This claim first printed in 1908 is still made today. Actually, a New Zealand poet named Blanche Baughan wrote an article eventually published by the London Spectator in England. Her original title — A Notable Walk — was changed by an editor to — The Finest Walk in the World — and the moniker stuck.

Milford is a brilliant hike, arguably as diverse and interesting as any other in New Zealand. But most hikers on the Milford are quick to name other tramps they like better. The West Coast Trail in Canada, for example. Many Kiwis prefer the nearby Routeburn Track.

Some find the Milford too busy (10,000+ hikers / year) and dislike the booking restrictions. It can only be hiked one direction. It can only be hiked over 4 days regardless of the weather. Some detest the flight-seers overhead.

On the bright side, careful regulations keeps the Milford seeming less crowded than it really is.

However, as one Israeli hiker rationalized, Travelling to New Zealand and missing the Milford Track is like travelling to Paris and missing the Eiffel Tower! For serious hikers the world over, Milford is one of the most important destinations on their life list.

You will be happier after you concede that the Milford Track is a tourist experience — which happens to include some excellent hiking.

Come see for yourself if it is the finest walk in the world.

Milford is the most expensive unguided hike in New Zealand though most still consider it a bargain (about one third to one seventh the cost of the guided hike). In 2003 most independent hikers paid (return Te Anau) NZ$228.

In 2005 the cost increased to about NZ$275:

• NZ$17 for bus Te Anau to Te Anau Downs
• NZ$55 for boat Te Anau Downs to the trailhead
• NZ$120 for 3 nights hut fees
  
• NZ$28.20 Sandfly Point to Milford Sound township
• NZ$38 for bus Milford Sound back to Te Anau

(The Booking Office will sell you a package including everything listed above. Very convenient.)

Payment can be made by cash, cheque, International Bank draft, or credit card. Children 14-and-under, family, & school discounts are available.

Service fees are charged for changes to your reservation or cancellations due to ill health.

If your trip is cancelled due to bad weather, rockfall, avalanche, etc., you get a full refund but no guarantee of a rescheduled date.

Guided walkers, by comparison, pay as much as NZ$1750 / adult or more in high season. Of course you get hot showers, hairdryers, fine dining, a library & enthusiastic, hand-holding guides. Ultimate Hikes will book you online. If all the independent spots are taken, you can sometimes still get on the guided itinerary.

If you are coming from Queenstown instead of Te Anau, transportation cost a little more. Discounts are available for families and children. Inquire when you book.

Transportation pushes up the total bill for the Milford. In comparison, the nearby Kepler Track is much cheaper — you can walk to the trailhead from the visitor centre in Te Anau!

Almost every Milford Track hiker also takes a Milford Sound cruise. You would be crazy to miss a cruise regardless of the weather. Best trip is a day by kayak though there are good cruise options which are cheaper.

The food you eat along the way is extra of course.

Prices have gone up significantly and we would expect they would continue to do so. Demand to hike the Milford is very high.

Costs are listed in NZ dollars inclusive of GST (a hidden sales tax).

We find that many hikers spend US$1000 or more on NEW GEAR prior to a big trip. To save money, try to avoid the tempting outdoor equipment stores. Borrow as much of the necessary equipment as you can. You could even rent gear last-minute in Te Anau.