Track Information> Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to wear walking boots?
We do advise that you wear walking boots or at the very least, a sturdy pair of walking shoes.
What is the weather going to be like?
The weather is very unpredictable in New Zealand and you must always be prepared for rain, snow and wind. Generally speaking, January and February are the warmest months. March tends to be the most consistent weather-wise but the evenings are cooler. November and December are the perfect time to view snow-capped peaks.
Do I need to book the Milford/Routeburn/Kepler Tracks?
Due to the limited numbers allowed in the huts, you are required to have reservations on the tracks during the 'Great Walks' season (from late October-April).
How far in advance should I make my bookings?
To avoid disappointment, it is always recommended you book the walks in advance. The DOC booking season opens on 1 July and if you are planning on walking the Milford, it is advisable to begin planning around then. The Routeburn and Kepler tend to fill up a few weeks in advance, so allow yourself at least a month or two for planning.
What level of fitness is required?
You should be able to carry your full backpack approximately 4-8 hours /day. Track surfaces vary from smooth and well-formed to rough and rocky. If you are not a regular walker, it is recommended you begin getting in shape several weeks before your departure.
Do I need enough water to last me the whole trip or can I refill along the way? Does the water need to be boiled?
You can refill your water bottle at the DOC huts and at running streams along the route. Generally speaking, you won't need to boil the water on the Milford, Kepler or Routeburn Tracks but check with DOC before leaving to see if there have been any recent problems. It is a good idea to boil the water on the Rees, Dart, Greenstone and Caples Tracks.
Will I have to carry my garbage out with me?
There are no waste facilities on any of the walking tracks so keep this in mind when packing. You will have to carry all your rubbish out with you.
What clothing do I need to bring?
For day....Boots, walking socks, t-shirt, polypropylene underwear (top and bottoms), hat, gloves, fleece jacket, walking shorts, rain jacket and pants. For night... long-sleeve shirt, trousers, underwear, sandals or light shoes, sleepwear.
How bad are the sandflies?
Pretty bad, especially on the Milford Track. Bring insect repellent.
Where can I park my vehicle...
In Queenstown?
Generally, your accommodation will allow you to store your car while you are walking if you intend to stay upon return. This is something that would have to be cleared before you left. If not, there is free parking on residential streets within walking distance to town and theft and vandalism is minimal.
In Glenorchy?
There is secure parking at the Glenorchy Holiday Park for a $5 fee.
In Te Anau?
Secure vehicle storage is provided by Safer Parking, 48 Caswell Rd, Te Anau. Track transport pickups can be arranged IN ADVANCE from this location.
NB:If you must leave valuables in your vehicle,make sure they are kept out of sight or in the boot of your car!
Is there anywhere to store my bags while I am walking the tracks?
The Info & Track Centre in Queenstown provide bag storage on a first come, first served basis for a charge of $3/day. Most accommodation will allow you to store luggage with them provided you are staying with them on your return.
Is there anyway to transfer my bags to Te Anau? Queenstown? Milford?
Yes, Topline Tours provide a bag transfer service between all 3 areas. The cost is $10/bag (up to 20kg) between Queenstown - Te Anau or Milford - Te Anau, and $15/bag from Queenstown - Milford Sound. Please note that bags weighing over 20kg will be charged double.
Are there any walks around Miford Sound?
The walk from Milford to Bowen Falls has been closed due to geological instability. The Piopiotahi/Milford Foreshore Walk. an interpretive walk of up to 30 mins, begins from the main visitor carpark.
Are there any walks from Glenorchy?
A trail from the main town peir meets a boardwalk looping through the Glenorchy lagoon. This walk takes approx 30 mins.
Will I save money on track transport if I drive my car to Glenorchy and park it there?
If you are walking the Routeburn and doing a loop on the Greenstone or Caples, you will save money. However, if you are finishing your walk at the Divide, you will not save yourself anything.
Is there a bus service that operates between the Divide Shelter and Glenorchy?
No. All buses from Milford, the Divide and Te Anau terminate their service in Queenstown. You will have to use a separate operator from Queenstown to Glenorchy.
Can I get from Milford Sound/Divide Shelter back to Glenorchy/Routeburn carpark in one day?
There is one way but it's not guaranteed and we don't recommend it. Tracknet offer a 9:30am Milford Sound departure (via the Divide Shelter at 10:15am) which arrives in Queenstown at 2:15pm. Info & Track provide a 3:30pm departure from Queenstown to the Routeburn but minimum numbers apply and daily service is not guaranteed.
What accommodation is available in Milford Sound?
It's important to remember that Milford Sound is not a town and therefore has limited services. Milford Sound Lodge provides camping sites, dorm beds, and comfortable double and twin shared-facility rooms. Real Journeys also operate fully-catered overnight cruises with boats to suit every budget.
Do I need to book track transport or can I just turn up and get on?
Reservations are essential for all track transport services and a surcharge will apply on all non-reserved travel. In the quieter months, you risk not having a bus there at all.
What if I finish the track early? Can I hop on an earlier departure or will I have to pay again?
If there is space available on an earlier departure, yes. You must let the driver know that you were booked on another scheduled trip however.
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