FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What if I can’t get a Reservation for the date I want?

Many are disappointed this way every year — especially those who don't have much flexibility time-wise.

If you don’t want to take the risk of not being able to Walk-on, we suggest these alternatives:

• Kepler Track (7,900 hikers / year)
• Routeburn Track (12,000 hikers / year)
• Hollyford Track (hike year round)
• Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track (new)

The Kepler and Routeburn Tracks are nearby, excellent, Great Walk alternatives.

The Hump Ridge is a unique option — located near Tuatapereat the bottom of the south island — a privately operated Track, opened officially in 2001. We recommend it to those looking for the latest, greatest thing. Check the Hump Ridge website.

There are more good alpine and coastal hikes in New Zealand, of course, but these 3 are your best close alternatives to the Milford.

Why the quota on hikers?

A quota system — 40 independents a day — limits environmental impact and keeps the experience from feeling too crowded. It has been 40 independents since 1985-86 and we have heard of no plan to increase that number in the future.

We like the quota. All 90 hikers (40 guided and 50 independent) hike in the same direction so it is easy to plan for some solitude on the Track; hike a little earlier or later than everyone else.

Anyone who can’t get on the Milford has good alternatives.

Huts are sited so that guided and independent hikers can avoid one another. (Both groups consider the other foolish, if not complete wankers). However, guided and independents meet on the boats, atop Mackinnon Pass, at Sutherland Falls, at Sandfly Point. You may even get to know some from the other side.

By the way, the Milford Track was always guided until, in 1964, the Otago Tramping Club walked the track unguided as a protest. They pressured the Fiordland National Park Board to organize a Freedom Walk for the 1966 season. Independent trampers are the freedom walkers today.