Milford Track

Highlights

Walk sections

1. 1

   Glade Wharf to Clinton Hut

   After a 1 hr 15 min boat cruise from Te Anau Downs, take a leisurely walk through beech forest along the Clinton River to Clinton Hut.

   5 km

   1h 15m

2. 2

   Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut

   Gradual climb follows the Clinton River to its source, Lake Mintaro, at the base of McKinnon Pass. Past Hirere Falls is the first view of McKinnon Pass and the Pompolona icefield.

   17.5 km

   6h

3. 3

   Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut

   Climb to McKinnon Pass and the memorial to Quintin McKinnon with views of Lake Mintaro and Clinton Canyon. The highest point and McKinnon Pass Shelter (1154m).

   13 km

   6h 30m

4. 4

   Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point

   Follow the Arthur River past the historic Boatshed, the dramatic Mackay Falls and Bell Rock. Final 3 km on a smooth wide track built by a prison labour gang 1890-92.

   18 km

   5h 45m

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1

   1h 30m

   Into the Clinton Valley

   Glade WharfClinton Hut

   Distance

   5 km

   Elevation gain

   50m

   Est. time

   1h 30m

   A gentle opening day along the Clinton River through beech forest. The water taxi drops you at Glade Wharf for a short, flat walk to Clinton Hut.

   Serene beech forest and the blue Clinton River

2. 2

   Day 2

   6h

   Up the Clinton

   Clinton HutMintaro Hut

   Distance

   16.5 km

   Elevation gain

   400m

   Est. time

   6h

   Follow the Clinton River as it narrows and the valley steepens. Waterfalls tumble from hanging valleys above.

   Prairie Falls viewpoint

3. 3

   Day 3

   7h

   MacKinnon Pass

   Mintaro HutDumpling Hut

   Distance

   14 km

   Elevation gain

   750m

   Est. time

   7h

   The highlight of the track — climb to 1154m MacKinnon Pass, the highest point, then descend past the 580m Sutherland Falls.

   MacKinnon Pass panorama and Sutherland Falls

4. 4

   Day 4

   6h

   Out to Milford Sound

   Dumpling HutSandfly Point

   Distance

   18 km

   Elevation gain

   100m

   Est. time

   6h

   A long final descent through the Arthur Valley to Milford Sound. A ferry takes walkers across to the village.

   Giant Gate Falls and Milford Sound

Points of interest

• Sutherland Falls

  Drops 580 m in 3 leaps from Lake Quill — 1 hr 30 min return side trip from Dumpling Hut.

• McKinnon Pass Memorial

  Memorial to explorer Quintin McKinnon at the highest point of the track (1154m).

• Mackay Falls

  Dramatic falls along the Arthur River on day 4.

• Bell Rock

  Intriguing hollow boulder you can stand inside, along the Arthur River.

• Boatshed

  Historic boatshed on the Arthur River.

Side trips

Huts on this walk

1. Night 1HutSleeps 40

   Clinton Hut

   BunksFlush toiletsHot water
2. Night 2HutSleeps 40

   Mintaro Hut

   BunksFlush toiletsHot water
3. Night 3HutSleeps 40

   Dumpling Hut

   BunksFlush toiletsHot waterCold showers

Getting there

Know before you go

Always check track conditions and weather forecasts before you set out.

• Avalanche terrain

  57+ avalanche paths — track is mainly complex avalanche terrain. Outside Great Walks season requires alpine equipment.

• Clinton and Arthur Valley

  Both valleys impassable during heavy rain. Heavy rain triggers landslides. Stay in hut and wait if track floods.

• Up to 9000mm rain/year

  Cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur any time of year.

What to take