MILFORD TRACK

Duration: 4 days Distance: 53.5 km (one way)

Great Walks season: 24 October 2017 – 30 April 2018 MILFORD ELEVATION PROFILE & TRACK GUIDE

TRACK 1000 m

Experience the ‘finest walk in 750 m the world’ as you retrace the steps Prairie Bus Shelter Stop of early explorers on the world- 500 m Clinton Hut renowned . 40 bunks Glade Take a journey along valleys carved 250 m Wharf by glaciers, wander through ancient rainforests and admire cascading 0 m waterfalls. You’ll follow a historic 5 km / 1 –1.5 hrs 16.5 km / 6 hrs route through National Park, part of Te Wāhipounamu – South West World Heritage Area, before reaching your final destination, the spectacular /Piopiotahi.

The Milford Track can only be walked in one direction. The track is well marked and signposted, but some Day 1: Glade sections are steep and rough and the Wharf to track may be muddy and slippery. Clinton Hut Day 2: Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut Poor weather conditions can make this walk challenging, even in the Great 1 hour – 1 hour 6 hours, 16.5 km 30 minutes, 5 km Walks season. A gradual climb follows the Clinton After a boat cruise from River to its source, Lake Mintaro, at This guide describes a 4-day hike for Downs (1 hour the base of the renowned Mackinnon independent, non-guided walkers from 15 minutes), take a leisurely Pass. Past Hirere Falls you will get the head of to Sandfly Point walk through beautiful your first view of Mackinnon Pass in Milford Sound/Piopiotahi during the beech forest along the and the impressive Pompolona ice Great Walks season (24 October 2017 banks of the Clinton River field. You’ll be dwarfed by the sheer to Clinton Hut, where all – 30 April 2018). scale of the rock walls towering above walkers spend the first night. on either side as you walk up the Clinton valley, and will pass through Outside the Great Walks season changing vegetation as you climb (May to October) walking higher towards Mintaro Hut. conditions are more hazardous – see the safety information.

Duration: 4 days Distance: 53.5 km

Great Walks season: 24 October 2017 – 30 April 2018 greatwalks.co.nz 0800 694 732

Mackinnon hut campsite shelter Pass

Andersons Cascade Shelter Mintaro Hut 40 bunks

Quintin Shelter

Dumpling Hut Giant Gate 40 bunks Boatshed Falls Sandfly Point

14 km / 6 – 7 hrs 18 km / 5.5 – 6 hrs

Day 3: Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut Day 4: Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point

6–7 hours, 14 km 5 hours 30 minutes – 6 hours, 18 km Climb to Mackinnon Pass and the memorial to explorer From Dumpling Hut, you’ll follow Arthur River Quintin McKinnon, with exceptional views of Lake Mintaro to the historic Boatshed. Further along the track, and the Clinton Canyon along the way. The memorial is a you will reach the dramatic Mackay Falls and great place to take in the awe-inspiring panoramas, before intriguing Bell Rock. Admire the man-made rock reaching the highest point of the track and Mackinnon Pass cuttings alongside the Arthur River and Lake Ada, Shelter (1154 metres). before spending the last 3 km on a smooth, wide From here, you’ll drop steadily through an attractive alpine track constructed by a prison labour gang between garden to the valley floor, passing several waterfalls along 1890 and 1892. A short boat ride from Sandfly the Roaring Burn River before arriving at Quintin Shelter. Point will take you to your journey’s end, with On the way to Dumpling Hut, if the weather is clear, take a world-famous views of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi moment to admire Sutherland Falls in the distance. along the way.

COVER: Giant Gate Falls, Graham Dainty

ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT: Beech forest, Graham Dainty Clinton Valley, Daniel Deans Makinnon Pass, stokedforsaturday.com Mackay Falls, Rob Suisted

MAIN PHOTO: Mackinnon Pass, John Strother (panafoot.com) HIGHLIGHTS

Air New Zealand partners with the Department of Conservation to help bring native birds back to the beautiful Great Walks.

Photo: Sabine Bernert

Conservation story

1 Keep an eye out for the rare whio/blue duck. Once widespread around New Zealand, they’re now only found in a few locations, Photo: John Strother (panafoot.com) including along the Milford Track, thanks to a predator control programme supported by Air New Zealand and Genesis Energy. This has doubled the number of stoat traps and increased possum and rat control over an extra 800 hectares. It’s hoped that other wildlife native to the area, such as the mohua/ yellowhead, can also eventually return.

