From happy customers

Loved by 51 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Valerie W

Singapore
Group
2 weeks ago
Wonderful guide, Sonia!!! Love the small group tour and taking the small cruise boat with lesser group. Will highly recommend for this tour.

James C

Australia
Group
Mar 2026
We had a sensational time on the tour. It exceeded our expectations. Our tour guide Danny from Cheeky Kiwi tours was a great host. He kept the group interested with fun facts about New Zealand and trivia on the way back. The cruise itself was an amazing experience.

Darren M

United Kingdom
Couple
2 weeks ago
An opportunity to see an amazing part of the world. The scenery is breathtaking and truly spectacular. There are a number of companies offer a cruise in Milford Sound but this is a smaller boat that enables you to get close to all the waterfalls. Be prepared for something spacial.

Elizabeth W

United Kingdom
Couple
Feb 2026
Perfect sized boat. Olivia the Capain was friendly and interesting to listen to with just enough info imparted. Hot drinks were welcome!

Nicholas L

Australia
Couple
Apr 2026
Our Vessel , Gem of the Sound was very spacious and only carried 107 passengers on the day . We had room to move around and checked out the scenery from a number of different positions on the boat. Our Captain , Nick was very approachable and provided great commentary on the surroundings. We didnt use the catering facilities , although most people did. Everything ran on time . We chose to drive from Te Anau and enjoyed the sights along the way. All in all, an unforgetable day in one of the most picturesque landscapes on the planet.

Wander S

Brazil
Couple
Apr 2026

+6 more

The ship was the biggest and most modern among other alternatives in the harbor. The mains spots during the cruise were very well narrated over the ship's loudspeakers, making the outstanding experience even better!!!

Judith M

United Kingdom
Couple
Feb 2026
Loved the kiwi humour. Very relaxed but actually very efficient too. Everyone was determinedly positive through the rain. Crews cared for us really well. Instructions were clear, polite but definite. Bus drive ( which l thought would be the boring bit ) was very entertaining and informative. Lots of opportunities to take photos. Scenery was magnificent and loved getting to the sea.

Woottichai T

Group
Feb 2026
Steve, our driver, is the BEST! Our family enjoyed his informative and insight knowledge in all aspects of this tour. Our lifetime experience- thank you so much.

Milford Track | One of New Zealand’s finest walks

The Milford Track is often called “the finest walk in the world”. Stretching 53.5 km (33.2 miles) through Fiordland National Park, this four-day hike takes you past alpine passes, glacial valleys, and waterfalls like Sutherland Falls. First opened in 1888, the track carries deep cultural meaning for Māori, and today it draws thousands of adventurers to New Zealand’s UNESCO-listed landscapes each season.

Milford Track in a nutshell

Milford Track, New Zealand
  • Official name: Milford Track
  • Location: Fiordland National Park, Southland
  • Opened: 1888
  • Season: Late October – late April
  • Distance: 53.5 km (33.2 miles)
  • Time: Typically 4 days
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • UNESCO status: Te Wahipounamu, since 1990
  • Visitors: ~14,000 per season
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Why visit Milford Track?

One of New Zealand’s Great Walks

Part of the country’s network of nine world-famous hikes, set entirely in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Waterfall country

Milford Track has one end in Milford Sound, the wettest place is New Zealand and one of the wettest places on Earth.

Alpine challenge

Climb Mackinnon Pass for panoramic views over Clinton and Arthur Valleys.

Rich biodiversity

Spot cheeky Kea parrots, Fiordland crested penguins, and lush native flora.

Guided insights

Small-group tours connect you to the track’s ecology and Māori history.

End-point reward

Many finish with a Milford Sound cruise beneath Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls.

Your Milford Track tour options

Day walk to Giant Gate Falls

  • 5-hour guided round trip (11 km)
  • Trail highlights: Deepwater Basin, Sandfly Point, Arthur River, Lake Ada
  • Hike with a small group past sights like Deepwater Basin, Sandfly Point, Arthur River, Lake Ada, and Giant's Gate Waterfall.
  • Upgrade to a guided cruise along the Milford Sound, sailing past Mitre Peak, Fairy and Bridal Veil waterfalls, and endangered wildlife like New Zealand fur seals. 

