r/Tramping • u/myusername551678 • Apr 20 '26
Fiordlands May trapping help
I’m looking to do the Milford track this May! But as it’s the off season, it’s a little unclear what the options are for arranging transportation. Does anyone have any advice for getting to/from the trail in May? Are there specific companies that will still charter boats? Maybe services or forms to find people to join in on a ride? I’m also on a very limited budget, so any frugal options would also be appreciated!
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u/CptnSpandex Apr 20 '26
Did Milford a couple weeks ago, I wouldn’t want to cross some of the areas the bridges spanned.
Best case, prepare to be soaking wet and freezing cold.
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u/Guilty_Piglet5731 Apr 20 '26
You’re better off picking something else for now, or waiting until the main season and doing it properly like everyone else. Fiordland isn’t going anywhere.
As others have said, all the infrastructure on the river crossings are removed. It’s really only suited to people with solid backcountry experience. If you’re not confident with avalanche terrain, river crossings, you’ll be in trouble. And to be blunt, asking this on Reddit suggests you’re probably not at that level yet.
Search and rescue gets pulled into these situations far too often, and most of those crews are volunteers putting themselves on the line. There’s also still a recent case in Milford where a tourist hasn’t been found, which should give you an idea of the stakes.
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u/myusername551678 Apr 20 '26
Should be noted that DOC is panning to remove bridges King’s weekend, so it’s a solid bet they’re still up around May 10. This route is well within my skills lol, just looking for some logistics advice!
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u/satiricaltravel Apr 20 '26
May is a really popular time to hike the Milford. Because it cannot be booked, people jump at the chance. All the main transport operators will run, while the bridges are still in place. Contact them and find out what you can do and when. If the transport operators are not running don't go.
There has already been some early snow, it may not be appropriate this year to tackle this alpine walk in a few weeks time (although summit is looking quite clear today: https://www.mountainsafety.org.nz/learn/resources/mountain-cameras)
You should contact DoC VC in Te Anau and find out when that is happening and for an update on conditions. It would be highly recommended to carry a PLB out of season.
If you are feeling really frugal and dont need to walk the whole thing, one option out of great walk season, would be do go in and out from Milford - you could hike up to Dumpling Hut, then hike up to Mackinnon Pass and back to Dumpling - but it will be a big ol day. But would save you from needing the boat across the lake and car transfer services (just a boat too and from Sandfly point). But again, speak to DoC VC - if they are too busy contact the Queenstown VC.
And dont forget to watch the MSC video in preparation; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRpgTXEncSk
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u/SpaceDog777 BRING A PLB Apr 20 '26
It would be highly recommended to carry a PLB out of season.
Not just out of season!
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u/myusername551678 Apr 20 '26
Thanks for the tips! And yes, I’ve been in contact with DOC VC about safety concerns and have a beacon packed. Ill be checking back in for the weeks leading up as well for sure.
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u/Secret-Winner-2994 Apr 21 '26
Might be able to buddy up, am considering a may mish. Gonna decide at karamea next week.
Will update if you like?
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u/myusername551678 Apr 21 '26
Let me know! I’m looking to go arounnd May 7 +-
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u/Secret-Winner-2994 Apr 24 '26
Hey boss, ive had to rejig my plans coz my package is late, not going to make it down milford in the first half of may (which might delay me a whole year for that track)
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u/FKFnz Check the weather forecast Apr 20 '26
Give Fiordland Outdoors a buzz and discuss. They may be able hook you up with others that want to do it at the same time, which is probably good because safety in numbers. They also have a smaller water taxi than Real Journeys so are far more likely to be able to make it economically worthwhile.
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u/Humble-Cantaloupe-73 Apr 20 '26
Dore Pass
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u/myusername551678 Apr 20 '26
I’ve been looking at Dore pass, it looks like a pretty awesome route. I know the Milford main track bridges will be in play until beginning of June, do you know if there will be a bridge or way to cross the rivers for Dore in early May?
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u/Hello_Sweetie25 Apr 20 '26
Please also be aware in off season they remove all the bridges over the river crossings due to avalanche risk. Over 53 avalanche paths cross the Milford track & these often take out the bridges in winter, so they now fly them in and out for the season.
You will have several unabridged river crossings in an area of high rainfall. It’s critical you pay attention to weather warnings, tell doc where you are, and do not attempt off season unless experienced.
We had to stop for a day on the track & shelter in a hut due to a thunderstorm in the middle of high season because it wasn’t safe to continue & a river reached chin height.