Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Milford Track finishes at Sandfly Point, a 15-minute boat trip from Milford Sound vil-
lage. The boat departs at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm and is usually booked as part of a track trans-
port package.
From Milford Sound village, there are daily bus services to the Divide (the start of the
Routeburn Track, 45 minutes), Te Anau Downs (two hours), Te Anau (2½ hours) and
Queenstown (five hours). You will be given options to book the above connecting transport
online, at the same time as you book your hut tickets.
You may wish to linger a while, or even overnight, in Milford, perhaps taking a kayak trip
or cruise. Accommodation is available at
Milford Sound Lodge
( 03-249 8071;
www.milfordlodge.com;
SH94; campsites from $18, dm $30-33;
)
, where there's a tiny shop/cafe/
bar.
As you leave Milford you will pass through the amazing Homer Tunnel. The tunnel
began as a relief project in the 1930s, and was finally opened to motor traffic in 1954.
The Tramp
Day 1: Glade Wharf to Clinton Hut
1 HOUR, 5KM
The track from Glade Wharf is a wide 4WD trail once used by packhorses to carry supplies
to the huts. In 15 minutes it passes Glade House, the official start of the Milford Track. The
track crosses the
Clinton River
on a large swing bridge, and continues along the river's true
right (west) side as a gentle, well-trodden path.
At one point the track offers an impressive view of the peaks next to Dore Pass to the
east, but most of the tramp along the river is through beech forest. Look out for the short
side track leading to the
wetland boardwalk
that takes you into a fascinating sphagnum
moss swamp, home to all sorts of unusual plant life.
From Glade Wharf, it takes only one hour to reach Clinton Hut (40 bunks), the first hut
for independent trampers. Situated in a clearing alongside a wetland, this facility is actually
three huts, built after the Clinton Forks Hut was removed in 1997 after the river threatened
to carry it away. There are now two sleeping huts with 20 beds each, and a communal dining
room, all facing onto a large deck.
Once you've offloaded your packs and had a refreshing cuppa, stroll down to the river to
catch some sunshine. It's a beautiful spot to reflect.
