The Milford Track is a hiking route in New Zealand, located amidst mountains and temperate rain forest in Fiordland National Park in the southwest of the South Island.

The 53.5 km (33.2 mi) hike starts at Glade Wharf at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishes in Milford Sound at Sandfly Point, traversing rainforests, wetlands, and an alpine pass.

[6] For a great length of its history, only commercial guided tours had the right to be on the track, but in 1965 a "freedom walk" by 46 members of the Otago Tramping Club led to the opening up to the current dual system in 1966[7] with additional huts and facilities for independent walkers created allowing individual, non-guided tours on the route.

The event was most contentious and caused much angst, including death threats, physical attacks and anonymous phone calls.

Judkins fought a very public fight with politicians and conservationists, including Gerry McSweeney, and obtained all the approvals and permits, but cancelled the event.

[8] Due to its popularity and the limited facilities available for overnighting (camping is not permitted), the track remains heavily regulated.

There is also foot access to the start via the Dore Pass Route (10.5 km one way) although this is an advanced track and not recommended for most walkers.

[9] At the northern end of the track at Sandfly Point another boat is required to take trampers back to Milford Sound.

Due to the one-way ticket system and limited hut capacities, trampers need to keep moving even during bad weather.