2 Take your camera to capture the stunning panoramas from Mackinnon Pass across ancient valleys carved by glaciers.

3 Fiordland’s many streams, rivers and waterfalls are especially spectacular after rainfall. Make sure you take a side trip from Quintin Shelter to Sutherland Falls, which drop 580 metres (904 feet) from Lake Quill. Photo: John Strother (panafoot.com) Photo: Shellie Evans 4 In the alpine section of the Milford Track you will be in for a special treat between November and February when flowering plants such as the Mount Cook buttercup, mountain daisy and the dainty gentian almost steal the show from the expansive vistas.

5 Enjoy the emerald waters of the Clinton River. Even when the water is metres deep, the crystal-clear water ensures you can see every stone along the bottom and admire trout or Photo: Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz) native longfin eel/tuna cruising the deep pools.

HEAPHY TRACK Takaka

Motueka

Karamea NELSON Nelson Picton Visitor Centre Wakefield

BLENHEIM

Westport Murchison St Arnaud Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre

Punakaiki Reefton Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre

Kaikoura Greymouth Hanmer Springs

Kumara

Hokitika

Arthur’s Pass National Park Visitor Centre

Oxford Rangiora

Kaiapoi Franz Josef/Waiau Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre CHRISTCHURCH Ōtautahi/Christchurch Visitor Centre Methven

Aoraki/Mount Cook Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Akaroa Visitor Centre Haast ASHBURTON Awarua/Haast Visitorgreatwalks.co.nz Centre 0800 694 732

Geraldine GETTING THERE Fairlie

Temuka The Milford Track is accessed by boat from Te Anau Downs, Sign me up! What do I doTwizel next? 27 km from Te Anau on SH94. Makaroa TIMARU  The track starts at Glade Wharf at the head of Lake 0 25 50 km Te Anau. Take a bus or private transport to Te Anau Downs (30 minutes), then a boat trip to the head of Lake Te Anau (1 hour 30 minutes). Start off at greatwalks.co.nz/  The track finishes at Sandfly Point. Take a boat 1 Wanakamilford for more information. Kurow Waimate trip (20 minutes) to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Milford Sound Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre where there are bus services back to ROUTEBURN MILFORD TRACK TRACK Te Anau and on to Queenstown. Glenorchy During the Great Walks season Arrowtown

(24 October 2017 – 30 April 2018), Cromwell QUEENSTOWN Book your huts online or at a OAMARU there are regular transport services Whakatipu-wai-Māori/ Ranfurly Queenstown Visitor Centre 2 DOC Visitor Centre. to and from the track, which Clyde must be booked in advance Alexandra – you can book connecting transport online when booking your hut tickets. Palmerston KEPLER Te Anau TRACK Te Rua-o-te-moko/Fiordland Refer over page for National Park Visitor Centre Book your transport to and Waikouaiti transport options 3 from the track – operators are and services. Mossburn listed online and in this brochure. Lumsden DUNEDIN Fairfield Ōtepoti/Dunedin Visitor Centre Dipton PLACES TO STAY Buy your food and pack your GORE 4 Milton Winton bags – download the Great Walks Mataura packing list and makeBalclutha sure you have everything you need for a

4-day independentKaka unguided Point walk. Riverton/ Aparima INVERCARGILL

Read up on safety and make 5 sure you’re well prepared for your journey and changeable weather Oban Stewart Island/ Rakiura National Park at greatwalks.co.nz/milford. Rakiura Visitor Centre Make sure you have left your intentions with a trusted contact Photo: Keri Moyle (signsoflife.co.nz) at adventuresmart.org.nz.

DOC operates 3 huts on the Milford Track. These must be booked well in advance during the Great Walks season (24 October 2017 – 30 April 2018) to avoid disappointment. Visit the closest DOC Visitor Camping is not permitted on the Milford Track. 6 Centre (Te Anau) to pick up your tickets and official track guide, Great Walks huts and chat with the friendly staff for  $70 per adult per night; 17 years and under free (booking required). the latest weather forecast and track conditions. During the Great Walks season the huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting and cold running water. A DOC ranger is in residence. The huts do not provide cooking utensils or showers. Outside the Great Walks season facilities are greatly reduced and All set! Lace up your boots there are no DOC rangers. Bookings are not required, huts are first 7 and get hiking. Don’t forget to come, first served and fees are reduced. See the website for details. share your experience on facebook.com/GreatWalks. MILFORD MILFORD TRACK WATER TAXI TRANSPORT TRACK. SPEND MORE TIME EXPLORING TE ANAU & START HASSLE YOUR MILFORD TRACK ADVENTURE AT 2PM FREE HIKING.

