The Milford Track | New Zealand’s Greatest Walk
The Milford Track is a world-famous hike located in the Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand. This 53.5 km (33 miles) long track is considered one of the best hikes in the world and attracts thousands of hikers every year. The hike takes four days to complete and passes through some of the most stunning scenery that New Zealand has to offer. In this blog post, we'll cover the details of the Milford Track, including the geography, topography, weather, the best time of year to hike, and what you need to know to prepare for the hike.
Clouds parting as we descend Mackinnon Pass, the highest point on the Milford Track.
Geography and Topography The Milford Track starts at the head of Lake Te Anau and ends at Milford Sound. The track passes through several different types of environments, including temperate rainforests, alpine meadows, and sub-alpine forests. The geography is characterized by steep valleys, waterfalls, and stunning fiords. The track also crosses several rivers and passes by several large lakes, providing breathtaking views along the way.
The Milford Track begins by taking a boat across Lake Te Anau to the trailhead. It’s an awesome way to start the adventure.
Book Your Flights Now!
The topography of the Milford Track is primarily mountainous, with steep climbs and descents. The track is well-graded and well-maintained, making it accessible for hikers of all fitness levels. However, it's important to note that the hike does require a reasonable level of fitness and some experience with backcountry hiking.
The Milford Track is located in a temperate rainforest, which means that it is rainy and misty for much of the year. In fact, it's not uncommon for the track to receive over 7 meters (23 feet) of rainfall per year. Hikers should expect to encounter rain and mist on most days, so it's important to come prepared with good rain gear.
The weather in Fiordland can change quickly, so it's essential to be prepared for any type of weather. The temperature can range from warm and humid to cold and wet, so it's important to bring a range of clothing options.
The best time of year to hike The Milford Track is open from late October to late April. The best time to hike the track is from January to March when the weather is generally the best and the track is at its driest. However, it's important to note that the track can still be wet and misty at any time of year, so it's essential to come prepared for all types of weather.
Preparing for the hike The Milford Track is a well-maintained track, but it's still a backcountry hike and requires some preparation. Here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for the hike:
Book Your Hotel For the End of the Track
Physical fitness: The Milford Track is a moderate to challenging hike, so it's essential to be in good physical condition. Hikers should be comfortable with steep climbs and descents and should have some experience with backcountry hiking.
Equipment: It's important to bring good quality, waterproof gear, including a rain jacket, pants, and boots. Hikers should also bring a warm, insulated jacket and pants, as well as a hat, gloves, and sunglasses.
Food and water: Hikers should bring enough food and water to last for four days, as there are no resupply points along the way. It's also a good idea to bring a water filter or purification tablets to treat the water from the streams and rivers.
Maps and navigation: Hikers should bring a map and compass and should have some experience with backcountry navigation.
Permits: The Milford Track is a popular hike, and permits are required for all overnight stays. Permits should be purchased in advance, as they sell out quickly, especially during the peak hiking season.
The Milford Track is a breathtaking hike that should be on every hiker's bucket list. With its stunning scenery, diverse landscapes, and challenging terrain, it's a hike that will be remembered for a lifetime. Hikers should be prepared for any type of weather and should bring good quality gear, food, and water to last for four days. With the right preparation and a positive attitude, the Milford Track can be an unforgettable adventure.
In conclusion, the Milford Track is a must-do hike for anyone visiting the South Island of New Zealand. With its breathtaking scenery, diverse landscapes, and challenging terrain, it's a hike that will be remembered for a lifetime. Just be sure to come prepared, and you'll be able to fully enjoy this incredible experience. Happy hiking!
““It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.””
