Milford sound has to be the most popular tourist destination in New Zealand. The sound itself is incredible and also incredibly busy! Whilst you are out here, there are some amazing hikes in Milford Sound you can do to see more of this stunning area and truly experience all that Milford sound has to offer. There is so much more to this stunning Fiordland region than a cruise on Milford sound.
We have you covered with the best hikes to do on the drive out to Milford sound. Pick one to do on the way to your cruise or give yourself a few days to spend here camping at the Department of Conservation (DOC) sites dotted along the Milford sound highway. Stay a while, and you can tick them all off like we did!
If vanlife or tenting isn’t your thing, you can even stay in Te Anau and drive out to do some of these walks during the day. However, you choose to do it, just make sure you spend a little longer soaking up the beauty of the Fiordland and Milford sound.
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A Note on Safety
The majority of these hikes inMilford Sound aren’t easy. Some are back country trails and others are just steep or long. If you aren’t familiar with hiking in Aotearoa, make sure you check in with DOC to get advice on what you need to pack to stay safe on the trails.
You’ll need good navigational skills, as back country trails are not always well-formed or well sign posted. It’s also incredibly important to check the weather before going on any of these hikes and be prepared for it to change when you are out there.
Key Summit
The alpine hikes are best done during the warmer months, as avalanches are a real threat here. Always check in person or online with DOC to ensure there are no hazards on the trail before you head out.
Distance: 7km
Duration: 3-4hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
A decent enough climb that is well worth it for the views and the wildlife! Keep an eye out for Kākā as you hike through the bush at the start of this hike. We were lucky enough to spot one that was ripping bark off trees. It hung around, letting us take photos for a good half hour. If you hear bark falling there is a good chance it’s from a kākā so stop to check it out!
Even if you don’t spot one, the views on this hike are well worth the climb. The loop nature walk at the top of the peak is incredible, offering views out around the valley and boardwalks over swampy tarns and low-lying scrub. On the far side of the loop walk, stop for a while at the seats and take in the incredible views out to Lake Marian, where you can have an alpine swim!
Lake Marian
Distance: 7kms
Duration: 3hrs
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
It’s a steep climb to the top with a few scrambles using tree roots as handholds, but it’s worth every effort for a dip in this pristine alpine lake. The hike starts with the impressive Marian Falls, with an easy trail and odd boardwalk along the river. You’ll soon reach a pool gate that tells you the trail is back country from here and a lot harder going.
Make sure you are well-equipped for a back country trail before heading any further. The track is rather rocky with a lot of tree roots, so watch your step as you climb up the trail. The track will lead you up to the lake’s edge, where you can carefully explore a little further along the lake and find yourself the perfect secluded swimming spot!
Hidden Falls Track
Distance: 18km
Duration: 5hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
The name of this hike is incredibly fitting, as there are so many waterfalls along this track! The hike takes you along the start of the Hollyford Track and ends at the Hidden Falls. The falls are an impressive 31m high and well worth the effort it takes to get out to them.
The hike itself is relatively flat but rather long. You’ll walk along the Hollyford River valley next to the river and swampland. The surrounding bush is lush and green and makes for a beautiful hike. We did this one in the rain and can safely say that it’s worth it rain or shine!
Whilst you are out this way, be sure to head up the Humboldt Falls track either before or after your main hike. It’s a steep one but short enough and worth checking out another waterfall whilst you are in the valley.
Gertrude Saddle
Distance: 8km
Duration: 6hrs
Difficulty: Challenging
This is by far the hardest hike we have ever done. Not only is it incredibly steep in sections, there is a lot of scree to cross and being a true back country route the trail is often rather hard to follow.
Given the steepness of the hike and the fact you’ll climb up rocks with the assistance of a metal rope, this hike can not be done if it is raining or has rained recently. Be sure to pick a fine weather day for this one, you won’t get those awesome views if you’re in the clouds.
If the weather isn’t on your side you can shorten the walk to just include the valley, which in itself is a beautiful walk with alpine views admired from the safety and comfort of the valley floor.
If you are feeling up to it and the weather is on your side, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views down into Milford Sound itself from the top of Gertrude Saddle. It’s a high effort for a high reward kind of hike.
The lake just before the final climb is great for a dip on your way back down, so pack your bathers for this one too!
Milford Track Day Walks
The Milford Track is one of the great walks of New Zealand and is a multi day hike with huts to stay at along the way. If multi-day hikes aren’t your thing either, then there are two options to do parts of this track as a day walk.
We have a blog post talking about which one is best for you here. Whichever end you choose to do, we recommend doing at least one of them to get a taste of the track. The walks are relatively easy and the boat ride there and back are a nice way to cap off your day in nature.
Leave No Trace Tips
When hiking anywhere, it is so important to practice leave no trace. Just quickly that means taking everything you take in there, out with you, not picking anything up off the trail (rocks, flowers, cool sticks they all need to stay where they are) and only walking on the trail.
These places are fragile, and a footprint will leave lasting damage. If you stick to taking nothing but photos and leaving nothing but footprints on the trail and nowhere else, you’ll be good. We have an entire blog post dedicated to helping you hike with the people and planet in mind. Check it out here to make sure you aren’t having a negative impact on the places you are hiking.
Keen for more inspo? Be sure to check out:
- Best Short Walks in Nelson/Tasman Region
- Why You Should Go Chasing Waterfalls In The Catlins, New Zealand
- Day Hike – Pouākai Crossing