• 2pm departure means you’ll be on the track at 3pm and reach the first hut around 4.30pm $ 88pp • New, modern, comfortable boat & friendly, local guide with 2PM WATER TAXI commentary TE ANAU DOWNS • Small numbers on board – get to LET US LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD AND ENHANCE YOUR WALK TO GLADE WHARF know your fellow hikers! • The 10.45am bus from Queenstown CAR RELOCATION ESSENTIALS PACKAGE PREMIUM PACKAGE and 1.30pm bus from Te Anau both $ connect with the 2pm departure Simply drive your Skip the hassle of Let us take care of pp car to the start of the organizing transport, all the logistics of 116 • Ask about our Milford Track Flexi track and we move food and gear – your dream hike – 1.30PM BUS & 2PM Pack including vehicle relocation it to the finish while let us pack your bag no hassle adventuring BOAT TE ANAU TO and both water taxis you walk. & move your car! at its finest! GLADE WHARF *Terms & conditions apply.

For bookings or enquiries Please book ahead to avoid disappointment. 0800 3474 538 or +64 21 197 4555 [email protected] Find out more at: e: [email protected] easyhike.co.nz toll-free: 0800 327 944 fiordlandwatertaxi.co.nz

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BEVS TRAMPING GEAR HIRE email: [email protected] 16 Homer St, TE ANAU 9600 phone: 64 3 249 7389 or 027 249 7389

We provide the only safe and secure park while you walk the Safer track. Don’t let a break-in spoil Parking your holiday. www.saferparking.co.nz Great Walks | Kiwi-style Hiking | Alpine Hikes | Custom Tours Safer Parking Te anau email: [email protected] TALK TO US FOR GREAT WALK CHOICES 48 Caswell Road, Te Anau phone: 64 3 249 7198 or 027 260 9032 HikingNewZealand.com 0800 697 232

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Our service is to move your vehicle Rejuvenate in Milford Sound. from one trail head to the other. Milford Sound Lodge offers accommodation options to suit www.swordfox.co.nz We also relocate for other tracks. any budget; luxury chalets (en suites with baths…soak sore muscles!) cosy backpacking dorm rooms and Rainforest Campervan Sites Spend time with us and truly experience Milford Sound. Relax or let us arrange unforgettable activities for you.

BOOK AHEAD TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT HIGHWAY 94, MILFORD SOUND PHONE 03 2498071 [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.trackhopper.co.nz milfordlodge.com Phone: 03 442 8079 Mobile: 021 187 7732 seasON free hot showers for freedom walkers sPeCIaL phone 0800 hump ridge and quote promo code: shower

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Lake Waikaremoana Department of Conservation Whanganui Journey Tongariro Northern Circuit

Abel Tasman Coast Track Visitor Centres DOC visitor centres are located nationwide and

Opening are staffed by DOC rangers with in-depth local 2018/19 knowledge about conservation places and activities. Visit them to plan and prepare for your outdoor adventures. doc.govt.nz/visitorcentres Milford Track

Kepler Track

Rakiura Track

Published by: Editing and design: Department of Conservation Publishing Team Marketing Team DOC National Office PO Box 10420, Wellington 6143 New Zealand May 2017 R112670 * Prices are accurate at the time of publication.