From Te Anau: Track + cruise combo

  • Hotel transfers included
  • 5.5 km guided section with a water taxi to Sandfly Point
  • Learn about Fiordland’s ecology and history along the track
  • Cruise Milford Sound post-walk, spotting seals, dolphins, and waterfalls with commentary from the skipper.
  • Duration: ~12 hrs | Start: 6:30 AM

Milford Track highlights: What you'll see

Aerial view of Arthur River and Lake Ada in the background

Lake Ada

A serene alpine lake perfect for photo stops.

Giant Gate Waterfall at Milford Sound
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Sandfly point in Milford Sound
Cruise at Milford Sound

Plan Your Visit to Milford Track

Tourists sitting on a bench, Milford Sound
  • Great Walk season: End of October to April
  • Off-Great Walk season/ Closed from: May to the end of October

Best time to visit:

  • October & November: Spring unfolds with lush green landscapes. The weather is generally warm and sunny, but it can be unpredictable with occasional showers. Crowds are moderate. 
  • December & January: Summer brings the warmest temperatures and the most daylight hours, perfect for long hikes and enjoying the scenery. However, this is also the busiest time with the largest crowds. 
  • February & March: The crowds begin to thin towards the end of summer. Temperatures remain comfortable, and the vibrant fall foliage starts to appear.
  • April: The Great Walks season officially ends in April, but experienced hikers can still tackle the track with proper preparation. Expect colder temperatures, possible snowfall, and shorter daylight hours.
Know more
Glass roof coach to travel to Milford Sound

Address: Fiordland,Southland 9679, New Zealand | Find on maps

Getting there: Accessible solely through private transportation, Milford Track can be conveniently experienced by booking a day trip or tour that includes transfers, ensuring a hassle-free visit.  If you're short on time or don't wanna complete the entire track (53.5 km/4 days), go for a shorter Milford Sound tour. This lets you explore a slice of the track, see prominent sights, and learn from an expert guide.

Getting to Milford Track

Handy Tips for Milford Track

  • Go with a guide: A Milford Track guided walk covers logistics and adds cultural and ecological insights you’d miss on your own.
  • Pack for all weather: Fiordland is famously unpredictable. Bring waterproof layers, windproof jacket, sturdy boots, and a rain cover for your pack.
  • Beat the sandflies: They bite. Carry insect repellent and wear light, long-sleeved clothing.
  • Gear checklist: Map, compass, whistle, portable charger, and a water bottle (add purification tablets for safety).
  • Footwear strategy: Use sturdy boots for rough terrain and lightweight shoes for river crossings.
  • Emergency prep: A small first aid kit and space blanket are must-haves.
  • Leave no trace: Carry out all rubbish and respect Fiordland’s pristine environment.
  • Huts & bookings: Space is limited. Book DOC huts well ahead, especially in peak season. Respect quiet hours; earplugs help if you’re a light sleeper.

Plan your experience

Adventure activities on Milford Track

Hiking and Trekking

Traverse the 53.5-kilometer trail, taking on challenging sections like Mackinnon Pass for sweeping views of the area.

River Crossings

Experience the thrill of crossing pristine rivers, adding an adventurous element to the trek.

Waterfall Exploration

Take in the beautiful Sutherland Falls and others, and have a grand time in the natural beauty of Fiordland.

Wildlife Spotting

Observe native birds like the Weka and other wildlife species in their natural habitat.

Camping/Tramping

Opt for multi-day hikes with overnight stays in comfortable huts, enhancing the adventure experience.

History of Milford Track 

Utilized by the Māori for gathering precious greenstone, Milford Track's rich history intertwines with legends about the area and its native species. European exploration commenced in 1880 when Donald Sutherland and John Mackay, from the Milford end, first witnessed Mackay Falls and Sutherland Falls. Quintin McKinnon, from Lake Te Anau, discovered the overland route and McKinnon Pass in 1888. McKinnon became the first guide, leading walkers from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound. His legacy persists in landmarks like McKinnon Pass, symbolizing the track's evolution from Māori traditions to European exploration and guided trekking experiences.

Learn more about Milford Sound

Frequently Asked Questions About Milford Track at Milford Sound

The Milford Track is a renowned 53.5-kilometer hiking trail in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand, celebrated for its spectacular landscapes, including Sutherland Falls and Mackinnon Pass.