Chasing Waterfalls: Hiking the Milford Track, New Zealand

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The moment I decided to visit New Zealand, I knew I had to find a trail that lived up to the country's legendary reputation. While many recommended the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, I was drawn to something more immersive: the Milford Track. Known as 'the finest walk in the world,' it promised a 33.5-mile journey through rainforests, over mountain passes, and past some of the most spectacular waterfalls on Earth.

A 33.5-mile (54 km) journey through dramatic rainforests, towering waterfalls, and the iconic MacKinnon Pass. It was perfect. I recruited my friend and "big brother," Niranjan Tripathy, to join me for the adventure. This hike is incredibly popular and operates on a strict booking system with a limited season. To secure our spot, we booked nearly a year in advance (April 2025) for our trek in March 2026 with Ultimate Hikes.



Day 1: The Gateway to the Wilderness

We met our group at the Ultimate Hikes office in Queenstown before boarding a bus to Te Anau. After a scenic lunch, we headed to Te Anau Downs to catch a boat to Glade Wharf. A short 20-minute walk brought us to Glade House, our home for the first night. The serenity of the location was the perfect "calm before the storm."












Day 2: Into the Rainforest

After a hearty breakfast and packing our lunches, we hit the trail at 8:00 AM. Carrying roughly 25 lbs of gear, the elevation wasn't too demanding, but the terrain grew rockier after the first two hours. Just as we arrived at Pompolona Lodge around 4:00 PM, the clouds broke and the rain began to fall.






Day 3: An Amazing Day

I’ll admit it: I underestimated Day 3. I thought it would be a slightly longer version of Mission Peak. I was wrong. We started at 7:00 AM in the pitch black and heavy rain, navigating by headlamp for the first half-hour. The "trail" had essentially become a stream—a rugged path of boulders and rocks. Yet, it was the most spectacular hike I have ever experienced.

  • The Waterfalls: They were everywhere—one every 100 to 200 feet. Even having hiked the Norwegian Fjords, I found this spellbinding.

  • The Pass: Crossing MacKinnon Pass was a test of spirit. Between the heavy wind, freezing rain, and numb fingers, it was grueling—but also felt like a divine blessing.

It took us 9 hours (including an hour of breaks) to cover just 9 miles. We reached Quinton Lodge by 5:00 PM, exhausted but exhilarated.




Day 4: The Long Haul to Sandfly Point

On paper, Day 4 looked easy. In reality, 60% of the trail was wet, slippery rock. One small slip could mean real trouble, and there are no easy helicopter rescues here. We started at 7:30 AM and pushed through to Sandfly Point by 3:45 PM.

A Pro Tip: New Zealand sandflies are no joke! Having been bitten a week prior on the North Island, we were still using anti-itch cream. Thankfully, there was a shelter to hide in while we waited for the boat to Mitre Peak Lodge.




Day 5: The Grand Finale

The final day was pure reward. We took a two-hour cruise through Milford Sound, surrounded by vertical cliffs and massive waterfalls. Standing there, I finally understood why this is a "must-see" destination.

The Milford Track isn't just a hike; it’s a rugged, wet, and breathtakingly beautiful challenge that stays with you forever.





Kia Ora, Readers!


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