The Milford Track How to get a permit for the "Finest Walk in the World" one of the Milford Track pages on muellerworld

To hike the Milford Track as an "Independent Tramper" or "Freedom Walker" (i.e. not guided), you must first obtain a permit from the Department of Conservation. If you have piles of cash, need a shower every day, can't cook for yourself and want to hike the track with a guide, you can arrange it through Ultimate Hikes.

The Milford track can only be hiked in one direction (south to north, from Glade Wharf to Sandfly Point) and you are only allowed to stay in a hut for one night because the next day's trampers will be coming through and taking your place at the hut.

The hut fees in 2000/2001 were $105 NZD per person. There are seperate fees for bus and boat transportation to the trailhead and from the end of the trail. Transportation can also be booked through the Great Walks Booking Office and are about the same price as the hut fees (I paid $433 NZD for two hut permits, two bus rides and two boat trips from Te Anau and back for two people).

The walking season starts in mid- to late-October and ends in mid- to late-April.

Bookings open in early July for the coming season.

Contact:

  Great Walks Booking Office
  Fiordland National Park, Visitor Centre
  P O Box 29
  Te Anau
  New Zealand

  greatwalksbooking@doc.govt.nz

  Phone: +64 3 249 8514
  Fax:   +64 3 249 8515
            

Specific information on the Milford Track can be found on the DOC's Milford Track information page.