Dore Pass Alpine Traverse
“From forest floor to alpine ridge — the original route to the Milford Track.”
Highlights of the Trip
1
True Alpine Crossing
A classic, committing traverse over Dore Pass with open views into Fiordland’s big country.
2
Wild-to-Iconic Connection
Drop into the Clinton Valley and join the legendary Milford Track for a short nature walk through its ancient rainforest.
3
Boat Out on Lake Te Anau
A peaceful finish — cross the lake by boat after a full day in the mountains.
Dore Pass Alpine Traverse: 1-Day Alpine Adventure
This is Fiordland at full scale — a clean alpine line over Dore Pass, from the Milford Road into the headwaters of Lake Te Anau. It’s a single big day, guided, with careful pacing and a purposeful route that ends with a quiet boat ride across the lake.
Depart Te Anau early and drive the Milford Road to the trailhead. The ascent begins through scrub and tussock, steepening toward the alpine basins beneath Dore Pass. Your guide sets a steady rhythm, managing footing and exposure where the ground becomes rough and open.
Topping out on the pass, the landscape opens — wide views toward the Clinton Valley and the surrounding granite. The descent is demanding in places, with sections of uneven, sometimes slippery terrain. Reaching the valley floor, you join a short stretch of the Milford Track before transferring by boat on Lake Te Anau. Return to Te Anau by road.
This is a committing alpine traverse with no simple exit once underway. Your guide will make decisions based on weather, visibility, and timing to ensure a safe, rewarding day.
*Alpine weather can change rapidly; the route and turnaround times are at the guide’s discretion.
Choose this if you want a real alpine day — movement, scale, and the satisfaction of crossing a pass into a famous valley. It’s strenuous, beautiful, and exactly the kind of Fiordland day that stays with you.
Price
NZD $569 per person
(All-Inclusive)
*Additional fee applies for single-person bookings