Free cancellation. The Milford Quest is an active hiking trip at a relaxed pace with an emphasis on discovering the natural history of New Zealand. Answer 1 of 7: I'm a 20 year old who is looking at doing the 4-5 day Milford Sound Track alone and unguided in mid feb. If walking the Milford Track has been on your bucket list, it’s time to start planning. Discover one of the jewels in the crown of New Zealand's spectacular South Island on this full day Milford Sound hiking tour with cruise. More info. Visitors from around the world usually arrive by car or bus and sometimes by plane… read more. Full view. The last time I was her was after finishing the Milford Track back in 2016. Full day Milford Sound Hiking Tour started around 730am and retuning around 530pm to and from Te Anau. Just before Milford Sound the road travels through the Homer Tunnel, which is 1.2km-long. If hiking Milford Track outside the main season, you can walk faster or spend on the trail more time, you only need to arrange transport to get from Sandfly Point to Milford Sound. Time Estimate: 30 mins, loop track Day 5 – Milford Sound Cruise (No Hiking) On the last day of your adventure, there is no hiking involved. Originally, the Maori would travel through this area in search of their favorite green stone that they traded. Shopping. Safety first Hikers need to be well prepared to walk the Milford Track in May and October. Fiordland offers a feast of hiking options, but by far, the most spectacular and most iconic is the Milford Track. The Milford Track is a 53.5km hike in the South Island of New Zealand from Lake Te Anau through the majestic Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, one of the natural wonders of the world. This is one of New Zealand’s most accessible alpine tracks, an exciting hike with sensational views to Milford Sound and the surrounding Darran Mountains. – At 3pm, journey from Milford Sound back to Te Anau by bus, enjoying the commentary of an onboard nature guide. Not as many people are willing to (or can) do a Milford Sound hike. DURATION: 4 Days / 3 Nights (required) – the first day is really short and you can start in the afternoon. Base yourself at Milford Sound Lodge and sample the world-famous Milford Track for yourself with an incredible day walk from Milford Sound. Plus, your friendly Trips & Tramps guide will ensure plenty of stories and good natured, kiwi banter along the way. Kayaking. New Zealand’s most famous walk, the Milford Track has been thrilling hikers for more than 150 years. Built in the 1940s, the 75m Tutoko Suspension Bridge features steel towers and a steel bearing frame with timber deck and sides. Share. There are also deals and discounts to help you save money when you plan Milford Sound hiking trips. So, if hiking at Milford Sound is on your itinerary you will see it is possible but there is not heaps of options. Milford Sound is a truly special place to visit and often on people’s itinerary when they visit New Zealand. Read about them and plan your trip. This is arguably New Zealand’s most famous hiking track and it ends at Sandfly Point, Milford Sound. The only downside for us we had to leave 2 days early due to … Here are our favourite Milford Sound day walks to enjoy during your time in the area. Milford Sound sees a lot of rain each year, so come prepared for this with a good rain jacket. Difficulty: Expert. … Time: 3-4 hours return Difficulty: Easy, but a lot of uphill hiking Getting there: Turn down Hollyford Road (87 km along Milford Sound Road) — the car park is 1 km down a gravel road One of the top hikes near Milford Sound is the mostly uphill trudge to Lake Marian. Time: 4-6 hours (return) It is worth the effort to travel to this far flung place in the south-west corner of Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its incredible scenery. We’ll marvel at the majesty of Mitre Peak - so named for its likeness to a Bishop’s hat - and get up close and personal with several waterfalls! Fiordland Great Walks and multi day hikes . Excellent day out even though it rained , so did not do Key Summit Track so alternative plans kicked in walking some other short tracks and visiting other interesting sites. Seasonal hiking on the Milford Track. From the bird song in the trees, and encounters with the curious native weka, to the lush greens of the rain-forest creating a very scenic backdrop, this hike has it all. This track can be shortened to an afternoon stroll along the Gulliver River. For most kiwis, the Milford Track is a rite of passage, with some fit and adventurous children being introduced to tramping (hiking) on this iconic trail. Time Estimate: 30 mins, loop track Also stopped to see the cheeky Kea birds. https://tripsandtramps.com/tales-from-the-trails/hiking-at-milford-sound Find out why Milford Sound is one of the best places to walk & explore. Large rimu and beech trees line the Esperance River as it emerges into the grasslands at the base of rockwalls below Mt McPherson. Most people who visit Milford Sound go straight for the Milford Sound Cruise or do they a day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound. For the active traveler who wants to step into Milford Sound’s vast wilderness and experience the area on foot, this ½ day, 11 km, mostly flat hike is a wonderful option. Difficulty: Easy. Created by glaciers the remote landscape is characterized by steep mountain sides, lush rain-forest, … 2 adults. $99.96. Often raved about as one of the best multi-day hikes in the world, the Milford Track is Great Walk on every keen hiker’s New Zealand bucket list. You should have previous alpine hiking and climbing experience to do this walk. Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walk from Te Anau Transportation included; Skip the ticket line; Duration: 1 day; 4.9 291 Reviews From. This was a last minute planned easy trip, but was pretty awesome! Travel along the Milford Road from Te Anau and enjoy panoramic views over the beautiful countryside. Information panels along the way tell the story of Milford Sound, as well as its fauna and flora. Rating: 5 stars Visit beautiful Milford Track – New Zealand’s most famous hiking trail.Experience 53 kilmoteres of lakes, suspension bridges and mountain peaks as you walk Milford Track. Before I visited Milford Sound I had spent a few days in Wanaka. START: Glade Wharf, Lake Te Anau via water taxi from Te Anau Downs (27km from Te Anau). There are 3 huts on the Milford Track, which must be booked well in advance during the Great Walks season. In effect, you’ll be hiking the last section of the track in reverse by hopping on the boat at the main Milford Wharf and then cruising across the deep waters of the fiord to Sandfly Point, where you’ll disembark to begin your walk on the track itself. Those who plan to kayak should stay in Te Anau or closer—the kayaking trips generally leave early in the morning. The hiking was great, the lodging fit our needs perfectly, the meals were great with Ruby preparing great homemade goods. Kayaking and Hiking Milford Sound On My New Zealand Adventure Hiking New Zealand Milford Sound was described by Rudyard Kipling as ‘the eighth wonder of the world’. Lake Marian. – After completion of the track, pick up is from Sandfly Point (the end of the trail) at 2.30pm and travel to Milford Sound via water taxi. There are a couple of tips if you are planning to hike at Milford Sound to ensure a memorable, enjoyable and safe experience. You can find some of the best views of Mitre Peak along this route. Te Anau is the closest town to Milford Sound and often where people stay when visiting Milford. Get a special rate on a Milford Sound return flight with our flight partner, Glenorchy Air when you book with us. As you start the exhilarating climb you’ll also discover stunning waterfalls on rock faces as you and the mysterious Black Lake towards the top. After reaching the end of the walk, a boat takes walkers out of Milford Sound. The Milford Track is located in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island and starts at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishes in Milford Sound. With the steep cliff faces and dense bush this is no place to venture off trail whatever your hiking experience. Difficulty: Easy Distance: 400 m Glorious on a fine day, Milford Sound’s ethereal, moody beauty in the rain is equally spectacular. I live in the Pacific NW and regularly hike 6-10 miles in running... Milford Sound. I’d always heard people kayaking in Milford Sound, and it’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a while. Looking for inspiration? There are also several different hikes in Fiordland National Park to choose from as well as the multi-day New Zealand’s Great Walks. No fees! Find out more. We certainly enjoyed our tour of the South Island and completing one of our bucket list items of hiking the Milford Track. It was routed as an overland track to get supplies and trade going between the two settlements. By: Trips & Tramps. Hiking alongside the Arthur River on the Milford Track with views looking back towards Milford Sound. Learn more about the area through the interpretive visitor panels, relax and enjoy the sea air while watching the boats cruise past. I know there is a steep descent that is rocky? New Zealand’s Great Walks each offer a world-class hiking experience showcasing our diverse country. Ultimate Hikes are the exclusive operators of multi day guided walks on the famous Milford & Routeburn Tracks, two of New Zealand's most iconic Great Walks. All rights reserved. Difficulty: Easy (suitable for all people) Instead, on this day you will take a boat cruise through one of the world’s most amazing and beautiful landscapes. The Ice Fields above feed numerous waterfalls on rock faces all around the valley. Milford Sound Tramping, Hiking, Bush & Guided Walks is a perfect way to slow your Fiordland adventure down a little and soak in the tranquillity and mind-blowing scenery surrounding you. The Milford track is a 4 day/3 night hike that stretches from Te Anau Downs to the Milford Sound. The remote mountains and lakes can be intimidating to navigate on your own, but expert nature guides show you the best trails, views, and waterfalls all in one day on a well-paced series of walks and a scenic picnic stop. 203. Want to hike in Milford Sound? Although the Homer Tunnel is wide enough for a small vehicle to pass, traffic lights operate during the summer months. The finish to the Milford Track is another 50m away, so drop your bag, complete the trail, give yourself a high five and then go back and wait for your boat transfer. 