Milford Track Tours, Packages & Transport

The Milford Track is a one-way hike that starts at Glade Wharf at the head of Lake Te Anau and ends at Sandfly Point in Milford Sound. Given its remote location, getting to the start and from the end of the track requires a bit of coordination, typically involving both land and water transport. To get to the Milford Track, you can follow these steps:

• Reach Te Anau: Te Anau is the gateway town to the Milford Track. You can reach Te Anau by car, bus, or plane. If you're arriving from another country, you can fly into Queenstown Airport and then take a bus or drive to Te Anau, which is approximately a two-hour journey.
• Transport to Te Anau Downs: From Te Anau, you will need to travel to Te Anau Downs, which is the departure point for the boat trip to Glade Wharf, the starting point of the Milford Track. Te Anau Downs is located around 30 minutes away from Te Anau. You can drive yourself, take a shuttle or bus service, or arrange private transport.
• Boat Trip to Glade Wharf: At Te Anau Downs, you will board a boat that will take you across Lake Te Anau to Glade Wharf. The boat trip typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The boat services are operated by various companies and are scheduled to align with the hiking season.

Once you reach Glade Wharf, you can start your journey on the Milford Track and follow the track markers and signs along the way.

It is important to make necessary reservations and arrangements in well in advance to book hut accommodation, transport to Te Anau Downs and the boat trip to Glade Wharf, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability and secure your preferred departure times.

Leaving the End of the Track:

The track finishes at Sandfly Point in Milford Sound.

• From Sandfly Point, you will need to take a boat to Milford Sound village. This boat ride takes about 15-20 minutes.
• From Milford Sound, you can take a bus back to Te Anau or Queenstown. The bus ride to Te Anau takes around 2.5-3 hours, and to Queenstown around 4-5 hours.

Keep in mind that weather conditions can affect boat and bus schedules, especially in winter or during periods of heavy rain. Always check with transport providers for the most up-to-date information.

It's worth noting that there is limited parking available at both Te Anau and Milford Sound if you're considering leaving a vehicle.

You can book transport as part of a package with us, which can include transport or car rental relocation to/from the track, hut bookings, equipment hire, and even food – most dietary request can be supplied. This can be a convenient option that ensures all the logistics are taken care of.

The Milford Track is renowned as one of the most iconic and breathtaking walks in the world – a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. Towering peaks and vast valleys create a truly majestic and remote landscape. Part of the adventure is simply getting there, and local insight can make all the difference when planning your transport – especially if you're short on time.

Milford truly comes alive in the rain, when water cascades from the surrounding cliffs, forming hundreds of spontaneous waterfalls. It's a spectacular sight, provided you're well-prepared with the right gear for the conditions!

If you're after a hassle-free experience, our premium hiking package includes everything you need – high-quality, lightweight hire gear, delicious hiking meals, and all your transport arranged. With convenient hotel drop-off before you set off, it's the easiest way to walk the track fully prepared and well-fuelled, without the stress of organising it all yourself.

Yes, you can! This is called independent walking. You will need to take all your own food and equipment.

It is essential to book the huts on the Milford Track as soon as bookings open, which is typically in April or May in advance for the Great Walks following season. Availability is limited, so booking early is essential to secure your preferred dates.

The Milford Track typically books out within the first couple of minutes of reservations opening. We can help you with this, as we have a team dedicated to getting you confirmed. If you would like us to do that, we will need to know well in advance of the April/May opening, with a range of dates that will be suitable. The more flexible you are with dates, the better your chance of obtaining a confirmed booking.