Milford Track
Milford Track is Fiordland National Park’s Great Walk tramping route in New Zealand, running 53.5 km one-way from Glade Wharf (at the head of Lake Te Anau) to Sandfly Point in Milford Sound. The track crosses ancient rainforests and wetlands, follows glacier-fed rivers, and includes alpine terrain over McKinnon Pass on the way north.
The route is managed for one-way walking during the Great Walk season, with summer access restricted to northbound travel. Camping is not permitted on the track in the Great Walks season, and hut stays are the core overnight plan (with day shelters along the line).
A typical hut-based plan is 3 nights in huts over 4 days, with overnight stops at Clinton Hut, Mintaro Hut, and Dumpling Hut. These huts are booked in advance during the Great Walks season, and they’re equipped with bunks/mattresses, toilets, and basic cooking facilities (walkers still need to carry their own food).
Day 1, Glade Wharf to Clinton Hut, is a shorter morning start after the boat transfer from Te Anau Downs, followed by a walk through beech forest along the Clinton River to Clinton Hut. There’s also a short, signposted side trip near Clinton Hut to a wetland walkway.
Day 2, Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut, is a gradual climb up the Clinton River valley to Lake Mintaro near the base of the Omanui/McKinnon Pass area, bringing the first big views of the pass country. The walk passes Hirere Falls and continues through changing vegetation toward Mintaro Hut.
Day 3, Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut, is the toughest day: you climb over Omanui/McKinnon Pass to the memorial to explorer Quintin McKinnon, then descend into the Roaring Burn valley with several waterfalls along the way before reaching Dumpling Hut. Sutherland Falls is accessible as a recommended side trip from this section.
Day 4, Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point, follows the Arthur River to the historic Boatshed, then continues past Mackay Falls and Bell Rock, with man-made rock cuttings near the river. The last part of the walk finishes at Sandfly Point for the boat transfer out of Milford Sound.
More information: Wikipedia, The Ultimate Guide to the Milford Track, New Zealand's ..., Milford Track - Ultimate Hikes