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Milford Track

Milford Track — the trail guide

The Milford Track is a 53.6 km trek in New Zealand, typically walked in 2-4 days, with 2114 m of total ascent. It rates Hard on our published rubric (39 m of gain per km, topping out at 1124 m). Its operating periods and current access must be checked with the linked route authorities; historical climate averages cannot establish whether the route is open or passable.

A four-day Great Walk through Fiordland National Park from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, crossing Omanui/McKinnon Pass.

Quick facts

Distance53.6 km
Total ascent2114 m
Typical duration2-4 days
Difficulty (computed)Hard
Steepness39 m gain per km
High point1124 m
CountryNew Zealand
RegionNew Zealand

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Hard" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Official planning information

Elevation profile

Low point 53 m · high point 1124 m · 2114 m total ascent over 53.6 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 214 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan19°11°203 mm
Feb19°11°246 mm
Mar18°10°192 mm
Apr14°225 mm
May12°273 mm
Jun201 mm
Jul257 mm
Aug229 mm
Sep11°301 mm
Oct13°278 mm
Nov16°253 mm
Dec18°10°249 mm

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Milford Track?

The Milford Track is 53.6 km, and most hikers complete it in 2-4 days. Total elevation gain is 2114 m.

How difficult is the Milford Track?

It rates Hard on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 39 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 1124 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

What season and condition information is available for the Milford Track?

Great Walk season: 1 November 2026–30 April 2027. DOC publishes 1 November 2026–30 April 2027 as the Great Walk season. It also warns that severe weather, flooding, snow and avalanche conditions can affect the track in any season. This note was reviewed 29 Jul 2026 and is not live status; re-check the linked authorities before booking and departure.

Where is the Milford Track?

In New Zealand. The route starts near -44.932, 167.930 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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