So you’ve decided to hike the Milford Track!

One of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’ located in one of the most iconic NZ locations. But you’re not sure where to begin? Here are a few key tips to consider when planning your hike… 

There are 2 options for hiking the Milford Track, either as an independent hiker (you carry all your own gear including food and stay in the pre-booked DOC huts) or as part of a guided tour group such as Ultimate Hikes New Zealand (the more expensive option but you have private rooms in a lodge, meals are cooked for you and you have hot showers at your accommodation).

I have only completed this as an independent hiker so my Top 5 Tips are all about getting you comfortably to Sandfly Point and giving you an idea of some of the things you will encounter on the trail.  

Ready? 

1. Wet Weather Gear – The Fiordland’s of New Zealand are one of the wettest places on earth, receiving on average between 1-8 meters (yes, you read that right, METERS) of rain each year so odds are it WILL rain while you are on the track. Having a good wet weather layer will not only keep you warm and dry but allow you to enjoy the hundreds of inspiring waterfalls you will come across along the way.  

This also extends to your pack. A rain cover and dry bags will ensure that you and your belongings arrive at the next hut as dry as possible.

2. Extra Food –  Yep you guessed it, lots of rain = lots of water! Always pack enough food to cover and extra day or two in the event you get detained on the track due to flooding. FLOODING! Don’t worry the hut rangers will give you a full weather update every morning and in the event of flooding on the track will advise you to remain at a hut for an extra night (this is of no extra cost to you). Once the rain stops the track drains very quickly and you will be on your way again but you never want to risk being short of food for the rest of your hike. Hungry hikers are not happy hikers!

3. Kea – The world’s only alpine parrot, renowned for its intelligent and cheeky nature. This beautiful native bird may be deemed inquisitive but beware, any unattended packs, hiking gear or clothing become fair game. Particular favourites include; removing shoelaces from hiking boots, adding a few extra holes to raincoats and carting off anything available into nearby the bush.

They double as your forest alarm clock…. But hiking with Kea can be easy if you remember a few key things;

• Hang up your gear if it’s outside to dry overnight (or preferably bring it inside overnight if possible)
• Do not feed them. Feeding Kea will not only encourage them to lose any instinctive wariness of people but can also be harmful to their health.

4. Insect Repellent – As well as stunning scenery and inquisitive bird-life, the Milford Track is also home to smaller winged wildlife. Sand-flies! And not just a few of the pesky buggers, I’m talking swarms of the things. But don’t let that deter you, a good insect repellent will do the trick and make for a far more comfortable journey. For those unfortunate enough to forget to pack it – make friends quickly with someone who did or you will find yourself performing a lot of arm waving and ineffective swatting manoeuvres over the next 4 days to the amusement of your fellow hikers.

5. Take your time – It’s not a race! Sure, fastest hiker gets the pick of the bunks but let’s be honest, whether your bunk is on the left or the right side of the hut is not why you decided to hike the Milford Track. So stop, and gaze at the waterfalls cascading down the valley walls around you. See with excitement the snow-capped pass grow slowly closer. Feel the sheer force and power that is Sutherland Falls. Watch the trout swim lazily through crystal clear glacial waters. Get that perfect shot of the mountains reflected in the mirror-like stillness of the lake. Listen to the crunch of the path beneath your boots and saver the intense green of the mossy forests.

And when you stand beneath the sign at Sand-fly Point, 53.5km from where you began that feeling of pride in your accomplishment (and a teeny tiny bit of relief that a hot shower and ‘proper’ meal is in the not-too-distant future) reminds us all why we seek to explore the world around us. Because no matter how far we roam, mother nature will always find new ways to awe and inspire us! 

Yes, there may be a challenge or two along the way. But that is why the Milford Track is a ‘great walk’ and why so many adventurous souls travel so far just to experience this iconic New Zealand hike.

More information can be found on the Department of Conservation (DOC) website. 

To see my Milford Track journey check out my experience getting Flooded on the Milford Track!