Fiordland Guided Walks

Milford Track Guided Walk and Boat Cruise

Explore more of Milford Sound

Enjoy a taste of the world-famous Milford Track with this unforgettable half-day guided walk experience. Begin your journey at the iconic Sandfly Point — the official end of the Milford Track — and follow the lush forest trail alongside the Arthur River, with the option to walk as far as you wish, up to the stunning Giant Gate Falls.

After your walk, complete the day with a scenic cruise on the spectacular Milford Sound. Glide beneath towering cliffs, marvel at cascading waterfalls, and take in the iconic silhouette of Mitre Peak from sea level.

This incredible package combines two of Fiordland’s most iconic experiences — a guided walk on the ‘finest walk in the world’ and a cruise through one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes. A perfect way to make the most of your day in Milford Sound.

3.5hrs
11km
50m
Medium
2hrs
7hrs

Scheduled hike from Te Anau

Adult ^NZ$450
Child ^NZ$365

Scheduled hike from Milford Sound

Adult ^NZ$360
Child ^NZ$240

Private Guided Hike

1-3 people from ^NZ$1485

Choose to depart from Te Anau at 6:30 am with convenient return transport, or meet us at Milford Sound for check in at 8.30 am, to begin your adventure there. See the ‘More Info’ tab for full details.

Part 1- Morning Guided Walk on the Milford Track

Your adventure begins with a short boat ride across Milford Sound’s Deep Water Basin to Sandfly Point — the end of the Milford Track and the perfect starting point for today’s hike.

From here, follow a well-formed trail through ancient temperate rainforest, where towering trees, vibrant ferns, and moss-covered trunks create a lush, green canopy. The path winds alongside the Arthur River and Lake Ada, leading to the stunning Giant Gate Falls. A swing bridge near the falls offers the ideal photo stop.

Along the way, your expert Trips & Tramps guide will bring the forest to life with captivating stories. With a small group size (maximum 12), you’ll enjoy a personalised and immersive experience that deepens your connection to this remarkable place.

Part 2 – Afternoon Boat Cruise on Milford Sound

After your walk, return to the Milford wharf for a scenic cruise through the majestic Milford Sound. Sit back and relax as your small boat glides past sheer cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and iconic landmarks like Mitre Peak.

Informative commentary from the skipper enhances your understanding of this unique landscape, while outdoor viewing decks provide uninterrupted photo opportunities. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife — seals lazing on the rocks, seabirds wheeling overhead, or even dolphins. With limited passenger numbers, this is an intimate, unhurried way to experience the full grandeur of Milford Sound — a perfect way to round off your day.

Enjoy the classic views of Mitre Peak while you cruise the fiord, Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park

I had a great experience!

"I had a great experience discouvering a small but significant part of the Milford Sound with our guide. He was both really nice, a good group manager and a great resource on the area. We walked together a few times and he shared extra insights I found very interesting. There never was enough time but we did a good job! ;-)"

Donna

Very knowledgeable guide and we had fun in the tour!

Our tour guide Jeff was a very knowledgeable guide and we had fun in the tour! Check in was easy as was the relocation to the start (end) of the walking track. I liked the way that he let us make our way back at our own pace (with him taking up the rear so that no one got lost) as this allowed us to stop at the places that we wanted to spend a little more time at.

Joanna, Australia

Te Anau
Giant Gate Waterfall
Milford Sound
Milford Sound, Deep Water Basin
Milford Sound Terminal
Milford Track
Sandfly Point
Te Anau
Sandfly Point, Milford Track
Queenstown

Private Milford Track Guided Walk & Optional Cruise
Discover the Milford Track at Your Own Pace

Explore one of the world’s most iconic walking trails with a private, fully guided day hike tailored to your pace and preferences. With all logistics taken care of — including return transport from Te Anau, expert guiding, and water taxi access — this exclusive experience offers a relaxed yet immersive way to enjoy the majestic beauty of Fiordland.

Your journey begins with a scenic drive along the stunning Milford Road, led by your knowledgeable local guide. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, you’ll take a short comfort stop before boarding a water taxi across the fiord to reach the Milford Track at Sandfly Point — the iconic trail’s endpoint.

Choose from two walk options:

Option 1 – Giant Gate Falls (11 km return)
Follow the Arthur River and tranquil Lake Ada through ancient temperate rainforest on this rewarding 11 km (7-mile) return walk. The highlight is the spectacular Giant Gate Falls — a stunning cascade framed by lush native bush. A nearby swing bridge provides the perfect photo opportunity. This option is ideal for those seeking a longer, moderate walk in one of New Zealand’s most celebrated natural environments.

Option 2 – Lake Ada Walk (up to 6 km return)
For a more leisurely experience, enjoy a shorter walk to the shores of Lake Ada. This 6 km (3.7-mile) return option captures the essence of the Milford Track without the full hike — ideal for those with limited time or looking for a gentler pace. It’s a perfect match for guests wishing to pair the walk with a luxurious Fiordland Discovery Lunch Cruise (additional charges apply).

