Milford Track
~3 days · 33.3 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Milford Track is known for
The Milford Track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks, running through Fiordland from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound past Mackinnon Pass and Sutherland Falls. It's walked one-way, hut-to-hut, in a fixed direction.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 105 ft to 3,694 ft over 33.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 7.4 mi · 22%
- Downhill 6.3 mi · 19%
- Flat 19.4 mi · 59%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Milford Track?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Milford Track scores 36/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Great Walk season runs late October to April.
Permits: Advance hut bookings are required in season.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Milford Track take?
Most backpackers hike the Milford Track in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 33.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Milford Track?
The Milford Track climbs roughly 9,439 ft total — about 283 ft per mile, topping out near 3,793 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Milford Track?
Great Walk season runs late October to April.
Do you need a permit for the Milford Track?
Advance hut bookings are required in season.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.