A Beginner's Guide to Milford Track Hike

Hailed as one of the Great Walks of New Zealand, the Milford Track is indeed a hiking location to treasure. It is among the most famous walks in the country that will give you a thrilling experience, from going on a refreshing hike to discovering the hidden gems of the trail.

Here's a beginner-friendly guide to experiencing the magic of this world-class trail. Immerse yourself in its natural beauty and fulfil your sense of adventure.

The Milford Track Overview

The Milford trail is a 53.5-kilometre hiking track from Lake Te Anau and ends in Milford Sound. It is in the heart of Fiordland National Park’s towering mountains and lush forests.

Getting to the Track’s Trail Head

To reach the start of the trail, you can take a bus or use private transportation to the Te Anau Downs. After your 30-minute ride, you will embark on a 1-hour and 15-minute boat trip to access Lake Te Anau and finally start your hike.

Make sure to book transport before your hiking schedule to avoid potential delays and other inconveniences during your trip.

Beginner’s Guide to Hiking on the Milford Track

If you want to experience and discover what the Milford great track offers, embark on a hiking journey. Whether new to tramping or not, you will surely love walking and traversing through this Great Walk. Make the most of your hiking trip with this comprehensive guide.

Study the Track

Every hiking trail has different features, from the hiking distance to the difficulty level. Some are suitable for everyone, including inexperienced and amateur hikers, while others are only recommended for highly experienced ones.

With the various characteristics of hiking tracks, start researching the Milford trail. You can begin by checking its location, distance, elevation, difficulty, and best time to hike.

For added fun on your hiking trip, you can also look into the amazing spots of the trail, from the majestic Sutherland Falls to the picturesque mountain valleys.

Researching the track gives you a glimpse of what it looks like, allowing you to set your expectations, plan your hike, and make the best of your outdoor adventure.

Check the Weather

Since hiking is an outdoor activity, checking the regional or local weather forecasts and the trail's condition before your schedule is essential.

You can search for Milford track weather reports online to get current updates about the environmental conditions of the track.

It helps you learn the temperature and wear the right clothes. It allows you to anticipate the worst conditions and prioritise your safety, especially if it is raining, fogging, or snowing on your visit.

Choose a Hiking Package

There are different ways to explore the Milford trail offered by New Zealand Walks. You can choose the type of hiking package that suits your preferences, needs, and hiking skills.

You can go for a Milford one-day guided walk and cruise, which allows you to experience hiking on this famous track and end the day with a scenic cruise around Milford Sound.

But if you want to finish the trail by hiking without a private guide, the Milford four-day freedom walk is the best choice.

While planning for your most-awaited tramping adventure, look for superb Milford track packages to make the most of your experience.

Prepare Your Hiking Gear

Hiking gears come in different varieties. Some pieces of tramping equipment are specifically made for beginners, while other tools are for experienced hikers.

Bring the items essential for your hiking trip. If you are going for a Milford track guided walk for a day, prepare your backpack, navigation tools, first-aid kit, multi-tool, extra clothes, and other necessary tools for a fun and safe hike.

If you plan to finish the trail by hiking for more than a day, pack some blankets, insulated jackets, sleeping bags, and other necessary equipment to keep you comfortable and warm for a multi-day trip.

There’s no need to bring tents, cookware, or other camping gear since camping out on the track is prohibited. Book one of the Milford track huts in advance for your multi-day trip.

Wear a Comfortable Hiking Outfit

Selecting your hiking outfit depends on various factors: the time of the year, location, and duration.

When tramping in the summer, you should wear lightweight and breathable clothes, such as loose-fitting shorts, shirts, pants, leggings, and jackets. Don’t forget your hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect you against the sun's heat.

But if you are up for some winter hiking adventure, always consider the cold, windy, and extremely wet weather of the track.

Wear appropriate winter clothing: lightweight base layers and top it with a windproof jacket and a vest. Don’t forget your winter boots, earmuffs, and beanies.

Hike at Your Own Pace

Don’t be intimidated when hiking on the amazing Milford Track. There is no need to rush. All you must do is follow your own pace and savour the moment. Enjoy the peace and calmness of hiking and reignite your connection with nature.

You can only make the most of your tramping adventure when you walk without speeding up to compete with your fellow hikers or catch up with your private guide.

Chill and hike at your own pace to fully explore and appreciate the wonders of the Milford trail, from its unique mountain ridges, lush forests, majestic bodies of water, and high alpine passes.

Leave No Trace

While you can get overwhelmed hiking the stunning Milford trail, you should be environmentally responsible by leaving no trace. You can appreciate the beauty of the track and cherish its wild wonders through nature photography.

You can also take amazing pictures of yourself and your hiking buddies during your outdoor adventure for keepsakes instead of taking leaves, rocks, and other parts of the track for souvenirs.

Leaving no trace also means not leaving your trash behind in any parts of the Milford great track, whether it is your gum wrapper or your plastic meal containers. This little garbage will wreak havoc on the delicate balance of the environment and cause long-term damage to nature.

Hike at the Milford Track with Us

Make your hiking dreams come true with New Zealand Walks and start your Milford track booking agenda. Explore this world-class trail by going for a one-day hike and cruise or a multi- day freedom walk with us.

For more information about our offered hiking packages at the Milford trail, please don’t hesitate to contact +64 3 5736655 today.

Posted by on February 13, 2024