How to Experience the Milford Track in a Day

Cross out the Milford Track day walk from your bucket list and start a thrilling outdoor journey in one of Fiordland's most famous hiking trails.

There are wonderful things to do, places to explore, and adventures to fulfil on this iconic track without spending the night on their spectacular Milford Track accommodations.

If you plan to experience the fun hiking adventure at one of the Great Walks of New Zealand, this guide is for you.

The Milford Track

Located in Fiordland National Park, the Milford Track is one of the most sought-after hiking trails in the world, for it is in the middle of spectacular mountains and temperate rainforests.

The entire track length is 33.3 miles, which most hikers can finish in over three days. But there is a Milford Track one-day walk option for individuals who prefer to experience the iconic trail without spending the night in their famous native huts.

How to Have the Best One-Day Milford Track Experience

Embark on an extraordinary journey as you walk in the middle of lofty mountain peaks, witnessing the majestic rivers and passing through the dense rainforest, all in a day at the globally famous Milford Track.

Use this guide below to get an unforgettable one-day experience on the iconic trail.

Check the Track

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker who wishes to tramp on New Zealand’s world-famous Great Walk, you should always examine the track before going on your adrenaline adventure for better planning.

Check the weather during your trip and research the track's essentials, such as location, distance, transportation, accommodation, and more, to prepare for your one-day adventure.

Study the Map

Getting a copy of the map and studying it before you embark on an adventure along the popular trail is essential. You can view the Milford Track map online and get a detailed track overview.

The map also helps you determine the potential challenges you’ll encounter, such as extreme terrains and hard-to-navigate elevations. From these details, you can set your expectations and decide whether the track suits your hiking skill level and current physical condition.

Avail of a Guided Walk Package

While there are many individual walk options, getting a guided walk package is excellent if you want a fun-filled and action-packed experience on the Milford Track.

Hiking tour companies will provide you with a detailed itinerary so you won’t miss the beautiful features of the trail but appreciate what nature has to offer and savour every moment of the hike.

The walking package also provides an expert private guide who will be with you every step of the way, showing you the spectacular features of the Milford Track and telling you bits of its rich history.

Ride a Water Taxi

In contrast to other Great Walks of New Zealand, Milford Track has no direct car park access, requiring hikers to travel via the body of water towards the southern part of the trail.

Before even starting your most anticipated hike, the adventure already begins when you ride the water taxi from the Deep-Water Basin to Sandfly Point and vice versa.

Hike Through the Milford Track

You cannot fully say you’ve had the best Milford Track experience without hiking on some parts of the 53.5-kilometre trail.

Start your one-day guided walk adventure and feel that thrilling adrenaline rush as you hike through the well-maintained portions of the trail.

Your 5.5-kilometre walk will also take you to the ancient temperate rainforest rich with deep and lush ferns and mosses. Fill your heart to wander as you encounter the track’s breathtaking views of the streaming Arthur River and serene Lake Ada.

Go on a Scenic Cruise

Boarding the 2-hour scenic cruise in Milford Sound is your key to witnessing the glory of the inlet.

You’ll be surrounded by green cliffs and serene still waters throughout your cruise. And you can take your moment to enjoy and appreciate the breathtaking views while eating your delectable food during the cruise.

Encounter the Milford Sound Wildlife

Witnessing and experiencing the rich wildlife of Milford Sound is an excellent option for those who wish to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature.

Exploring the Milford Sound allows you to see the excellent fur seals lying on the rocky shores and playful dolphins elegantly leaping out of the waters. As you venture through the inlet of the Tasman Sea, you can spot its resident crested penguins diving into the clear waters and waddling around the rocky shoreline.

If you are lucky, you can also encounter the famous protected parrot and blue duck species in Fiordland: the keas and the takahes.

Experience the Majestic Waterfall

Get ready to be mesmerised by the majestic Giant Gate waterfall. With its towering height and gushing waters, you can experience and witness the power of nature’s forces.

The refreshing mist will ease your sore muscles and sweep away the tiredness from the hike. Experience pure bliss as the waterfall splashes on your skin, and listen to the relaxing sound of its thunderous cascading waters.

Take Pictures at the Swing Bridge

It wouldn’t be an unforgettable experience without taking pictures at the iconic Swing Bridge. Located in the middle of a picturesque environment, you can capture every moment through the lenses of your camera — from walking across the gently swaying bridge to reaching its end.

You can also appreciate the beautiful scenery with your naked eyes since it perfectly showcases the abundant forest with green mountain peaks above and shining still waters below.

Finish Strong

Upon reaching the end of your Milford Track day walk, you may walk at your own pace and continue appreciating every wonder the spectacular trail offers.

Satisfy your adrenaline rush and feel the bittersweet rewards of a vigorous hike on an incredible track. Finish your hike with a strong will, reflecting on an unforgettable adventure with many memories to savour and look back on.

Tour the Milford Track with New Zealand Walks

Fancy yourself taking the Milford Track one-day walk? You can turn to New Zealand Walks to guide you.

Experience what the world-famous track has to offer by availing of New Zealand Walk’s Milford Track day walk package. Book your next adventure along New Zealand’s picturesque hiking trail by contacting +64 3 5736655 today.

Posted by on October 05, 2023