212 reviews. An exciting 4-5 hour walk with sensational views to Milford Sound and the surrounding Darran Mountains. While researching for things to do in Wanaka, I realized I actually didn’t want to do more hikes in Wanaka because they all seemed really steep and exposed (I had already done a couple of hikes in Wanaka). To book this, select our ‘Book Your Own Milford Track Transport Package’ and add the flight option to … The track is a 400-meter loop, with the highlight being a classic Milford Sound viewpoint looking directly towards Mitre Peak. I thought, why not try camping in Milford Sound instead! Share; Milford Sound is a truly special place to visit and often on people’s itinerary when they visit New Zealand. Because we were hiking the Milford Track the week before its season began, the threat of avalanches was incredibly low. What a better way to enjoy a day out exploring the magnificent nature of Milford Sound than hiking on the Milford Track and then enjoying a boat cruise! Milford Road to Milford Sound passes through mountain ranges, majestic valleys, clear lakes and lush rain forest. The trail was the first inland route to Milford Sound and has been a … Milford Sound offers many walking and tramping tracks for a range of abilities, time frames and experiences, ranging from short and easy access walks to long multi-day tramps like the Milford Track. When we arrive at Milford Sound we’ll relax on the deck of a ship, cruising the dark, deep waters of the fiord in the hands of a knowledgeable captain and the nature guides on board. 6. The Gertrude Saddle … 1 Aug 2019. Te Anau, the nearest township, has a full range of accommodation, shopping and hiking gear hire services. For such a short (45 minutes total) walk, it truly gives you a taste of the wilderness of Fiordland National Park. Milford Sound Tramping, Hiking, Bush & Guided Walks is a perfect way to slow your Fiordland adventure down a little and soak in the tranquillity and mind-blowing scenery surrounding you. milford sound & te anau, new zealand by goherenext June 17, 2020 July 20, 2020 New Zealand’s pristine paradise of hiking highlights; experience alpine treks, mountain-fringed fjords, rugged rock formations and plunge-worthy waterfalls around the lakeside forest trails of magical Milford Sound. This enjoyable short walk starts at the carpark in Milford Sound and wanders through beech forest and alongside the sandy foreshore area in Milford Sound. Experience both on this full-day trip from Queenstown, traveling through the heart of Fiordland National Park, and then cruising all the way to the edge of the Tasman Sea. One of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks it has long been considered ‘the finest walk in the world.’ Here’s what you need to know to before you set out. Time: 3-4 hours (return) Check Availability. Feb 15, 2020; Milford Sound from Te anau self drive Feb 12, 2020; Fly-cruise-fly from Te Anau are Feb 11, 2020; Ultimate Hikes - Milford track cancellation Feb 10, 2020; Milford Sound by Feb End Feb 10, 2020 The Milford Road between Te Anau and Milford Sound offers many more hiking opportunities of varied length, to find out more download the Department of Conservation Fiordland Day Walk brochure, or for a guided option in Fiordland see our guided day walk selection. Experience both on this full-day trip from Queenstown, traveling through the heart of Fiordland National Park, and then cruising all the way to the edge of the Tasman Sea. Boats depart from here to take walkers back to MIlford Sound at 2 or 3pm each day. The Gertrude Saddle route starts near the Homer Tunnel on the Milford Road. A quick detour onto the sandy waterfront from the path is a budding photographer’s paradise. Before long you’ll reach Marian Falls, a set of wild rapids and small waterfalls. Distance: 3.4 km With its magical combination of mountain peaks, ink-dark waters and superb dramatic forest-clad cliffs, it must be seen to be believed. Camping is not permitted on the Milford Track. Camping in Milford Sound. Save. This wild environment has limited areas suitable for human activity, making hiking at Milford Sound tricky, but it is still possible in a few places. Take in panoramic views from the memorial to explorer Quintin McKinnon, and take in scenes of Lake Mintaro and the Clinton Canyon along the way. Full-Day Milford Sound Hiking Tour with Cruise. Day 5 – Milford Sound Cruise (No Hiking) On the last day of your adventure, there is no hiking involved. Pure Natural Beauty. Read more. You should have previous alpine hiking and climbing experience to do this walk. Offer a range of guided walks throughout the Te Wai Pounamu Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area in Fiordland. New Zealand Great Walks Information, Hiking, Packing & Safety Tips. Starting at the twin one-lane bridges on the descent through the Cleddau Valley, about 7.5km from Milford Sound, this route follows the Gulliver River for a few kilometres before climbing up into the Esperance valley. This fantastic hike is a real treat and perfect for people who want to experience both the Milford Track and Milford Sound on the same day. Options. Consider guided walks on the Miford Track (Destination Fiordland website) Places to stay. Like spring in most parts of the world, New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, so it pays to be prepared. This section is on an easy track, so it’s great for families, and offers spectacular views of Fiordland National Park. This stunning alpine lake is very picturesque and one of my favorite stops along the road to Milford. Curious if hiking boots are a necessity? Here are the 3 walks available for visitors to Milford Sound wanting to explore by foot. Keep moving, once you stop sandflies can be a problem. This is one of New Zealand’s most accessible alpine tracks, an exciting hike with sensational views to Milford Sound and the surrounding Darran Mountains. Wander through beech forest, alpine tussock, tarns and bogs, and keep an eye out for native birds. Join a Milford Sound hiking activity and explore the wildest side of New Zealand while enjoying New Zealand’s adventurous spirit and love of outdoors. The first hour follows the valley floor before climbing large granite slabs and outcrops to Black Lake. The boardwalk begins near the information centre, with views straight down the fiord: Mitre Peak (Rahotu) is to the left, The Lion (Mt Kimberley) straight ahead and Cascade Peak to the right.