The Chasm Walk Safety Guide

🥾New Zealand MilfordbeginnerBest: Year-round
The Chasm Walk Safety Guide safety guide

About This Route

The Chasm Walk is an easy 20-minute loop along the Cleddau River, just 4 kilometers from Milford Sound's motorway. Boardwalks lead to viewpoints of powerful potholes carved by glacial floods, showcasing Fiordland's geology. Family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible in parts, it's a must-do stop for all visitors. DOC maintains it well, but crowds peak in summer.

Safety Considerations

Stay on paths; cliff edges slippery from spray. Recent floods reshaped features; heed warning signs. Sandflies intense; cover skin. Weather changes fast; rain makes boardwalks hazardous. Supervise children near drops. No intentions registration needed for short walks, but check DOC for closures.

Essential Gear

Light rain shell (Patagonia Torrentshell), long pants, DEET repellent. Comfortable walkers like Merrell Moab. Small pack for snacks, hand sanitizer.

Emergency Tips

Essential Gear

  • Rain shell (Patagonia)
  • Insect repellent (DEET)
  • Comfortable shoes (Merrell)
  • Sunscreen

Key Hazards

  • Slippery boardwalks
  • Cliff edges
  • Sandflies
  • Crowds

Emergency Tips

Good phone signal; dial 111 for falls or slips. Avoid edges, especially wet. Ranger station nearby at Milford.

Tags

  • The Chasm
  • Milford Sound
  • Short Walk
  • Family Hiking
  • Geology
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