Access & Start: Getting Across Milford Sound Our climb begins with getting across Milford Sound by boat, kayak, packraft or inflatable (IRB). We crossed at the narrowest point near the western end of the Milford Airport airstrip, roughly a 200-metre crossing, before following the shoreline to the mouth of Sinbad Gully. This first crossing needs respect. Boat traffic moves constantly through the fiord, and timing the crossing safely requires awareness, patience and clear conditions. Bush Climb: From Sea Level to the Footstool Plateau From the shoreline at Sinbad Gully the route climbs immediately into thick Fiordland rainforest. There is no marked track. We stayed committed to the ridge crest rather than drifting into side gullies, pushing steadily upward through dense bush, roots, scrub and steep, uneven ground. It is slow, physical and mentally taxing work, and navigation demands constant attention. Elevation builds consistently, with one key landmark being the feature commonly known as the Footstool, sitting roughly between 600 and 900 metres depending on line and terrain. Beyond this point the ridge drops sharply by around 150 metres before the climb resumes toward the bushline. Bushline, Tarn (if water), Bivvy or High Camp Options Just below the bushline on the Sinbad side sits a small tarn. It can be used as a water source, but we treated it as unreliable as it can dry out completely. Above the bushline we found a flatter shoulder of rock and tussock around 900–1000 metres, which made a natural bivvy and high-camp option with expansive evening and sunrise views over Milford Sound. Camping here set us up well for a more controlled summit push the following morning. Water becomes scarce above this point, so we carried what we needed from Sinbad Gully rather than relying on alpine sources. Above Bushline: Ridge, Notch and Crux Section Above the bushline the ridge narrows and the character of the climb changes completely. Around 1300 metres we reached a horizontal traverse leading toward a deep notch that marks the crux of the route. The notch is highly exposed, with steep drops toward Sinbad Gully on one side and straight down into Milford Sound on the other. The scrambling itself is not technically extreme, but the consequences of a mistake here are absolute. Exiting the notch required climbing an approximately 80-metre steep granite step on the Sinbad side before traversing back to regain the ridge near a distinctive key-hole feature. This was one of the most committing moments of the entire climb. Final Ridge, Summit Approach & Exposure Beyond the notch the ridge opens slightly but remains narrow and exposed. We moved carefully over solid granite, tussock and rock, enjoying high-quality scrambling while staying constantly aware of the drops falling away on either side. Two false summits guard the final section, and we dropped packs here to move lighter and more precisely. The final scramble demands calm movement, confident foot placement and full focus. The summit sits at roughly 1,690 metres above sea level. Standing on top, with Milford Sound dropping straight to sea level beneath us, the scale and exposure of the route is impossible to ignore. Descent & Commitment The descent follows the same ridge line and requires just as much care as the ascent, if not more. Steep slabs, loose rock and sustained exposure mean every move needs to be deliberate and controlled. We carried rope to manage the crux section on the way down and to give ourselves options if conditions changed. Even in good weather, the exposure and rockfall risk make conservative decision-making essential. Time, Difficulty, Exposure & Wild Card Factors This route can be pushed in a single long day, but that leaves very little margin for error. We chose to split the climb over two days, tackling the bush climb and high camp first, then summiting early the following morning while fresh and focused. It is a true summer scramble along a narrow, complex ridge with constant exposure straight down to the fiord. Strong fitness, confident scrambling ability and comfort moving in exposed terrain are essential. The biggest hazard throughout the climb is exposure. For long stretches the ridge drops thousands of metres on either side, and any slip would be catastrophic. Important Considerations & Safety Notes The bush approach is unmarked and demanding, and staying on the ridge crest is critical, especially in poor visibility. Water above bushline is unreliable, so all required water should be carried from sea level. Exposure is constant and severe, particularly around the notch and final ridge, with loose rock and rockfall being real risks. Carrying rope and basic climbing gear provides options if conditions change or retreat becomes necessary. Fiordland weather is unpredictable, and even in summer sudden wind or rain can dramatically increase risk. Good judgement, situational awareness and a willingness to turn back matter more than speed or ambition.