Hike the Milford Track on this multi-day guided walk with comfortable lodge accommodation as you make your way through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound

South Island, New Zealand

From $3,460 pp

7 Day Journey including 4 Day Hike

Milford Track

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1 Overview

2 Rates & Inclusions

3 Location & Access

4 Luxury Accommodation

5 Itinerary

6 Season & Departure Dates

1Overview

Overview

The Milford Track showcases the mountainous peaks, waterfalls and valleys of Fiordland National Park as you traverse Mackinnon Pass and other landmarks on your way to Milford Sound. This end-to-end multi-day guided walk is owned and operated by Ultimate Hikes with up to 50 hikers per departure in the company of experienced guides. It runs from November to April and includes three nights' lodge accommodation along the 54 km Milford Track, plus a final night at Mitre Peak Lodge at Milford Sound. There is the opportunity to find your own space and hike alone or meet new friends. The Milford Track guided walk includes return transfers from Queenstown (or Te Anau) and all meals and snacks on your walk. On the last morning, look forward to a scenic cruise on Milford Sound with views of Mitre Peak from the water. If hiking the Milford Track end-to-end is on your bucket list, this is the walk for you. As a Walk into Luxury exclusive, you'll also enjoy two nights of luxury accommodation at Fiordland Lodge to relax and recover upon completion of the hike.

Pass Hut Clinton Valley Milford Track Ultimate Hikes

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2Rates & Inclusions

Inclusions

The Milford Track guided hike portion of your itinerary includes:

Pre-walk briefing the day before your hike commences
Shared transfer from Queenstown to Te Anau Downs, where you commence your Milford Hike
Hike the 54 km (33 miles) Milford Track end-to-end with experienced local guides
40L hiking pack supplied for you to carry on the Walk
Four nights accommodation on your Walk in an ensuite room - three nights at private lodges on the Milford Track, plus a final night at Milford Sound
All bedding, towels, and select toiletries for your convenience at the Milford Track lodges
Daily breakfast and three-course dinners at your Walk accommodation
All lunches and snacks on the track
Scenic boat cruise on Milford Sound
Shared transfer from Milford Sound to Te Anau post-walk

Your post-hike itinerary includes:

Private transfer to Fiordland Lodge from Te Anau
Two nights' accommodation at Fiordland Lodge (post-walk), with access to the outdoor hot tub
Daily breakfast and three-course dinners at Fiordland Lodge
Evening canapes and drink at Fiordland Lodge
Private transfer from Fiordland Lodge to Queenstown
Optional nights in Queenstown pre-walk with our partner properties

* Our pricing includes the best Queen ensuite rooms (or Twin rooms if preferred) based on 1-2 guests per room. If you would prefer a triple share or quad share room and don't require a private ensuite, we may be able to offer a lower price. The minimum age for the Milford Track hike is ten years, and the per-person rate is the same for adults and children. Pricing may vary for public holidays and peak dates or due to currency fluctuations and will be confirmed in your quote before booking.

3Location & Access

Location & Access

The Milford Track runs from the northern end of Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound. Lake Te Anau is about two hours drive from Queenstown. The Milford Track guided walk departs from Queenstown on New Zealand's South Island. Post-walk you return to Lake Te Anau for your stay at Fiordland Lodge. We then transfer you back to Queenstown where your journey concludes.

4Luxury Accommodation

Where You'll Sleep

South Island, New Zealand

Glade House, Milford Track Accommodation

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South Island, New Zealand

Pompolona Lodge, Milford Track Accommodation

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South Island, New Zealand

Quintin Lodge, Milford Track Accommodation

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South Island, New Zealand

Mitre Peak Lodge, Milford Sound

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South Island, New Zealand

Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau

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5Itinerary

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Pre-walk accommodation in Queenstown is recommended prior to the Milford Hike and can be arranged through Walk into Luxury, as can airport transfers. A pre-walk group briefing occurs the day prior to departure.