Optional Afternoon Cruise or Scenic Return
After your walk, you have the option to further explore Milford Sound’s awe-inspiring scenery on a small boat cruise (additional fee applies). Enjoy panoramic views of dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and rainforest-clad slopes, with chances to spot local wildlife such as seals and dolphins. Onboard commentary adds rich insight into the area’s natural history and iconic landmarks, including Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier.

Alternatively, for a more relaxed return, continue exploring Milford Sound’s shoreline with your guide, before enjoying a scenic drive back to Te Anau with optional photo stops along the way — all tailored to your interests.

Difficulty & Minimum Fitness

Giant Gate Falls Walk

11 km (7 miles) return, approx. 50 m (160 ft) elevation gain
Moderate fitness required; some uneven and rocky sections
Walking time approx. 3.5 hours at 3–4 km/hr pace
Recommended for ages 8–75

Lake Ada Walk

Up to 6 km (3.7 miles) return with minimal elevation gain
Follows a high-quality track, suitable for most fitness levels
Ideal for a relaxed pace and shorter timeframe

1-3 people from^NZ$1485.00

Book Private Experience

Departure Point

Ex Milford Sound

If you have selected to depart from Milford Sound, meet your Trips & Tramps guide at 8.30 am. You will meet your guide at the Mitre Peak Cruise counter in the Main Visitors Terminal located at Freshwater Basin (and the end of the road).

Milford Sound is a recommended 2 hour drive from Te Anau plus you need to allow time to park, so we recommend a 6.00 am departure from Te Anau. Milford Sound Tourism has implemented paid parking in the main Milford carparks. The cost is currently set from $10 per hour. This fee is payable by credit card only. On Deepwater Basin Road there is free parking on a gravel carpark. We recommend you be at Milford parked up by 8.00 am if you wish to have free parking in this carpark. From here it is a 20 minute walk to the main terminal building where we meet you.

The Milford Road is steep, windy and narrow in places - less confident drivers should consider taking the transport option. A pick up in Te Anau is a cost effective option (and less stress).

Ex Te Anau

If you have selected our transport option for the Milford Track Guided Walk, we will collect you from your Te Anau accommodation so please be ready waiting for us outside at 6.30 am good to go!

Schedule

6:30 am Pick up Te Anau accommodation (if selected)

Part 1 - Milford Track Guided Walk

8.30 am Check in at the Milford Sound Boat Terminal

8.45 am Depart Milford Sound Wharf by Water taxi to Sandfly Point

11.15 am Wilderness tea break at Giant Gate Waterfall

1.00 pm Water taxi departs Sandfly Point

1.15 pm Return to Milford Sound

Part 2 Milford Small boat scenic cruise

1.30 pm Depart Milford Boat Cruise with Mitre Peak Cruises

3.30 pm pm Return Milford Wharf

Transport Option: 6.30 am Pick up Te Anau accommodation, return 5.30 pm

Availability: Selected dates in October, then every day from 01 November to 30th April.

Meals

Your guide will carry hot drinks on the walk. Please note: there is no scheduled time to stop for lunch on the track. We recommend having lunch after the walk, either back in Milford Sound or during the boat cruise. As there are limited food outlets in Milford and no time available to purchase items on the day, guests must bring their own food if lunch hasn’t been pre-ordered with us. We also suggest bringing snacks for the walk — our packed lunch (if ordered) includes plenty to cover this.

What to bring

Comfortable walking boots/shoes - waterproof jacket, warm clothing including hat and gloves, hiking snacks, drinking water and snacks, day pack and insect repellent. Jeans and street wear are not suitable clothing or footwear, please ensure you wear suitable outdoor, activewear for the walk. We also recommend a change of clothes and shoes to change into after the walk, in case of a wet day. For safety reasons, clients may be declined service on the day if not suitably prepared.

Rain jackets are available if requested prior to the day of travel. Bring lunch with you or preorder a packed lunch.

We provide

We provide on the guided walk a professional guide, water taxi transport from Deep Water Basin to Sandfly Point, Milford Track and return, safety gear, and hot drinks. Plus a 2 hour Milford Sound small boat cruise with Mitre Peak Cruises to the Tasman Sea with great viewing opportunities. If you choose the trip from Te Anau we also provide return transfers, including pick ups from the Te Anau township.

Hike Difficulty

Moderate fitness required, moderate walking. 50 m/160 ft vertical gain, 11 km/7 mile walk. There are some areas where terrain is rocky or rough underfoot requiring good stability. Walking time 3.5 hours, average walking speed 3-4 km per hour. On occasion, wet weather may make conditions more challenging when puddles or streams can be encountered. We operate in most weather conditions, so guests need to be suitably prepared. Recommended for ages 8-75 years.

Children

This excursion is suitable for children 8 years +. The child rate applies for ages 8-15 years inclusive.

Unfortunately we are unable to take infants or young children on the track for health and safety reasons. The major concern is the weather and the pace set. We cannot guarantee fine weather, and should it be raining on the day (which Milford Sound is prone to) young children do not have the ability to keep warm enough. Also infants will be sat in backpacks for up to 4 hours getting wet, cold and unable to warm up as they are too young to be able to keep up with the pace as set by the guide which is approximately 3km - 3.5km per hour.

The owners of Trips and Tramps, Steve and Kate, have 4 children of their own and so this age limit has been decided based on their own personal experiences.