The Milford and Kepler Tracks are two of the most popular Great Walks, especially the Milford Track with hut bookings selling out in minutes.
In a perfect world, you’d do both. But if you can’t, then Milford Track vs Kepler Track? The debate begins. Which one do you choose?
That’s going to depend on a whole lot of variables, but I’ll give you my thoughts followed by a bunch of FAQs to help you decide which is right for you.
FWIW, I’ve been on both the Milford Track and Kepler Track (those links are my individual writeups on each) so have a reasonable basis to compare them.
MY THOUGHTS ON KEPLER TRACK VS MILFORD TRACK
Looking along the ridgeline from the Kepler Track.
Mackinnon Pass, love.
This is tough! If transport/money wasn’t an issue, I’ll sway towards the Milford Track.
Why?
- There are lots of side trips that I’d like to explore along the track.
- MacKinnon Pass is truly stunning.
- You’re disconnected from the rest of society, there’s no phone coverage.
- The Sutherland Falls are impressive, and the highest in the country.
- The history around the Milford Track is more interesting in my mind.
In a perfect world, you’d do both as the time you get to spend lots of time on the ridgelines along the Kepler Track which I love.
COMMON QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE BETWEEN KEPLER TRACK OR MILFORD TRACK
Luxmore Hut….not a bad spot for a nights sleep.
People look quite small when surrounded on the Milford Track.
How far is each hike?
Milford Track: 53.5km, plus another 4km if you do the side trip to Sutherland Falls.
Kepler Track: 60km.
Which is harder Milford Track or Kepler Track?
They’re pretty similar. But given you’re on the ridgeline for longer on Kepler, and it has a couple of hundred metres extra of elevation gain (and distance), I’d go with Kepler being harder than Milford.
What’s the elevation gain of Kepler Track and Milford Track?
Kepler Track has about 2000 metres, and the Milford Track is about 1650 metres.
Is it worth doing Kepler AND Milford?
If you’ve got the time, yes! But there are so many hikes in Fiordland National Park and the surrounding areas, don’t feel like you have to just ‘tick’ these hikes off the list first. Some other multiday hikes (that aren’t Great Walks) in the area include:
- Humpridge Track
- Rees Dart Track
- Greenstone/Caples Loop
There are so many epic day hikes as well.
Through the valleys on the Milford Track.
Mossy tracks on the Kepler.
Are they doable year-round?
Technically yes, but the Great Walk season for both tracks in Late October to the end of April. You can of course walk outside of the Great Walk seasons, but the transport options an hut facilities are reduced. Both of the tracks are usually great options in May, and pending snow levels, October can see both easily done too.
From June to September the Kepler Track can be completed a lot of the time, pending snow levels and weather. It’s always best to contact DOC yourself to get the latest info.
The Milford Track becomes more or less inaccessible with no boats going to Glade Wharf, unless you organise one privately…there’s also notable avalanche danger. And some of the bridges are removed.
You’ve got shorter daylight hours too which makes things complicated.
What has the best views?
Any Great Walk is going to be beautiful, but the Milford Track has better views overall due to the variety.
While you don’t get so many views from up high on the Milford Track down in the valley it can be magical. And the views from Mackinnon Pass are just another level.
But I’d be interested in how you gauge this part of the Kepler Track vs Milford Track debate.
What’s the easiest one to access?
Kepler Track. It’s just a few minute’s from Te Anau, and logistics are a lot easier than the Milford Track given it’s a loop track.
Are dogs allowed on Milford Track or the Kepler track?
No. There’s a full ban on dogs on both tracks in National Parks in New Zealand.
The magical Sutherland Falls.
Sunrise on the Kepler.
Are there any other good Milford and Kepler Track alternatives nearby?
The most popular alternative to the Milford Track would be to do a couple of overnight hikes to places like Gertrude Saddle and Lake Marian. Or if you’re super intense, the Dusky Track is a bucket list track for me.
For the Kepler Track, you could go and explore some hikes in the Takatimu Mountains, or a short option is up at Welcome Rock. And as mentioned earlier, the Humpridge Track could work.
Whether you do the Kepler Track or Milford Track, you’re going to have a great time. Which one you should do ultimately depends on factors unique to you.
If you any have questions about which one is best for you, leave a comment below or email me, at jub@churnewzealand.com.
Alternatively, let me know which one you prefer…or now decide between the Milford and Routeburn Tracks.
Hey, it’s Jub here. I’m the guy behind Chur New Zealand, helping you have the best time hiking, trekking, walking…whatever you want to call it…in NZ. I’m based in Queenstown and am always out and about exploring trails, old & new. If you have any questions, reach out.