Best time to hike the Milford Track

The Great Walks season for 2026/27 runs from 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027, with the last departure on 28 April. In this period the huts have gas, heating and rangers, the bridges are in place and avalanche risk is managed. December to February has the longest days and the most walkers. Fiordland gets up to 9,000 mm of rain a year, so expect rain on at least one day. Heavy rain turns the cliffs into hundreds of waterfalls, but it can also flood the track within hours. Avalanche danger can last into December, and in 2025 avalanche damage delayed the season start by several weeks. From May to late October the track is unmanaged: bridges are removed and the avalanche risk is high. It is only for fit, experienced and well-equipped parties.