20 Best Walks & Hikes in Milford Sound 🏔️ [2024]

1. The Lookout Track (10 Mins Return)

This one is so quick that you simply can’t miss it! For an awesome perspective of Milford Sound framed by native bush, make your way to the back of the cafe at the Milford Sound car park. The entrance to The Lookout Track is marked by an information panel about Donald Sutherland’s Grave. From here, it’s a quick uphill climb to a platform giving you an elevated view of Milford Sound. Return the way you came.

Location: Around the back of the cafe on the Milford Sound waterfront. The walk is marked by a Department of Conservation (DOC) sign and Donald Sutherland’s grave.

© NZPocketGuide.com

2. Milford Foreshore Walk (30-Mins Loop)

Take an easy flat stroll on the boardwalks before the majestic Milford Sound on the Milford Foreshore Walk. Soak up views from the waterfront between small stretches of beech forest and flax. Information panels along the way tell the story of Milford Sound, as well as its fauna and flora. A quick detour onto the sandy waterfront from the path is a budding photographer’s paradise.

Location: Signposted from the main car park at Milford Sound on the waterfront.

© NZPocketGuide.com

3. Milford Track (4 Days One Way)

One of New Zealand’s premier hiking tracks is the Milford Track. The track is only open to non-experienced trampers between 24 October and 30 April. Be aware that huts need to be booked well in advance (we’re talking about a year) for this popular hike. You’ll also need to book water and road transport at both ends of the track. All the boring details aside, the Milford Track takes you to the highest waterfall in New Zealand, Sutherland Falls, dropping a massive 580 m (1,902 ft). You’ll also be provided with stunning panoramic views atop mountain passes of ancient glacier-carved valleys. Native forest, emerald river waters and wildlife can also be seen along this popular multi-day adventure. For more information, check out A Practical Guide to the Milford Track.

Location: The Milford Track starts at the head of Lake Te Anau at Glades Wharf with a scheduled boat service. Alternatively, you can book a water taxi from Te Anau Downs which is located about 27 km (17 mi) down the Milford Road from Te Anau.

© Unsplash

4. Milford Track to Giants Gate Falls (1 Hr 30 Mins One Way)

If you don’t have five days to spare for the full Milford Track, get a taste of the famous NZ Great Walk by hiking the latter part of the trail to Giant Gate Falls. Fiordland Outdoors Co. offers water taxi transport from Sandfly Point in Milford Sound to the end of the Milford Track. This section of the track is easy-going and family-friendly, accessible for most fitness levels. Alternatively, Trips & Tramps offer half-day and full-day guided experiences of the famous trail including transport. See more experiences like this in the 5 Best Luxury Experiences in Milford Sound.

Location: Boats to the end of the Milford Track depart from Sandfly Point, Milford Sound.

© Trips & Tramps

5. Tutoko Valley Route (5 Hrs Return)

Hike to the spectacular river valley with panoramic views of towering mountains surrounding you on the Tutoko Valley Route. Getting there is half the adventure on a track that is not as well formed as what you might be used to in New Zealand. Follow the track markers along a river, through forest to a swamp and then an open river valley. Return the same way.

Location: The Tutoko Valley Route is signposted on the side of the Milford Road just after the Tutoko River Bridge, approximately 4 km (2.7 mi) from Milford Sound and about 114 km (71 mi) from Te Anau.

© Richard Young - Great South

6. The Chasm (20 Mins Loop)

Walk through stunning Fiordland forest filled with a small and delightful stream to a couple of bridges looking down into a deep dark chasm. Watch as the water suddenly plunges down a canyon carved with holes and other features. Continue on the loop back to where you started. The Chasm Track has undergone a few changes recently, so check the DOC track description for updates.

Location: This walk is hard to miss with its obvious signposts off the Milford Road, approximately 10km (6 mi) from Milford Sound and about 109 km (68 mil) from Te Anau.

© NZPocketGuide.com

7. Lake Gunn Nature Walk (45 Mins Loop)

Walk through mossy red beech forest on the Lake Gunn Nature Walk which takes you into an enchanted-looking forest. The flat and well-formed track has various information panels along the way describing the flora and fauna of this typical forest of Fiordland National Park. We recommend taking this walk slowly to increase your chances of seeing some of the fascinating native birds. The Lake Gunn Nature Walk is usually a quieter easy-walking-track option off the Milford Road compared to others on this list of walks in the Milford Sound.

Location: This walk starts from the Cascade Creek campground, approximately 43 km (27 mi) from Milford Sound and about 78 km (48 mi) down the Milford Road from Te Anau. Brown signs along the road point out the walking track.

© NZPocketGuide.com

8. Gertrude Saddle (4-6 Hours Return)

For the more adventurous, follow track markers through some alpine vegetation on the Gertrude Saddle Route. After crossing the Gertrude Stream, take a steam climb (and test your fear of heights) with steel cables to assist you. From the saddle, enjoy epic views of Milford Sound (in part), the Black Lake and breathtaking views of mountainous valleys. Return the same way. (Note: this hike should not be attempted in winter due to avalanche risks in the area. Summer is your safest bet to give you less chance of an icy track).

Location: The Gertrude Valley car park marks the beginning of the Gertrude Saddle Walk. The car park is found about 98 km (61 mi) along the Milford Road from Te Anau.

© Graham Dainty - Great South

9. Lake Marian Track (3 Hrs Return)

The Lake Marian Track starts with crossing a swingbridge to a series of spectacular waterfalls. Continue up through the forest on your ascent to Lake Marian. Once at the lake, prey for calm weather to see stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains inside this glacial lake. Return the same way. The initial part of this walk to Marian Falls is suitable for families, which we list in the 10 Things to Do in Milford Sound with Kids.

