May to early June (autumn)
May to early June is outside the Great Walks season. The track is unmanaged, more difficult, and there is higher risk from hazards like flooding.

This is outside the Great Walks season.

  • It can be cold and wet, with ice, snow and short daylight hours.
  • DOC does not manage hazards such as flooding.
  • Facilities are greatly reduced.

Walking the track at this time should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well equipped people.

May to early June (King’s Birthday weekend) is outside the Great Walks season. The track is unmanaged, more difficult, and there is higher risk from hazards like flooding.

Read the information below carefully and decide whether you want to walk the Milford Track outside the Great Walk season.

The track floods often and may be impassable

The Milford Track is not an all-weather track. Both the Clinton and Arthur Valleys become impassable during heavy rain, due to flooding. Heavy rain also increases the risk of landslides.

If you choose to walk the track outside the Great Walk season,– you need to understand the risks and have a plan for what to do if there is flooding.

There is no monitoring of weather forecasts and river levels outside of the Great Walk season. Trampers should monitor the severe weather on MetService for heavy rain in the Fiordland area.

If there is a heavy rain warning for Fiordland during your scheduled tramp dates:

  • for one day only – schedule an extra day / another night in a hut, so you are not walking on the track that day
  • for more than one day – postpone your tramp until the weather improves.

There is no cell phone reception on the Milford Track. Carry a distress beacon and consider carrying an InReach, so you can communicate with your transport provider if you are delayed by weather.

Weather conditions

Fiordland National Park experiences very high rainfall (up to 9000 mm per year). Cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur at any time of the year – and will be more common in May and June than in the Great Walks season. Be prepared for all conditions.

The track is not suitable for all walkers

It is not recommended for children under the age of 10, due to the exposed mountainous environment and often adverse weather conditions. Parts of the Milford Track are exposed, steep, slippery, rough and muddy.

On the third day you will climb over 500 m to Omanui/McKinnon Pass and then descend 1000 m to Dumpling Hut. On the fourth day you must walk 18 km, reaching Sandfly Point in time to meet the early afternoon boat. 

Weather forecast