When should I hike the Milford?
High season is summer; the end of October to the end of April. (29 October 2002 to 22 April 2003, for example)
December and January usually offers the best weather though it varies year-to-year. Some feel that February is the most stable month for weather.
December is a good time to see gorgeous Rata trees in full red bloom.
Early to mid-summer is the best time for wild flowers. The Mt Cook Lily is a favourite.
The Milford is a gamble at any time. There is no guarantee on the weather. If snow falls in October or December you may be evacuated by helicopter — and be charged for the ride.
Should I hike off-season?
Off-season hiking is possible, but dangerous. We don’t recommend it. There are no scheduled boat services on the lake or Milford Sound.
- huts not serviced nor staffed in winter (may be closed for repairs)
- hut costs about NZ$10 / night for adults
- tenting is free
- no gas cookers
- winter toilets are open
- snow crossing may be difficult (sometimes even avalanche risk)
- bridges on the Clinton are normally removed
On the other hand, if you are an experienced alpine hiker and can arrange the water transport:
- you could walk it backward (or in and out from the Milford end)
- stay longer at any of the huts (waiting on the weather)
During the winter snow & ice can make Mackinnon Pass impassable. Avalanche from on high is common from 6 Mile to Quintin Hut. You need know what you are doing & carry necessary gear:
- ice axe
- crampons
- ropes
- gas stoves
- toilet paper
- torch or gas light
- emergency food
- extra warm clothing
- radio and/or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
For safety, fill out Intention Forms at DOC in Te Anau before setting off in winter. Check most recent warden, weather & avalanche reports.
Remember to sign out when you return.
Is the weather as wet as they say?
In Fiordland it rains on about half the days of the year. The Roaring Forties (prevailing circumpolar winds from the west) drench the western Southern Alps as they soak Patagonia.
The mountains of Fiordland are one of the wettest places in the world — annual rainfall around 6.5m / year. In 1997-98 7.5m of rain fell at Dumpling Hut. (The following year was unusually dry.)
Prepare to be drenched. On the west coast side of the Pass the track itself is often underwater. Bridges are frequently damaged. Creeks flood. Keep your raingear handy. Waterproof your pack.
Summer highs average around 14 degrees Celsius (57 Fahrenheit). But at Mintaro Hut:
- record high temp °C 34
- record low temp °C -2
The mornings are usually misty, but often the fog burns off by midmorning. Winter days are often horrid with frequent, heavy rains. It can snow on any day of the year.
The Milford is glorious in the sunshine! You will wear shorts and a t-shirt.
For a pre-recorded marine weather report, just before you hike, check with the Visitor Centre in Te Anau. Hut rangers will post up-to-date weather forecasts en route and often have interesting local knowledge about micro-climates.
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