Everything you need to know

Do you depart daily?

Yes, we depart once daily during the Great Walks season. Due to the stable nature of our boat we are unaffected by weather.

What time do you depart?

Departure times depend on where your journey begins.

‍Queenstown departures: 10.15am from central Queenstown at 48 Camp Street, 10.35am from Frankton Bus Shelter and 10.40am from Queenstown Airport‍
Te Anau departures: 1.25pm from the DOC Visitor Centre, 1 Lakefront Drive‍
Te Anau Downs departures: 2.00pm from Te Anau Downs Wharf

These times are scheduled to align with Department of Conservation hut bookings and ensure a smooth connection to the start of the Milford Track.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and boarding.

When do I need to book my Milford Track transport?

We recommend booking your transport as soon as your hut bookings are confirmed. Services are seasonal and seats are limited.

How do I book my Milford Track hut pass?

Hut passes are booked directly through the Department of Conservation (DOC) website. Make sure your hut bookings are confirmed before securing transport.

Do you have parking available?

If you are departing from Te Anau Downs there is free parking available, all cars parked here are at your own risk. If you are looking for secure parking in Queenstown we suggest Man Street Car Park.

What if I miss my boat?

Please ensure you are at the wharf at the time listed on your booking confirmation to avoid missing the boat. There is only one departure a day, if you miss your boat it will affect your whole booking on track.

On the return from Sandfly Point to Milford Sound, our friends at Ultimate Hikes will sweep the track, and we will mark our manifest to ensure all walkers have made it to the end of the track on time. If you are missing, the Department of Conservation will be notified, and it may trigger a search.

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What time does the boat from Sandfly Point depart?

From 2pm until 4.30pm, the Sandfly Point shuttle will travel back and forth until all walkers are off the track. The boat can accommodate up to 20 passengers per trip, although we usually keep the number around 15 to allow more room for packs. A shelter is located at the end of the track to accommodate guests if you need to wait for a transfer off the track.

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What happens if adverse weather means I need to spend an extra day on track?

If walkers are delayed on the Milford Track due to weather and are required to stay an extra night in a hut, transfer bookings will be automatically adjusted to the following day. The Department of Conservation, Tracknet, and Milford Track Transport work together to coordinate these changes.

Similarly, if walkers are required to turn back on the track, transfer arrangements will be updated accordingly once we receive confirmation from the Department of Conservation.

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Are there any natural hazards and risks I should be aware of when visiting Milford Sound?

Visitors to Milford Sound should be aware of various natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, severe weather events, flooding, landslides, and avalanches. The Alpine Fault, capable of producing Magnitude 8 earthquakes, poses a significant risk of triggering landslides and tsunamis, while the area's mountainous terrain and high rainfall lead to frequent landslides and potential road closures due to flooding and avalanches

What's your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made more than 24 hours before departure will receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure, or failure to travel on the booked service, will result in the full fare being forfeited. Requests to change bookings are subject to availability.