Walking Milford Track? Here’s how to make sense of Milford Track transport

Water taxi transport to the start of the Milford Track and from the end of the Milford Track across to Milford Sound.

Organising track transport to and from the Milford Track can get confusing. But it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how you can arrange track transport in one easy booking.

One of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Milford Track is a spectacular 3-day hike traversing through the very best scenery Fiordland has to offer. The added bonus of the Milford Track is its finishing point - Milford Sound - one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural landmarks.

With thousands of hikers completing the Milford Track each year, the process of booking track passes through the Department of Conservation (DOC) is fairly straight forward. But one area where things can get confusing is arranging transport to and from the Milford Track. As the Milford Track finishes in a different location to where you start, you need to ensure you have a way of getting back to your original starting point. Because of this, we recommend arranging your Milford Track transport well in advance.

The easy way to book Milford Track transport

The good news is there are a few simple Milford Track transport packages available. Fiordland Outdoors Co. is the local expert when it comes to Milford Track transfers. They have easy options for water taxis to and from the track, or they can arrange a track transport package via bus or vehicle relocation to get you back from Milford Sound.

Boat Transfers

To access the start of the Milford Track, you will need to travel by water taxi from Te Anau Downs to Glade Wharf, the beginning of the 4-day walk. At the end of the hike, a boat from Sandfly Point to Milford Sound township.

Fiordland Outdoors Co. offers a comfortable water taxi to the Milford Track and provides your return boat journey back to Milford Sound township at the end of the hike. The Fiordland Outdoors Co. fast boat from Te Anau Downs to Glade Wharf takes 50 minutes and gets you across the lake before the last big boatload of hikers arrives for the afternoon. It’s a 1.5-hour walk to Clinton Hut and if you want to make sure you’re not the last to arrive at the hut for the day, the 2pm fast boat is a great option to secure your bed of choice.

Track Transport

There are a couple of options for arranging the road part of your journey to and from the Milford Track.

Car relocation

Whether you're in a hire car or your private vehicle, car relocation is an easy way to have your vehicle waiting for you at the end of your big walk. Fiordland Outdoors Co. offer packages which include car relocation from Te Anau Downs to Milford Sound and a water taxi to the start of the track. Find out more about vehicle relocation to the Milford Track.

Bus Transport

Fiordland Outdoors Co. can arrange bus services which connect perfectly with the 2 pm fast boat to the start of the Milford Track and the Sandfly Point water taxi service at the end of the track. Regular daily coaches depart from Milford Sound to either Te Anau or Queenstown during the summer season. Find out more about bus transport packages to the Milford Track.

Or… don’t leave

There is always the option of staying a little longer! Reward yourself for completing the finest walk in the world with a stay at Milford Sound Lodge and savour the magic of Fiordland for a little longer.

After four or five days of hiking, there is nothing you will appreciate more than the luxury of a Milford Sound Lodge chalet. Soak up the modern comforts of the cosy chalets, soak in the bath and take a deep rest in a King size bed. Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the morning at Pio Pio restaurant before beating the crowds on a morning Milford Sound cruise. We offer a few experience packages ideal for weary hikers or those wanting to stay immersed in the rainforest for a little longer.

Relax Milford 2-night Experience

Visiting one of the world’s most famous destinations should never be rushed. Stay for two nights and enjoy a Milford Sound cruise, breakfast each day and two rejuvenating nights at our rainforest lodge. Plenty to keep you busy but also plenty of time to rest. Find out more.

Taste of Milford 1-night experience

When you only have one night in Milford Sound, make the most of your time. This package includes a Milford Sound cruise, breakfast, and your choice of accommodation. Hearty breakfast is served in your room so you can savour a well-earned lazy morning or catch the first cruise of the day. Find out more.

Need help booking your Milford Track Transport? Get in touch with our team today.

Find out more about walking the Milford Track here.