New Zealand Fiordland Milford & Routeburn Alpine Crossing
Dubbed “The Finest Walk in the World”: traversing pristine valleys carved by ancient glaciers, dramatic hanging waterfalls (Sutherland Falls 580m), and the steep alpine crest of Mackinnon Pass.
- Region
- Fiordland & Mount Aspiring National Parks, South Island
- Country
- New Zealand
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Terrain
- Tundra / Fjords
- Distance
- 85.5 km
- Elevation gain
- +3100 m
- Max altitude
- 1255 m
- Duration
- 5 - 6 Days
- Best months
- Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
- Permit
- Department of Conservation (DOC) Great Walks Booking Pass
Fiordland receives up to 8,000mm of annual rainfall, creating a magical prehistoric moss-carpeted realm where hundreds of spontaneous waterfalls cascade down vertical 1,000m fjord canyon walls after rainfall.
Cultural notes: Revered by Māori as Piopiotahi, created by the demigod Tū-te-raki-whānoa who carved the rugged fiords with his adze. The pounamu (greenstone) trade route historically crossed these valleys.
Wildlife notes: Kea (the world’s only alpine parrot, notoriously inquisitive), Takahē, Fiordland Crested Penguins (Tawaki), and New Zealand Fur Seals.
Key hazards
- Rapidly rising flood waters covering boardwalk sections after heavy rainfall
- Slippery tree roots, wet wooden bridges, and granite boulder crossings
- Kea parrots attempting to chew pack buckles and tent flysheets
Essential gear
- Heavy-Duty 20,000mm+ Waterproof Rain Jacket with Storm Hood
- Waterproof Pack Liner / Dry Bags for Sleeping Gear
- Quick-Drying Synthetic Trekking Layers & Merino Wool Base
- Insect Repellent for Sandfly Outbreaks
- Suggested pack list:
- - Stormvane 28,000mm Waterproof-Breathable Rain Jacket (420g, mandatory)
- - Heavy-Duty Dry Sack Set for Backpack (160g, mandatory)
- - DOC Hut Ticket & Sandfly Repellent (85g, mandatory)
Waypoint-by-waypoint
| # | Waypoint | Dist. | Elev. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glade Wharf & Clinton Valley (camp) | 0 km | 210 m | Boat transfer from Te Anau Downs to start of Milford Track. |
| 2 | Mackinnon Pass Memorial (1,154m) | 26 km | 1154 m | Panoramic pass lookout with views of Clinton Canyon and Arthur Valley. |
| 3 | Sutherland Falls Side-Trip | 38 km | 480 m | New Zealand's tallest waterfall plunging 580m in three thunderous leaps. |
| 4 | Sandfly Point & Milford Sound Finish (camp) | 53.5 km | 10 m | End of Milford Track. Ferry across the world-famous waters of Piopiotahi / Milford Sound. |
