Milford Track - Anyone done it? What's one advice you would give?

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Handsomedan

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#3466015 2-Mar-2026 16:17

MikeAqua:

I've done it twice. Once in Doc huts. Once in the fancy lodges with Ultimate Hikes. The fancy lodges is a much nicer way to tramp, no heavy pack, showers, drying rooms, proper food and proper beds. But .... sorry about your wallet, and the guides assume you can't be trusted to safely navigate from one hut to another on a well-marked track. Probably true in many cases, but it's a little overbearing if you're an experienced tramper.

You are not kidding!!
That's almost as much as getting a powered tent/caravan site at Papamoa Campground for a week!!

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mattwnz

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#3466037 2-Mar-2026 16:36

Are those prices for real? Over $2800 per night for a bunk room per person??? That is obscene if that is the case. I would be doing wild camping. Our local campground which is in a tourist town alongside the native bush and park is just $110 per night for a small 1brm hut, and $21 for an unpowered camp site, or $25 for a powered one. It is council owned though so that maybe why it is pretty good value.

Handsomedan

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#3466038 2-Mar-2026 16:37

mattwnz:

Are those prices for real? Over $2800 per night for a bunk room per person??? That is obscene if that is the case. I would be doing wild camping. Our local campground which is in a tourist town alongside the native bush and park is just $110 per night for a small 1brm hut, and $21 for an unpowered camp site, or $25 for a powered one. It is council owned though so that maybe why it is pretty good value.

I think that's for the whole week/track.

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turtleattacks

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#3466039 2-Mar-2026 16:38

mattwnz:

Are those prices for real? Over $2800 per night for a bunk room per person??? That is obscene if that is the case. I would be doing wild camping. Our local campground which is in a tourist town alongside the native bush and park is just $110 per night for a small 1brm hut, and $21 for an unpowered camp site, or $25 for a powered one. It is council owned though so that maybe why it is pretty good value.

Well... it's a lot but transfers from Queenstown was $400, boat ride is $200-250 and the DOC passes/hut was also $400.

Plus food on top.. so it's a lot of money but not as crazy as you think.

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darkasdes2

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#3466098 2-Mar-2026 21:31

Slightly off topic but I just completed the Routeburn trrack last week staying in the DOC huts and it was stunning. 2 sunny days and then a very wet day walking out on the Thursday with a washout of part of the track (managed to get through the washout).

pdh

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#3466113 3-Mar-2026 00:56

Just a historic footnote...

September 2007 (so 18.5 years ago) Milford costs for a couple:
Airfares to QT 496, DoC Huts 240, Ferry TeAnau Downs 118, Ferry Sandfly 58,
Hotel Milford 70, and Bus Milford to QT 154

Prepaid these in September - walked the track Nov 18-21.

Here's a picture of the scramble into the space behind Sutherland falls.
That's not me in the photo (I'm taking it) - but that will be me about 3 minutes later ;-)s

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MikeAqua

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#3466120 3-Mar-2026 07:59

mattwnz:

Are those prices for real? Over $2800 per night for a bunk room per person??? That is obscene if that is the case. I would be doing wild camping. Our local campground which is in a tourist town alongside the native bush and park is just $110 per night for a small 1brm hut, and $21 for an unpowered camp site, or $25 for a powered one. It is council owned though so that maybe why it is pretty good value.

When we did it (pre-covid), it was a little north of 2k per person for a queen with ensuite. That was for the whole trip including transfers from QT, three lodge-stays on the track, a scenic cruise in Milford sound and accommodation there. Also included meals - good brekky, packed lunch and three course dinner. It was worth it, as a one-off.

After getting down from the pass soaked and sore ... having a hot shower, and nap in a nice bed. Then a wringer and drying room so all your gear is dry by morning. Then into the lounge for a few bevvies before nice meal. Lockshury! The comparison to a cold damp Doc hut, plonking your sore glute on a wooden bench, a freeze dried meal and sharing platform bunk. Thern into cold damp gear to start the next day. Honestly, I've done it both ways and the lodges were a much better time.

Everything used in the lodges, except water, is helicoptered in (including fuel for gennies) and they are no doubt paying DoC some hefty concessions.

Mike

caffynz

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#3466150 3-Mar-2026 10:03

It's definitely nice we have options for accommodation; for me, staying in DOC huts and carrying your own gear is part of the experience of tramping.

MikeAqua

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#3466412 3-Mar-2026 14:17

caffynz:

It's definitely nice we have options for accommodation; for me, staying in DOC huts and carrying your own gear is part of the experience of tramping.

It is and I have fond memories of many, many DoC huts but I'm over that part of the experience.

Mike

Handsomedan

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#3466461 3-Mar-2026 14:31

MikeAqua:

caffynz:

It's definitely nice we have options for accommodation; for me, staying in DOC huts and carrying your own gear is part of the experience of tramping.

It is and I have fond memories of many, many DoC huts but I'm over that part of the experience.

I concur.
Whilst the guided/lodge option is pricey, I would not want to do DOC huts and cold, damp clothes again.
Been there, done that, was much younger (but not in the Milford Track).
I must admit - it makes for great memories though...

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