Hi all,

I tried to book spaces on the Milford Track for late April this year, but according to the DOC website the track is full. Does anyone know if there is a way to get on a waiting list in case someone cancels? any other way to get on the track?

alternatively, with our itinerary, we could make the track work if we started sometime during the first week of may. online it says that bookings are not required after April 30th. how does the track change after the 30th? ie: is it hard to get space in the cabins because reservations are not required? are there still DOC staff along the track in case of emergencies? how does the track itself change (ie: do they remove bridges, lock the huts, etc..?)

thanks very much in advance for any answers!

You would need to arrange the boat transfers to the track. Also the Mackinnon Pass may require some technical ice climbing skills. And some bridges may be removed to avoid damage by snow.

Personally I would not do it without an experienced guide.

Check with DOC when you arrive about last minute spaces.

it's really that different a couple of days later? ie: bridge removal, etc.?

unfortunately we don't have enough time in our itinerary to chance last minute spaces... perhaps just the milford sound cruise it is... as boring as that sounds (vs. the walk itself)

There is no way to know how the track will be by mid April. If the weather is good it may be fine to go, but if it has been snowing then probably not a good idea.

Best to just keep checking the DOC website they usually have weather warnings and track info.

Keep in mind that you can walk the first section of the Milford Track as a day walk - it's not as good as walking the whole thing, but it's a good option if time/timing is an issue. No need for a guide on this leg, atlhough guided walks are offered too.

You also need a boat transfer and they may not be running off season.

Good point, looks like the season ends April 18, 2011, so no two-way boat transfers after that date. One way boat transfers run through April 25.

http://www.realjourneys.co.nz/Main/Milfordwalk/

I found this info on the Back Country NZ website:

Out-Of-Season-Trampers

"Milford Track season is from late October to mid April. Milford Track can be tramped during the winter months if you can arrange launch transport (liable to be expensive). However, the Milford Track winter option is strictly for trampers and mountaineers once the snow arrives. MacKinnon Pass can require ice-axes and crampons in winter, and anyone inexperienced or ill-equipped should not attempt it. Dore pass offers alternative access to Milford Track from the Milford Sound round. It must be stressed that this is an exposed alpine pass, very steep in places, and only strong experienced parties should attempt the route. Basically there are no easy alternative approaches to the Milford Track."