Kepler Track. This publication is produced using paper © Daniel Deans sourced from well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests. C am p Terror Peak O v e Piopiotahi C 1786m n led Devils Armchair C (Milford Sound) dau r R e ive e r Know before you go k Sandfly Point It is important to plan your trip thoroughly S I L L r 33 e H iv to ensure you stay safe, and have a great R N r u W h Sheerdown Peak Lake rt O A D time. Before you go, know the Outdoor Moreton Mount Danger 1871m 32 R 1835m E Safety Code – 5 simple rules to help you Lake E H Giants Gate Falls Ada #makeithome. S P 31 o s e i d 1. Plan your trip. Travel times vary greatly in o u n Odyssey Peak a C n r 1832m A e 30 e e New Zealand, so carefully planning your k T o T

route is essential. Seek local information M a c k D a i y about what to take, and allow enough time a Mount Ada m C 29

o r e 1891m 94 n e d for the journey. Book accommodation, k C 28 r e Access Peak e transport and transfers to the start/end of k Mackay Lake track early. Falls 27 Brown Jo Mount es 26 Ri ver McPherson 2. Tell someone your plans. Safety is your

responsibility. Leave your intentions – 25

including your trip details and emergency Homer Tunnel er W iv contact information – with a trusted I C R K ot M lb O U Ta contact. It could save your life if things go 24 N T A wrong. Head to adventuresmart.org.nz I N S Gulliver Peak for more information. Dumpling Hill Lloyd Peak 23 Mount Kepka 1823m 3. Be aware of the weather. New Zealand Dumpling Hut 22 Mount Gendarme weather is very changeable. Plan for Mount Elliot the worst, expect the best. Check 2003m Mount Wilmur S 1714m metservice.com for the most up t a ir 21 c a s S e Andersons Cascade to date info. u C Quintin r r p e 18 r e is k ur n e Roar ing B Mount Mitchelson C r 4. Know your limits. Always follow the track 20 19 e e 17 Mount Balloon k markers and signposted tracks. Off-track 1853m Sutherland navigation is not recommended for novice Falls 16 Mackinnon Pass 15 walkers in New Zealand. A good level of Lake 14 Mintaro Hut Quill 1752m fitness is required to walk the track. You can 1841m Lake Iceburg 13

expect to walk up to 7 hours a day depending

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on your fitness level. If you get into trouble B

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don’t make a bad situation worse. Think N 12 STAR – Stop / Think / Assess / React. Fiordland

5. Take sufficient supplies. With NZ’s 11 changeable conditions many hikers are Bus Stop National Park No toilet 10 Prairie frequently caught out by isolated local Castle Mount conditions. Carry – and expect to use – rain 2131m C a st le C 1958m jackets all year round. Take an extra day’s R lin iv t e on r 9 R iv Mount Anau supply of food and an emergency shelter. er Don’t rely on cellphone signal alone for 8 communication. Food and drinks are not Great Walk hut

available to purchase at Great Walks huts or Shelt1e9r2 a1nmd toilet 7 campsites. Plan to be self-sufficient.

P Toilet 6 r o s p e 1731m 5 c t

C Mile marker

r Milford Track safety e e k Lake 4 Great Walk / Ross The information in this brochure relates to the Lake k Brownlee Trampinge track e r Milford Track in the Great Walks season C s u n 3 i Boat transport 1722m (24 October 2017 to 30 April 2018). rm e T Clinton Hut State Highway 2 sley Stream  This track is not recommended for children Wor

under the age of 10, due to the exposed Other roads k e 1 e r

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mountainous environment and often n e e u 0 1 Km Q adverse weather conditions. c ¯ M Glade Wharf 1725m Lake  Fiordland National Park lies in an area Te Anau with high rainfall and changeable weather patterns. Cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur at any time of the year.  The Milford Track is complex avalanche terrain and the risk of avalanche can You are strongly recommended NOT to attempt this track between early extend into December. During the Great Walks season, DOC manages this risk to a May and late October (outside the Great Walks season). The winter low level and walkers may be flown (at their environment in Fiordland is very cold and wet, with ice, snow and short daylight cost) over dangerous sections. hours. Avalanche-prone bridges across some major watercourses are removed.  Go to greatwalks.co.nz/milford ‘Know DOC does not manage hazards such as flooding or avalanches. Walking the before you go’ section for detailed safety Milford Track at this time should only be attempted by people who are very information, and ‘What to take’ section for experienced in the New Zealand backcountry and have navigation, river crossing a comprehensive gear list. and alpine skills. Alpine-specific trip planning is critical for you and your group safety. The consequences are severe if not correctly managed. Remember – your safety is your responsibility In addition, facilities are greatly reduced – including no gas for cooking, a limited water supply, and no rangers or emergency radio facilities. For more information, see ‘Outside the Great Walks season’ at greatwalks.co.nz/milford.