Milford Track Booking
Milford Track is open in summer from the last week of October to the end of April and from the start of May to the end of October in winter.
Huts are available at a fee to visitors to cover care and maintenance at around $110 per hut for international visitors, and $78 per hut for Kiwis. To book Milford huts you’ll need to visit the Department of Conservation website.
Members
If you hold a Backcountry Hut Pass you can get a 10% discount off these fees. Associations that issue these passes include:
NZ Mountain Safety Council
NZ Federated Mountain Clubs
NZ Deer Stalkers Association
NZ Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR)
Scouts New Zealand
Girl Guiding NZ
If you want to order a pass, you will need to visit a DOC visitor centre in person. You may also be charged a booking fee.
Milford Track Bookings
Check the DOC website for exact booking dates as these do vary from year to year.
What to book
During the summer season it is essential to book all three huts on the track beginning from the Lake Te Anau end and staying in each hut consecutively over your trip.
During winter it’s not imperative to book huts, but it is important to buy hut tickets before you begin your walk via the DOC visitor center. Children stay for free, but must still be included in your booking form.
Availability
Once you have decided what time you want to travel, you’ll need to check availability.
Guided walks give the opportunity to stay in more comfortable accommodation, but if you want to stay in a hut, it pays to check availability early as they do fill up fast, especially in summer.
Transport
Be sure to book transport between Te Anau and the start/end of the track at the same time as booking huts. There are many transport operators for the Milford Track, if you are travelling with a tour company, this will be taken care of.
You can book directly with transport operators, most are privately owned it but must still be booked via DOC, via the DOC online booking system or a visitor center. Fiordland Outdoors is a good option for you transport or car relocation, and they operate during the high season and low season.
Resources
Department of Conservation Milford Track Booking Page (for independent hikers).
If you prefer to enjoy all of the benefits of a guided Milford Walk, visit the tours page.
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Trip Reviews
Where do I start?! New Zealand had been number one on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, and it didn’t disappoint. Don’t wait another moment, if New Zealand is the dream, find a way! The ‘Manuka’ trip was beyond any expectations I could have dreamed of! Yes it was physical, but our amazing guides Claire and Jess kept me going and the accomplishment and the views were always worth it. I have memories that will last a lifetime, best money I have EVER spent. Trust me, don’t wait! Go!
June Vidrine, Active Adventures New Zealand ‘Manuka’ trip, March 2017
Doubtful Sound, Fiordland
Doubtful Sound is the deepest of all the fiords. It’s long and winding with three distinct ‘arms’ and several outstanding waterfalls…
See doc New Zealand for more info
We (2 french people) want make Milford Trek 20 April ; Is-it possible? In what conditions? Thank you for your answer. Pierre Perrod
Hi Pierre,
It may still be possible to book the Milford Track for April, which is autumn down here, so a bit cooler but generally settled weather. If you would like to book the Milford Track please contact either Active Adventures New Zealand (nz@activeadventures.com) or the Department of Conservation. Cheers
How far in advance do I need to book? If i wanted to go late this year (Oct,Nov or Dec 2015) would there still be any availabilities? Thank you.
Hi Rob,
Active Adventures New Zealand have availability up to 90 days before, so yes, you could still book the Milford Track for October or December 2015 (that is for dorm share). A private room is availability by request. Please contact Active Adventures on nz@activeadventures.com. Cheers
I see that the Milford Hike is open from late October through April, but is there a best time to go within that window to have the nicest weather?
Hi Sheryl,
Generally the weather is warmer in January and February, but in Fiordland it can rain at any time of year (which is what contributes to its beauty!). You’ll find the trail to be quieter in October and in April. Cheers
Hi, I want to visit the Milford track in february 2016, do you know if it is possible? Or if it is sold out? My kids are 9 and 8 and use to take walks, is the track okay fore them?
Hi Sofie,
There should still be space for February – best to email or call the folks at Active Adventures and they’ll look into it for you. nz@activeadventures.com
Cheers!
I’d like to know more about dining and sleeping accommodations. Are there different levels of inns or hotels? Or ?. Thanks
Hi Jodee, would you like to give us a call to chat about this? You can reach us toll free on 1.800.661.9073 (USA, Canada, AU) or 0808.234.7780 (UK). Cheers!
We are planning our trip in November 2016, and would like to know when the hut bookings open for that season. Thanks.
Hi Surahi,
Best to send the folks at Active an email nz@activeadventures.com, and they’ll be able to help you out with this! Cheers
Hi!
I and my girlfriend would like to walk the track. Is it possible to sleep in our own tent?
Thanks!
Hi Albert,
Unfortunately it’s not really possible to sleep in your own tent on the Milford Track. The rule for the Great Walks is you either stay at the designated campsites (of which there are none on the Milford track) OR you are at least 500m off the track… so in essence the backcountry. Cheers!
so if i do want to sleep on my own tent, i need to go off the track at least 500m every night ? is this correct?
Officially there is no camping on the Milford Track at all. On any Great Walk in New Zealand you need to be 500m from the walk to camp, however this is near impossible on the Milford Track. So you’re better off going guided or booking a DOC hut.
Hi there
The link to the booking form PDF on this page http://milfordtrack.net/milford-track-booking/ no longer works.
Could you link to this page instead: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/milford-track/fees-and-bookings/
Thanks
Melissa
Sure thing Melissa, I’ve done that now. Thanks
Hello and Happy New Year
I am interested in making reservation for the Milford trail for February 18 or 19 0r 20/2018; If full please assign me on the cancelation/waiting list.
If none of the above options are available; are is a trail you could please recommend that is similar to the Milford trail?
MY PHONE NUMBER IS: 858-880-5108
Email: Rachel.gil@sharp.com
Thank you very much
Best wishes for the New Year
Rachel Gil
Hi Rachel, thanks for your message, our team will get in touch with you directly! Cheers
Hi are you interested in a 24/1/63 walking certificate for the completion of the walk?
Also the youngest member of that group was born 30/1/56!
Hi could you send me some prices of your Milford track walk in January 2020.Could you send me information on accomodation beds,bunks ,sharing etc.