Winter walking

During the winter months Fiordland can
be very cold, with snow in alpine areas

During the Off Peak/Winter Season (May to mid October) the Milford Track remains open, weather and track conditions permitting. There are fewer people walking the track and you cannot make a booking for the huts, but must buy backcountry hut tickets or hold a Backcountry Pass. The track conditions and hut facilities during winter are different to conditions in summer.

After reading the notes below you must be absolutely confident you have the skills, fitness and equipment necessary to walk the track.

Safety

A winter crossing of the Milford Track should only be attempted by experienced, well equipped parties. The Fiordland environment can be very inhospitable and unforgiving during winter and spring seasons.

• Many bridges are removed to avoid damage from avalanches. You must be competent with crossing large swift icy rivers.
• The track over MacKinnon Pass is not marked and is often blanketed in thick snow. Navigation and alpine skills and equipment are essential for your survival.
• Avalanches occur daily during some conditions – you should enquire at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre before starting the track and follow the information given.
• You should carry a mountain radio or a personal locator beacon (preferably both) for communication and safety backup. 
• It is essential to let someone responsible know your intentions or trip plan and proposed return date. You can leave your intentions at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau.
• You must be totally self-sufficient.
• Your safety and the decisions you make whilst on the track are fully your responsibility.

Weather and avalanches

During the winter months Fiordland can be very wet and cold. The days are short, the mountains are high and therefore let little sunlight into the valleys. Track conditions change as the weather changes. In the alpine areas there will be snow and ice.

Avalanches are a frequent activity – there are 56 paths which bring avalanches to the valley floor. Avalanche starting zones cannot be seen from the track. The risk is higher during or directly after snow and rain and can change quickly over a 24 hour period.

The Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre staff will advise if a through trip is possible taking into account the forecasted weather at the time of your enquiry. However if conditions change while you are on the track, you will need to make your own decision whether to continue, stay at the hut or turn back.

Always check current weather and avalanche conditions before departing on your trip.

Walking options

Day 1: Boat from Te Anau Downs to Glade Wharf and walk to Clinton Hut.

Day 2: Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut.

Day 3: Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut.

Day 4: Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point, boat to Milford Sound or Dumpling Hut to Sutherland Falls return.

Day 5: Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point, boat to Milford Sound.

Some people choose to walk to Mintaro Hut on Day 1. This is not advisable as trampers find they run out of daylight hours before reaching Mintaro Hut. The hardest part of this days tramp is the last hour where a river needs to be crossed (possibly without a bridge), there is a hill to climb and perhaps fresh snow to wade through. This is not safe in fading light conditions.

If a through trip is not advisable, and weather and track conditions permit, then the following is also an option:

Day 1: Drive to Milford Sound and stay overnight at Milford Sound Lodge. (This is necessary because of short daylight hours and possible icy conditions on the Milford Road).

Day 2: Boat Milford Sound to Sandfly Point and walk to Dumpling Hut.

Day 3: Dumpling Hut to Sutherland Falls return.

Day 4: Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point, boat to Milford Sound.

Hut fees and facilities

Fees

Bookings are not required during the Off Peak/Winter Season (May to mid October), but you must purchase backcountry hut tickets ($15 per adult (18 years and over), 17 and under – free) or a Backcountry Hut Pass, available at any Department of Conservation Office or Visitor Centre. Please record your Backcountry Hut Pass number beside your name in the hut book or deposit your hut tickets in the hut ticket box.

Facilities

Radios, gas for cooking, fuel for heating and lighting are removed from the huts. Running water is not provided at the huts. Only a winter pit toilet is provided. There are no staff at the huts.

Compliance

Random compliance checks will be carried out on the track during the winter season by roving track rangers.

Camping is not permitted anywhere on the Milford Track at any time of the year.

Hut Use

Trampers are expected to leave the huts clean and tidy and to stand mattresses upright to air. Please do not put food scraps in the sink or toilets. You must carry out all your rubbish.

Fire

Remember to replace all wood used and please put all ashes into the metal ash drums provided.

Two huts were nearly burned to the ground over recent years. There was fire damage to floors and walls caused by hot ashes left inside in a plastic bucket and a cardboard container.

Water

Water is available from streams or rivers as hut supplies are turned off during the winter. If you doubt the quality of the water use a water filter, iodine drops or boil it.

Toilets

There are pit toilets available at the huts. You must use these so water is not polluted. Take your own toilet paper.

Transport

All transport must be arranged before going onto the track. Transport may be affected by weather conditions therefore it is recommended that you make arrangements in Te Anau just prior to departure. Minimum numbers will apply.

Further information

For further information about walking the Milford Track during the Off Peak/Winter Season please contact:

Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre
Phone:	+64 3 249 7924
Address:	Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre Lakefront Drive Te Anau 9600
Email:
Full office details

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