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 a half-day guided walk. Highlights include the notorious Sandfly Point at the end of the track, and the beautiful Giant's Gate waterfall. Complete the day with a magnificent cruise on Milford Sound. You've got Milford Sound covered with these two great products, creating the unforgettable Milford Sound experience in one great value package. It is a fantastic way to see both the 'finest walk in the world' and enjoy the fiord from sea level, including the picturesque Mitre Peak.
- 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
Part 1- Morning guided walk on the Milford Track
After brief introductions at the Milford Sound terminal, we begin with a short boat ride across Milford Sound’s Deep Water Basin to Sandfly Point, adeptly named as you will see! This is the end point of the Milford Track, but the start of today's Milford hike. From there we begin our guided walk, meandering alongside the cascading Arthur River then Lake Ada, on a well formed track. Our destination and half way point is Giant's Gate waterfall. This spectacular waterfall is best viewed and photographed from the large swing bridge spanning the river.
There is much to see, from the ancient trees towering above to the vibrant green ferns and mosses below. Walking in a small group (maximum 12 people), your Trips & Tramps nature guide will point out the native fauna and flora and share the fascinating human heritage of the track, bringing the area to life.
On conclusion of the guided walk, you return to the main wharf complex for your boat cruise.
Part 2 - Afternoon boat cruise
Enjoy Milford Sound’s awe-inspiring scenery from the comfort of a small boat cruise, as you sit back and relax.
Cruise the length of the fiord and experience the beauty of Milford Sound in all its grandeur. Listen to the informative commentary from the skipper, view the iconic Mitre Peak and get up close to the mighty Stirling Falls. With limited numbers, you are rewarded with an intimate experience of Milford Sound and unobstructed photo opportunities from the outdoor viewing decks. Keep an eye out for the seals basking in the sun or maybe even a pod of dolphins visiting! There is so much to see, and is a perfect way to round off your day.
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.
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! ;-)"
- Giant Gate Waterfall
- Te Anau
- Milford Sound
- Milford Sound, Deep Water Basin
- Milford Sound Terminal
- Milford Track
- Sandfly Point
- Sandfly Point, Milford Track
- Te Anau
- Queenstown
TAKE A DAY HIKE WITH A PRIVATE LOCAL GUIDE
Discover the Milford Track at your own pace with a personalised day hike led by your private guide. This exclusive experience offers the ultimate way to uncover the beauty of this lush forest environment. With your guide, you have the freedom to set your hiking pace, while all logistical details and transportation are expertly managed.
Your journey begins with a pick-up from your Te Anau accommodation, where you'll enjoy a scenic drive along the Milford Road in the company of your guide. Upon reaching Milford Sound, a brief stop is followed by boarding a water taxi for a picturesque cruise across the fiord to reach the starting point of the Milford Track at Sandfly Point.
Accompanied by your attentive guide, you'll traverse alongside the cascading Arthur River and the serene Lake Ada, soaking in the tranquility of the early morning and observing the abundant birdlife. The lush canopy trees, vibrant ferns, and melodious birdsong create a captivating atmosphere unique to this World Heritage Area, best experienced on foot.
After completing the hike, you have the option to further explore Milford Sound's majestic scenery on a boat cruise (additional fee applies). The cruise offers panoramic views of sheer cliffs, majestic waterfalls, glaciers, and lush rainforests, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as basking seals and playful dolphins. Knowledgeable crew members provide insightful commentary about the area's highlights, including Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier.
At the conclusion of your chosen activities, whether it's the boat cruise or shoreline exploration, your guide will tailor the return journey to your preferences, making scenic and photographic stops as desired. Finally, you'll be safely transported back to your Te Anau accommodation, having experienced Milford Track and Sound in a truly personalized and memorable way.
- 1-3 people fromNZ$1350
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
Hot drinks will be carried by the guide. Note: Time is not available to have lunch on the track, we
recommend guests have lunch on their return to Milford Sound or on the cruise (note there are limited places to purchase food in Milford, and little time to do so between return from Track and cruise so guests need to bring their own if not pre-ordered with us). Clients should bring snacks for the hike (there is plenty of food in the packed lunch if they purchase this).
What to bring
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.
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