Day Walks
Not all who wander are lost! There are many beautiful spots in our area that a person can happily wander around and soak up nature at its best. Grab your camera, your book, your thermos, your diary, your friend and wander down to the lake, or wander over to the jetty, or wander across the road to Lake Mistletoe or wander down the road to the mouth of the Eglinton River, or wander in to our café and have a scone and coffee, or wander over to our bar and sit in front of the fire….It’s good to wander! Here are some of our top spots to wander…
Lake Mistletoe
Wind through the quiet beech forest sprinkled This is our favourite, just across the road. It’s an easy, short walking track that wanders through regenerating beech forest to the peaceful Lake Mistletoe. This small glacial lake is home to New Zealand Scaup (duck), frogs and other interesting wetland wildlife. The 45-minute return walk is suitable for all ages and is a great family walk. The lake is a great picnic spot, so grab something from the café and check it out. For those among you who like to run, its a perfect loop before a long drive to Milford Sound!
Mirror Lakes
Further down the road is Mirror Lakes, which offers a good place to stretch your legs during the drive to Milford Sound or a lovely spot to head to for some photography or contemplation. These small lakes provide outstanding reflective views of the Earl Mountains. Water fowl and wetland plants can be seen against a backdrop of beech forest. It’s an easy walk and completely accessible.
Lake Gunn
The Lake Gunn nature walk is an easy way to experience the beauty and awe of the National Park and its different and varied environs. There is beech forest, mountain vitas, pristine lake and prolific bird life on offer, and it’s a 45-minute walk suitable for everyone. A destination within itself.
Key Summit
Another amazing walk that allows you to experience all that Fiordland has to offer. It really is a must do for those with who like getting into nature and have a couple hours to spare. Key Summit is part of the Routeburn Track and combines stunning rainforest, alpine scenery and panoramic mountain views. Accessed from the Milford Road, on route to Milford Sound, it is suitable for all ages and abilities. It’s a good walk to take your time on.
Lake Marian
Lake Marian is a 3 hour walk off the Milford road that is truly spectacular. The lake is the most amazing turquoise colour sitting in a valley surrounded by mountain peaks and waterfalls. It is simply stunning and well worth the walk in. You know you’re in for something special when you cross the suspension bridge at the start and hear the roar of the water around you. For the very brave a swim in Lake Marian earns you special bragging rights!
Luxmore Hut
This hut sits well above the bush line (1085m) and has a fantastic view from the deck across the Kepler Mountains and over Lake Te Anau. Great for sunset and sunrise photos, and a wonderful day walk option from Te Anau.
These walks and short hikes are some of the many that are all around us and part of our backyard. Discover for yourself that the road to Milford Sound is almost as spectacular as the sound itself. Prepare to be wowed by the spectacular alpine scenery on our road, and then be amazed at the diverse range of environments and waterways just off the roadside.
Talk to our staff and let them help you wander!
Overnight Walks
Tramping in New Zealand is a popular pursuit for a nation that loves the outdoors and Fiordland National Park is a tramper’s paradise, offering half hour jaunts to multi day trips and everything in between. The Park has been called the ‘walking capital of the world’ due to its vast and accessible network of tracks. Three of New Zealand’s world renowned great walks are in the park: The Milford, Kepler and Routeburn tracks. Tramping can be undertaken independently or as part of guided group and there is generally an option for most abilities. However a certain level of fitness is required and it’s important to do your research and be prepared on what suits you and your group best.
The tracks operate on a booking system and are seasonal. We are situated at Te Anau Downs next to the jetty from which the Milford Track boat departs, ferrying trampers and day walkers to the world-famous Milford Track. Further up the Milford Road is the equally well known Routeburn Track and all along the Milford Road are walks and tracks easily accessible from the road. Fiordland’s weather is notorious for its changeability and unpredictability.
Beautiful blue skies can give way to a rainy deluge quite quickly and while that’s perfect for the photographer, it’s not always conducive to keeping dry, so again-be prepared. Sunscreen and a water proof rain jacket are prerequisites on any trip!
Milford Track
Arguably New Zealand’s most famous walk, the 53-kilometre 4 day journey begins at the head of Lake Te Anau. The boat departure for this walk is next to our lodge. The tramp takes you across suspension bridges, along board walks and up the stunning Mackinnon pass. The Milford Track will show you pristine lakes, sky-scraping mountain peaks and enormous valley views; and it will take you to feel the misty breath of Sutherland Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Zealand.
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Routeburn Track
A popular tramp for groups and families the 33-kilometre 2-4 day journey and can be walked in either direction. This is the ultimate alpine adventure, weaving through meadows, reflective tarns and alpine gardens. You'll be rewarded with spectacular vistas over vast mountain ranges and valleys, particularly at its highest point the Harris saddle.
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Hollyford Track
The Hollyford Track is a fantastic 4-8 day Fiordland tramp from the mountains to the sea at Martins Bay, and can be walked all year round, dependant on the weather. It is a great tramping adventure for those who like to be a little off the beaten track, but still have a good track and huts to stay in. Beginning among the sheer rock walls of the Darran Mountains in Fiordland National Park, the track follows the Hollyford River/Whakatipu Kā Tuka on its journey to the sea at Martins Bay, on the wild West Coast The first part of the track offers a great overnight option for families or those with limited time.
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Kepler Track
The Kepler track is a 60km loop 3-4 day tramp. It offers huge scenic contrast from tussock covered alpine passes to serene lake side vistas and valley floor beech forests. The panoramic views from Mt Luxmore are breath-taking and a welcome reward from the effort to reach them! There are good options for day tramps, from either direction on the Kepler track for those who don’t wish to do the whole tramp.
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Please check the Department of Conservation (DOC) website for daily updates on track conditions & NZTA for road conditions. Tell someone where you are going & your expected return time.