Milford 4 Day Freedom Track Walk

Walk without the worry of organising, with transfers, hut bookings, food and equipment all organised for you on this stunning Milford Track walk from Glade Wharf to your journey's end at Milford Sound, made easier knowing everything has been arranged

From NZD 1750.00 pp.

Inclusions

  • Milford Track hut bookings (3 nights - Clinton Hut, Mintaro Hut and Dumpling Hut)
  • Available during the Great Walks Season (1st November to 30th April)
  • Care package including insect repellent, sanitising wipes and earplugs
  • Quality borrowed gear: Adjustable & gender specific Osprey pack & pack cover, Sea to Summit sleeping bag & liner
  • Quality borrowed gear cont.: Head lamp, hiking poles, first aid kit, inflatable pillow, hot drink thermos, rain jacket and pants
  • Quality borrowed gear cont.: Cooking gear - pot, bowl, cup plus utensil set - super light, compact and easy to use
  • Bus transport from Te Anau to Te Anau Downs and then from Milford Sound to Te Anau.
  • Boat transport from Te Anau Downs to Glade Wharf and from Sandfly Point to Milford
  • All food and borrowed gear will be dropped off at your pre trip accommodation
  • 3 night/4 day food package for the track *
  • Suitable for children aged 10 years and over

*Select in advance from the menu options provided for a personalised food package to your dietary requirements

What you need to bring:

  • Appropriate outdoors clothing and footwear.  We recommend worn in hiking boots, to minimize blisters and so your feet are comfortable.
  • Personal items and toiletries (in small quantities) including sun cream
  • A medium level of fitness

Itinerary

Day 0 – Your equipment and food will be dropped off at your accommodation in Te Anau

Day 1 – Glade Wharf to Clinton Hut

(Approx. 1.5 hours/5km)

Travel by bus from Te Anau at midday to Te Anau Downs to connect with your water taxi for a cruise up Lake Te Anau to Glade Wharf, start of the Milford Track. From the landing a leisurely 1½ hour walk takes you through attractive beech forest along the banks of the beautiful Clinton River to Clinton Hut where you will spend the night.

 Day 2 – Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut 

(Approx. 6 hours/16.5km)

Today your Milford track walk follows the stunning Clinton River to reach Mintaro Hut. It’s a gradual climb from Clinton Hut as the track follows the Clinton River to its source, Lake Mintaro, at the base of Mackinnon Pass. Mintaro Hut is situated at the base of the Mackinnon Pass and en route you can see your first glimpse of the Pass and the Pompolona ice field.

 Day 3 – Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut

(Approx. 6-7 hours/14km)

Hike to the top of Mackinnon Pass today – approximately 2 hours from Mintaro Hut - on a well-graded, zigzag track with stunning views of Lake Mintaro and the Clinton Valley below. The Pass Day Shelter is the highest point on the track at 1154 metres. After the descent you can take an optional side walk to Sutherland Falls, among the highest single drop falls in the world, before continuing to Dumpling Hut.

 Day 4 – Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point, Milford Sound

(Approx. 6 hours/18km)

Follow the Arthur River to Lake Ada and onto the track end at Sandfly Point. From here you will meet the boat back over to the Milford Sound Visitors Centre and then take your bus transfer back to Te Anau (or ask for more details on our 'add on' Milford Sound stay and Milford Sound Cruise).

Please note that accommodation is in Department of Conservation huts which are pre-booked for our guests - these are basic but comfortable and must be shared with other track walkers. Clients must carry their own pack containing clothing, sleeping bag, food and cooking equipment/eating utensils. Gas is available in the huts.

2023/2024 Departure Dates:

Bookings for this popular track are now full for the 2023/2024 season. 

2024/2025 Departure Dates:

Departures run between November 2024 and April 2025.

Provisional bookings/expressions of interest are now being taken for the 2024/2025 season. Please email us (or submit your booking details through the link on this page) with your preferred departure date/timeframe and we can waitlist your booking request ready to go when the DOC booking system opens in approx. June/July 2024.