What You'll See on a Milford Track Day Hike from Milford Sound

The Milford Track Day Walk is one of the best ways to experience the world-famous Milford Track without committing to the full four-day hike. Starting from Milford Sound, it gives independent hikers a short but genuine taste of the track's scenery in a single day.

Here's what you can expect.

For many people, four days of hiking, carrying gear and staying in backcountry huts isn't their idea of a good time. But ask anyone if they'd like to see the Milford Track, and the answer is almost always yes. Expert hiker or not, the Milford Track is protected by World Heritage status and remains one of the most sought-after places to visit in New Zealand.

The simplest way to access one of the world's most famous tracks is a day walk from Milford Sound, using the Milford Track Water Taxi. It's a walk-through world-famous scenery — waterfalls, rivers, ancient forest and historic track — without a bunk hut or freeze-dried meal in sight.

What is the Milford Track day walk?

It's a self-guided walk onto a section of the Milford Track, accessed by a short water taxi ride from Milford Sound rather than the usual multi-day approach from Te Anau. It gives you a genuine experience of the track's rainforest, rivers and waterfalls in half a day, rather than four.

How do I get to the Milford Track for a day walk?

You'll need a boat transfer to reach the track. The Milford Track Water Taxi departs from Deepwater Basin, a few minutes' drive from the Milford Sound Cruise Terminal, and takes you to Sandfly Point on the Milford Track. Catch a morning departure and you'll have half a day to walk at your own pace before an afternoon transfer back to Milford Sound.

How long is the Milford Track day walk?

Most walkers aim for Giant Gate Falls, an 11-kilometre return hike from Sandfly Point that takes around 3 hours. That leaves plenty of time for a picnic lunch at the falls before heading back. In under a 10-minute boat ride, you'll reach an area that would normally take three days to hike to.

What will I see on the Milford Track day walk?

Walking the track

The first 45 minutes follows the picturesque Arthur River to Lake Ada. Look out for a turn-off to Lake Ada near a clearing, where a short detour gives you views over the lake. For the next 40 minutes, the track runs alongside Lake Ada itself, with good waterfall views unless conditions have been especially dry.

The Milford Track carries both recent and ancient history — from the geological formations of the last ice age through to Māori pounamu trails and the early tourism pioneers who opened up Milford Sound. It's worth taking a moment to absorb that as you walk.

Most of the route sits within rainforest, keeping the walk cool and shaded. Once you reach Giant Gate Falls, the canopy opens up and there are plenty of spots to stop and rest.

Waterfalls

The highlight of the day walk is Giant Gate Falls — a roughly 30-metre waterfall tumbling from a bushy hillside into a series of pools that may tempt you in for a swim on a hot day. It's best viewed from the swing bridge over the Arthur River, so don't miss the photo opportunity. It's also an idyllic spot for lunch or a rest stop, with a gentle breeze that helps keep the sandflies at bay.

Plants and trees

Fiordland's rainforest is on full display along this stretch of track. Mountain and red beech dominate, alongside taller podocarps such as rimu, which can reach up to 40 metres. Smaller but just as distinctive are the lancewood trees and the colourful tree fuchsia, which draws in nectar-feeding birds.

Wildlife

With few native mammals in the forest, it's the birdlife that stands out. Along the track you're likely to see — or at least hear — bellbirds, tui and grey warblers, along with the occasional curious fantail or robin. As a conservation area, Fiordland is also home to more vulnerable species: keep an eye out for the endangered blue duck/whio, usually only spotted on remote rivers, and weka near Giant Gate Falls, which are often bold enough to approach walkers or try their luck at stealing food.

How do I get to the Milford Track Water Taxi in Milford Sound?

The Milford Track Water Taxi service departs from Deepwater Basin, on the Deepwater Basin Road. As you drive into Milford Sound, take the first left turn after Milford Sound Lodge. If you get to the airport or the Milford Sound car park on the foreshore, you have gone too far.

• Turn-off to Deepwater Basin Road is here.
• Free car parking is located here. It is a 500-metre walk down to the boat ramp at Deepwater Basin. Look for the boat ramp located here.
• Please be at the boat ramp 10 minutes before your departure time.
• Allow 20 mins from parking to departure time.
• Allow at least 2 hours’ drive time from Te Anau to Milford Sound.

Helpful Info on hiking the Milford Track day walk.

• Toilets and shelter are located at Sandfly Point and also at Giant Gate Falls (over the bridge).
• Giant Gate Falls a perfect rest or refreshment stop. The hike from Sandfly Point to Giant Gate Falls is an easy 5.5 kilometres or 11 kilometres return.
• The weather in Fiordland is highly changeable. Despite what the weather may look like when you head out, it is always advisable to bring a rain jacket and warm layers.
• Keep some insect repellent, snacks and water in your day pack too.
• A day hike from Sandfly Point allows you to enjoy the track at its most quiet time. You’ll be walking in the opposite direction to most hikers as they come to the end of their 4-day hike. 
• If you’ve been contemplating doing the full 4-day Milford Track hike, this may just give you the encouragement you to come back and do the full experience.

Bookings are essential. Book the Milford Track Water Taxi from Milford Sound to the Milford Track here.