You set off just after 9 am this morning by bus travelling to Te Anau with your fellow hikers, arriving in time for a casual lunch at Hollyford Café. After lunch rejoin the bus continuing to Te Anau Downs, where you will set off on a one-hour boat ride on Lake Te Anau to Glade Wharf at the northern end of the lake. It is from here that you officially start your Milford Track hike. Enjoy a short scenic walk along the track this afternoon to emerge into the Glade where your first private lodge awaits, perched alongside the Clinton River. After refreshments, a guide will take you on a short nature walk up the Glade Burn to familiarise yourself with the terrain before settling into the lodge for drinks, snacks, and dinner followed by a short briefing on the day ahead. Daily walk distance: 1.6 km plus an optional short walk from the lodge

Included: L - D

Glade House Milford Track Lodge Ultimate Hikes

Image credit: Ultimate Hikes

Day 2

Today, after breakfast and packing your lunch for the day ahead, you will cross the Clinton River swing bridge and follow the river along a graded track. Beech forest covers this section until you get to the Prairie – a wide open space with tall grass and Manuka bush. Take a side track to Prairie lake for a dip before heading up towards Pompolona Lodge to be welcomed by the lodge host with a cold drink. Relax with a hot shower, rinse out your hiking gear and enjoy a pre-dinner drink before dinner. Daily walk distance: 16 km

Included: B - L - D

Milford Track Guided Hike Ultimate Hikes

Image credit: Ultimate Hikes

Day 3

Today is the most challenging of the Milford Track, especially in inclement weather, so guests are encouraged to walk at their own pace. The track leads up to the head of the Clinton Valley, before climbing the Mackinnon Pass in a series of zig-zags. At the top you will be rewarded with spectacular panorama views and a rest at the Mackinnon Memorial. Walk on to the highest point and stop for lunch with hot drinks in Pass Hut. The descent into the Arthur Valley to Quintin Lodge is steep and rocky. Once there, drop your bags, and have a snack because you can't miss taking the optional round trip to the Sutherland Falls, the world's fifth highest waterfall. Finish your day at the lodge and enjoy your three-course dinner featuring local produce. Daily walk distance: 15 km.

Included: B - L - D

Image credit: Ultimate Hikes

Day 4

Today you will enjoy a day of more waterfalls, with Mackay Falls first, followed by Giants Gate waterfall. The section of the Milford Track walked today is well-graded making for a pleasant tramp. Enjoy lunch today at Giants Gate before crossing the swing bridge, and continuing the remaining distance of the Milford passing Lake Ada before arriving at Sandfly Point on Milford Sound. You'll arrive at Mitre Peak Lodge after a boat ride across Milford Sound. Join your friends for a well-earned toast on arrival. Daily walk distance: 21 km.

Included: B - L - D

Image credit: Ultimate Hikes

Day 5

Having enjoyed a restful night after completing your Milford Hike, enjoy a continental and cooked breakfast at the lodge. The guides will ensure your belongings are labelled and loaded onto the bus, before dropping you at the wharf to board a short scenic cruise on Milford Sound. Enjoy waterfalls and wildlife and glimpse the Tasman Sea before returning to Milford Sound foreshore. From here it's a relaxing bus ride back to Lake Te Anau, where you will be met by your private driver for the transfer to Fiordland Lodge. This evening, enjoy drinks and canapes in the Great Room before a special three-course menu. You will sleep well tonight. Daily walk distance: no walking today.

Included: B - L - D

Day 6

Breakfast is a leisurely affair at Fiordland Lodge. Relax with a coffee taking in the views and ponder your plans today. If you are still feeling active and keen to make the most of your time in Fiordland, consider a day on the Kepler Track today. The heli-hike to Luxmore Hut allows you to walk downhill to return to the lodge via boat taxi, and is a spectacular way to experience this special location. Alternatively spend your day at the lodge, and be sure to book a time in the hot tub to ease any sore muscles. Another evening of food and wine at Fiordland Lodge will round out your day.

Included: B - D

Day 7

After a sleep-in and breakfast overlooking the lake, your private driver will transfer you back to Queenstown to the airport or to the next stop on your journey.

Please enquire for extended South Island itinerary options or additional nights or experiences in Queenstown. We'd be delighted to customise your trip to suit your plans.

Included: B