The Milford Track is New Zealand’s most famous walk and widely known as one of the most beautiful. That’s saying something for a country known for its stunning natural landscapes! As the area is so rainy, knowing what to pack for the Milford Track is essential to ensure you have a good time. Here’s what I packed (or didn’t pack and wished I had) for one of the best hikes in the world.
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Hiking clothes to pack for the Milford Track
Consideration numero uno should be the rain when deciding what to pack for the Milford Track. We were fortunate on our trip and it only drizzled a bit on the first day. Then we got to enjoy the sun for the rest of it, even though four days of rain were in the forecast before we left! I can’t promise you’ll be so lucky, because Milford Sound/Piopiotahi is one of the rainiest places on earth.
The key is to have enough stuff that if some of it gets rained on, you don’t have to put on cold wet clothing the next morning. But also to avoid overpacking so you can keep your bag light!
Here's what to pack for the Milford Track:
- Your favourite and most waterproof rain jackets (2)
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots (1)
- Waterproof wind pants (1) The top of McKinnon Pass was WINDY.
- Hiking pants, yoga pants, just some comfy pants (3)
- Long sleeve thermal shirts (2)
- Exercise t-shirts (2)
- Tank tops/singlets/vests. Whatever you want to call them (2)
- Sports bras (3)
- Wool socks (5) - Nothing worse than cold wet feet
- Gloves (1)
- Hat (1)
- Quick dry towel (1)
- Bathing suit (1) - I know this seems crazy but there are a few stunning swim spots beneath waterfalls along the trail or rivers next to the huts and a quick dip might be nice!
- Underwear (1, 7, 23) I don't know what kind of underwear packing you like to do.
You can never have too many.
You know I love a good spelling error : )
Can you spot Chesney?
Hut essentials to pack for the Milford Track
This is your time to eat, rest up, and get cozy. Here’s what you need for the best hut experience on the Milford Track.
- Comfortable/casual clothes. I had one pair of yoga pants, a t-shirt, a comfy pair of socks, and a pair of Toms I wore every night.
- A sleeping bag.
- A blow up pillow if you’ve got one. Otherwise clothes stuffed into the sleeping bag’s bag works.
- External battery pack(s). You’ll want to take lots of pics and there’s nowhere to charge your devices!
- Ear plugs. Lots of snorers in the cabins.
- Second pair of comfy, closed-toe shoes that pack down.
- A lock for your backpack. Probably not necessary, but gives you some peace of mind.
- Pocket knife or Swiss army knife.
- Cooking equipment. Pots, plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, drying cloths.
- Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash. They provide toilet paper, but it doesn’t hurt to pack some anyway.
- Biodegradable dish soap. Not strictly necessary. But the soap they provide is watered down and horrible.
We also brought playing cards because we had lots of free time in the evening after getting to the huts. Instead of regular playing cards, we’ve gotten into Sushi Go and The Mind!
Trail & hut food to pack for the Milford Track
Everything you pack in, you need to pack out, including little food scraps like coffee grounds and apple cores. There are no garbage bins anywhere along the track, so you want to be strategic with your food choices to avoid any unnecessary weight/trash in your pack.
- Tea & coffee
- Powdered milk
- Oats
- Granola bars
- Trail mix
- Dried mango
- Chocolate
- Powdered protein shakes/smoothies
- Biltong/jerky
- Bier sticks
- Durable fruits & veg
- Dehydrated packs of camp food – easiest to cook, carry, and pack down when you’re done
Our friends are incredible and made sushi on our last night. Complete with edamame and miso soup. We had a cooking contest… they obviously won.
Things to do before/after the Milford Track
Especially if you’re coming from overseas, or you haven’t yet been to the South Island, there are a ton of other things you should do in the Milford Sound/Piopiotahi area!
A cruise through the sounds is basically a must. We did the only one that includes a stop at a “floating” underwater observatory where you can see the unique marine life up close. I highly, highly recommend this. It’s a fun touch and not something everyone has the opportunity to do.
The same company (Southern Discoveries) also offers a kayaking trip which would be unreal if you’re lucky with the weather!
To treat yourself to a little luxury after several long days of tough hiking, you can stay at the Milford Lodge. Every room is looking out at the mountains, the river, the stars, or something else beautiful. It has a luxury price tag, but I think it’s worth splurging for if you can afford it! They also have some camper van parking. I recommend eating at Pio Pio Restaurant even if you don’t stay at the lodge overnight.
Epic Milford Sound activities
Naomi Lai
Naomi is a Canadian travel editor and writer with 13 years of international travel across Southeast Asia, Europe, South America, New Zealand, and beyond. She covers everything from budget backpacking to luxury travel — always from personal experience.
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