The Milford Track is a 53.5 km, four-day walk through the heart of Fiordland, from the head of Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound. It passes through remote river valleys, over the MacKinnon Pass at 1,154 m, and descends through rainforest past the Sutherland Falls — among the tallest in New Zealand. The track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks and must be walked in the guided or freedom (hut) categories; independent camping is not permitted.
Freedom walkers must book huts through DOC (Department of Conservation) months in advance — the track opens in late October and huts sell out in minutes. Guided walks with Real Journeys operate on a fixed schedule and provide all food and accommodation. The track starts with a boat transfer from Te Anau Downs to Glade Wharf; at the end a second boat transfers walkers from Sandfly Point to Milford Sound. Allow an extra half-day at each end for these transfers.