche Baughan, a New Zealand poet who heralded the track in 1908 “the finest walk in the world.”
The 53-kilometer walk beginning at Lake Te Anau through suspension bridges, boardwalks, and a mountain pass, will leave you with unforgettable tales. Milford has captivated the minds and hearts of hikers from all corners of the globe for a century now. Most hikers on the Milford are fascinated by its rather moody weather, where you might experience all four seasons in a single day.
The early Maori initially utilized the Milford track to collect and transport precious greenstone (pounamu); the area has a rich history, just like its native flora and fauna. In the late 1800s, early explorers Donald Sutherland, Quintin Mackinnon, John Mackay, and Ernest Mitchell played a vital role in formulating the track for many to enjoy later. Their reputation lives on in the famous natural landmarks named after them, from the gorgeous Sutherland Falls to the peculiar Mackinnon pass.
- Weather on the Milford Trail
The Milford track averages 182 days of rainfall a year. It may be the reason behind the lush rainforests, thundering waterfalls, and crystal clear rivers in the region. Water is what makes these eccentric landscapes magical and appealing to so many hikers.
During spring, months of September to November, temperatures peak between 13-16 degrees Celsius. Often there is a lush new growth and alpine flowers that add color and life to the trail. And just like spring in any part of the world, New Zealand’s weather can be a turd unpredictable.
The summer months of December, January, and February are relatively warm, with highs peaking between 18-20 degrees Celsius. However, it is usually in January and February when the usual summer weather kicks in. The trail is busiest, with hikers looking to enjoy the warmer temperatures and long summer twilights. Summer is also the best time of the year to enjoy the majestic splendor of the mountains.
Autumn takes place between March and May. The region experiences the most settled weather in the year, even though days begin to shorten with temperatures falling. The highest temperature in autumn sits between 12-19 degrees Celsius. Unlike in other regions on the globe, the forests keep their lush foliage all year.
Winter arrives in late May and runs through to August. Temperatures around this time peak at 9 degrees Celsius.
- How long does it take to stroll the Milford Trail
The Milford Track can be walked one way over four days. Starting at Lake Te Anau, the 53-kilometer journey will take you across mountain passes and suspension bridges, all while you get to admire tall mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and majestic valleys. You are also bound to come across 580meter Sutherland Falls. The course’s highest point is the Mackinnon Pass at 1,154 meters, from where you can enjoy a breath-taking view of Clinton Valley.
The course is well marked and signposted, and most of it, wide and smooth even though some areas are steep and rough. You will need the appropriate footwear, preferably with ankle support. The best recommended time to walk the Milford should be spring through autumn (months between October and April). Outside of those months may be a bit painstaking since the course isn’t handled or maintained.
- Milford Track four day itinerary
- Day 1 (Glade Wharf to Clinton Hut, 5km)
On the first day, you will travel by boat from Te Anau Downs to the course start point. The boat ride is an exciting build-up to a fantastic course. Next, the boat moves on South Island’s largest lake, further inland into the Fiordland wilderness, as you catch glimpses of mysterious inlets and hidden coves passing by before docking at Glade Wharf. Here, many hikers stop to take some souvenir photos with the iconic Milford track sign.
The first day is often an easy start as you proceed through the green forest along the banks of the emerald Clinton River. There are many aesthetics to guide you on your way, native flora and fauna, tree ferns swathing the track, and the friendly South Island robins watching in curiosity from low hanging branches. An hour’s walk in the forest before arriving at Clinton Hut. There are a lot of swimming holes next to the hut.
- Day 2 (Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut, 16.5km)
The second day initiates with a steady climb to the source of the Clinton River at Lake Mintaro. A clear and calm water body seated at the base of the Mackinnon Pass, Lake Mintaro, is a phenomenon. Many hikers often detour for a swim before hiking on through the Clinton Valley, and on past the Hirere Falls, you should get your first view of the mystique Pompolona Ice field in the distance. The hike is approximately two hours between Clinton and Mintaro Huts.
- Day 3 (Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut, 14km)
The third day’s hike begins with a gradual climb to Mackinnon Memorial. At the top of the climb, the course winds up and over the Mackinnon Pass, the course’s highest point at 1,154 meters. At this point of the hike, you can marvel at the beautiful Clinton Valley, which is often the highlight of this track. To the north lies Arthur Valley and Milford Sound, where you can see all the mountain peaks. The path then continues downhill, crossing beneath Mount Balloon and the Jervois Glacier before a boardwalk beside Roaring Burn River and its numerous waterfalls. Shortly after the boardwalk, you will come across the stunning 580-meter Sutherland. After soaking the between in, hikers proceed to Dumpling Hut.
- Day 4 (Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point, 18km)
The hike to the end entirely encompasses a plethora of events like waterfalls, suspension bridges, and clear water creeks. You will enjoy the company of Mckay Falls and Lake Ida before hiking past Giant Gate, the last waterfall on the course. After Giant Gate, it is about an hour and a half walk to Sandfly, the trail’s endpoint.
