Glade Wharf - Milford Sound

Recommended by Richard Pulmner

This historic route from Glade Wharf to the Milford Sound crossing Mackinnon pass, and cutting into Arthur Valley to the Sunderland Falls was first used by Maoris collecting greenstone. The Milford Track is an easy four day walk with around six hours of walking a day and reasonable hut accommodation along the way.

The first days walk will take you along the Clinton River through beech forests and smooth grasslands, the second is over the debris of a landslide which has created a lake and waterfalls, with the drowned skeletons of trees still poking their branches about the lakes surface. You then walk the bottom of the valley with gentle waterfalls on both granite sides, arrive at a lake (probably the warmest of the region) then cross a series of bridges and a suspension bridge before reaching your hut for the night where you can dump your bags and try for Mackinnon Pass.

On the third day the track crosses at a lower pass then descends into another area of dramatic water features with rapids and waterfalls, including the thundering Sunderland Falls, a short detour away. The fourth day is similar terrain to the third passing the scenic Mackay Falls and Bell Rock.

You need to make a booking to walk the track during the peak period between late October and May, with a maximum of 40 walkers allowed to start walking at the beginning of the track each day. This ensures minimal environmental damage and space in the sleeping huts. Be aware that you can also only walk in one direction during this period - from Glade Wharf and Milford Sound. Ferries leave the Sound at Sandfly Point at 2 and 3pm daily.