Fiordland National Park – New Zealand’s Wild Wonderland

The Routeburn Track is a renowned 33-kilometre hiking trail in New Zealand's South Island, connecting Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park. It showcases the beauty of the Southern Alps through alpine meadows, beech forests, and mountain passes. With stunning views of snow-capped mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, it offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure. It's a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts seeking to experience New Zealand's natural beauty firsthand.

The Routeburn Track begins (or ends) halfway along the Milford Road, near The Divide, and extends to the Routeburn Shelter near Glenorchy, New Zealand.

The Milford Track and the Routeburn Track are two of New Zealand's most famous and spectacular Great Walks, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking scenery. Here's a comparison of the two tracks:

• Scenery: Both tracks showcase breathtaking natural beauty, but they differ in their landscapes. The Milford Track is renowned for its dramatic fiords, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests, providing a more dramatic and diverse scenery. The Routeburn Track, on the other hand, takes hikers through alpine terrain with snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and sweeping valleys, offering stunning alpine vistas.
• Length and Duration: The Milford Track is longer, spanning approximately 53.5 km (33.2 miles), and typically takes 4 days to complete. In contrast, the Routeburn Track is shorter, measuring about 32 km (19.9 miles), and can be completed in 2-4 days depending on the pace and side trips taken.
• Accessibility: The starting points of the two tracks are different. The Milford Track starts at Glade Wharf and ends at Sandfly Point, accessible via a boat journey from Te Anau. The Routeburn Track can be accessed from either Routeburn Shelter near Glenorchy or The Divide Shelter along the Milford Road.
• Difficulty: The Milford Track is considered moderately challenging, with some steep sections and potentially harsh weather conditions. It requires a good level of fitness and stamina. The Routeburn Track is also moderately challenging, but it is generally more accessible to hikers of moderate ability.
• Facilities and Crowds: Both tracks are part of New Zealand's Great Walks network and offer accommodation facilities such as huts and campsites. However, the Milford Track tends to be more crowded and has a quota system for bookings due to its popularity. The Routeburn Track also attracts visitors but may have slightly fewer crowds.

Both tracks offer unforgettable experiences, and the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences, time available, fitness level, and the type of scenery you wish to encounter. Many hikers find it rewarding to explore both tracks to fully appreciate the beauty of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks.

The Milford Track has captivated hikers for over 150 years, offering a pristine and awe-inspiring natural environment. The track showcases the remarkable beauty of glacially carved valleys, ancient rainforests, and magnificent waterfalls. Renowned as one of New Zealand's most famous Great Walks, the Milford Track follows the paths of early explorers, adding a historical and adventurous element to the experience. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless allure of its scenery and the unforgettable journey it offers to those who embark upon it.

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.

The Kepler Track is a renowned 60-kilometre hiking trail in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand. It is part of the country's Great Walks, offering diverse landscapes from lakesides to rocky ridgelines. The track takes around three to four days to complete and features highlights like the ascent of Mt Luxmore, stunning views, and encounters with unique flora and fauna. During the Great Walks season, hikers can pre-book accommodations at huts or campsites. The Kepler Track provides an immersive wilderness experience in the picturesque Fiordland region.

The best time to walk the Kepler Track is during the Great Walks season, which typically runs from late October to late April. During this period, there are more facilities available along the track, and the hazards are generally fewer. However, it's important to be aware that even during this season, poor weather conditions can make the walk challenging.

The Kepler Track typically takes 4 days to complete for independent, non-guided walkers during the Great Walks season, which runs from late October to 30 April. This timeframe allows walkers to immerse themselves in the wilderness and enjoy the diverse landscapes along the track. However, it's important to note that individual walking times may vary depending on factors such as fitness level, weather conditions, and personal pace.