Location: The Lake Marian Car Park is found about 1km down the unsealed Hollyford Road. The Hollyford Road is well-signposted about 87 km (54 mi) down the Milford Road from Te Anau.

© Great South

10. Routeburn Track: The Key Summit (3 Hrs Return)

If you are prepared for a zig-zagging climb to some of the most spectacular views of the Milford Road, then the Key Summit Track is for you! Starting from The Divide car park, make your way up a well-formed track through native bush. Once at the top, get some sensational views of the glacier-carved mountains and lakes. Explore this exposed alpine shrubland on boardwalks leading to various vantage points. Return the same way.

Location: The walk begins from the well-signposted The Divide Car Park about 85 km (53 mi) along the Milford Road from Te Anau.

© NZPocketGuide.com

11. The Hollyford Track (4 Days One Way)

The Hollyford Track is considered the “off-the-beaten-track” multi-day hike of the Milford Road. It is a well-formed track that can be accessed all year round with decent huts to stay in along the way. Follow the Hollyford River through stunning alpine environments on its way out to sea at Martins Bay. On the coast, you might be lucky enough to see seals, penguins and various birds. Be prepared for this hiking mission by checking out our 10 Tips to Prepare for a Multi-Day Hike in New Zealand and How to Prepare for a Great Walk in New Zealand.

This is a one-way track, so you either return the same way to make it an 8-day hike or arrange transport from Martins Bay with one of the many shuttle operators in the area. Alternatively, everything is sorted for you on a guided hike and helicopter transfer with Hollyford Wilderness Experience. 

Location: The Hollyford Track begins at the end of the unsealed Lower Hollyford Road. The Hollyford Road turns off the Milford Road about 85 km (53 mi) from Te Anau.

© Great South

12. Hidden Falls Track (4-6 Hrs Return)

Make a day walk out of the Hollyford Track by embarking on the Hidden Falls Track! This easy-going day hike takes you along the Hollyford Track to view the elusive yet impressive Hidden Falls and hike an extra 10 minutes to reach the Hidden Falls Hut, which makes a good spot for lunch with a view of Mt Madeline.

Location: The Hidden Falls Track is on the Hollyford Track, which begins at the end of the unsealed Lower Hollyford Road. The Hollyford Road turns off the Milford Road about 85 km (53 mi) from Te Anau.

© Great South

13. East Homer Nature Walk (20 Mins Loop)

Not many people realise there is a walking trail at the entrance of the Homer Tunnel. In fact, this one goes right over the tunnel! Starting from the Homer Tunnel parking area, the East Homer Nature Walk guides you through the area’s fascinating alpine flora and geology, while the area is also good for spotting wildlife such as kea!

Location: Homer Tunnel parking area on the east side of the tunnel, State Highway 94, approximately 18 km (11 mi) from Milford Sound.

© Unsplash

14. Falls Creek Route (2-8 Hrs Return)

A little-known track near Milford Sound that you can enjoy as a 2-hour hike or a full-day mission, the Falls Creek Route awaits anyone looking for an alternative adventure. This tramping route is not as well maintained as most other hikes on this list, so follow the pole markers and be prepared for varying terrain. Otherwise, enjoy cascading streams and waterfalls on the initial 2-hour return hike or carry on all the way to a rock bivvy and back for an 8-hour escapade.

Location: At the small car park by the Falls Creek bridge, State Highway 94, approximately 87 km (54 mi) from Te Anau.

© NZPocketGuide.com

15. Lake Mistletoe Track (45 Mins Return)

Easily accessed from the Milford Road more toward the Te Anau end, the Lake Mistletoe Track is a 45-minute return walk to a small picturesque lake. You might be lucky to see New Zealand scaup (diving ducks!), frogs and other wetland wildlife.

Location: State Highway 94, approximately 90 km (56 mi) from Milford Sound.

© NZPocketGuide.com

5 More Walks and Hikes in Milford Sound

And for a few more honourable mentions, here are five more walks and hikes in (or close to) Milford Sound!

16. Humboldt Falls (30 mins return) – A short walk through the rainforest to see a magnificent waterfall – Lower Hollyford Road.
17. Hut Creek Track (3 hrs one way) – Hike up the Hut Creek Valley through beech forest to some river flats – Milford Road.
18. Mistake Creek Track (3 hrs one way) – Alternative to the Hut Creek Track, hike through the Mistake Creek Valley to river flats – Milford Road.
19. Dore Pass Route (8 hrs one way) – Access the Milford Track on foot via this challenging mountain hike – Milford Road.
20. Boyd Creek Track (3 hrs one way) – Follow Boyd Creek to the tops of the Countless Range and Snowdon Forest – Milford Road.

[UPDATE] Bowen Falls Walk (30 Mins Return)

[Update: The Bowen Falls Walk is closed due to lack of transport to the walk. See the DOC link below for updates].

The most recent addition to the Milford Sound walks is the Bowen Falls Walk. After taking a short boat ride from the Freshwater Basin Terminal (around NZ$10 each), enjoy a short walk among lush forest and to a viewpoint of the 162m (531ft) Bowen Falls! This offers a new and awesome perspective of Milford Sounds and Mitre Peak.

Location: The Bowen Falls Track is accessed via boat from Freshwater Basin Terminal at the Milford Sound foreshore.

© Eve Thomas -Destination Fiordland