LAKE MARIAN - THE BEST DAY WALK IN FIORDLAND

If you’re looking for the best day walk in Fiordland National Park, look no further than Lake Marian.

This post may contain affiliate links. Your purchase through these links supports me with a commission, at no added expense to you.

The walk itself will take you through a trail set in the mountains so it’s no easy feat. However, it’s well worth it for the views you’ll experience at the end. For all the details about the hike and Lake Marian, I have you covered below.

Blog Contents

LOCATION
THE JOURNEY TO LAKE MARIAN
LAKE MARIAN PARKING
KEY INSIGHTS
LAKE MARIAN TRACK
ACCOMMODATION
MILFORD SOUND
SOUTH ISLAND

LOCATION

Lake Marian is an alpine lake found in the Darran Mountains of the South Island in New Zealand.

If coming from Te Anau, you can expect to spend roughly an hour and 15 minutes (88 km) travelling. If coming from Queenstown, it’s a little longer with the drive taking approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes (258 km).

THE JOURNEY TO LAKE MARIAN

No matter which direction you come from, the journey to Lake Marian is a scenic one. You’ll experience a classic New Zealand road trip, passing through charming towns, enjoying mountain views, and being enveloped in lush greenery. Along the way, there are plenty of sights to see, like Mirror Lake, Devil’s Staircase Lookout, Eglinton Valley, and Lake Gunn. These are all stops you should consider adding to your list.

This is also the route you’d take to venture to Milford Sound. It’s a popular destination, so expect to be sharing the road with other travellers.

LAKE MARIAN PARKING

Parking is quite convenient for the Lake Marian Track. You’ll find the carpark on Hollyford Road, an unpaved turn off from State Highway 94 (Te Anau Milford Highway).

Just type ‘Lake Marian Trail Carpark’ into Google Maps, otherwise click this link to bring up the location.

KEY INSIGHTS

Duration: 3 hours

Length: 6.1 km | 3.8 miles

Elevation: 400 meters

Difficulty: Medium

Type: There and back

Open: Year-round

Need to have: Water, sun protection and snacks

SOUTH ISLAND

If you’re planning to explore more of the South Island, you’ll find countless beautiful destinations. If you’re unsure on where to start, I have plenty of suggestions. For those visiting in autumn, I’ve created a two-part guide (first and second) to the best spots to see during this season. To be honest most of them would be beautiful any time of year. Additionally, if photography is your passion, here are my top 20 must-visit locations in the South.

In this post we have covered everything you need to know about Lake Marian, from where to stay to the trail itself. I hope in reading this post it has reinforced that when in the South Island, Lake Marian is a stop that absolutely needs to be on your bucket list of places to visit.

LAKE MARIAN TRACK

This out-and-back trail has an easy beginning crossing over a swing bridge, then steadily climbs through New Zealand’s native bush.

As you progress, the trail becomes steeper and more rugged, with the path developing a little more unevenly with roots and rocky terrain. While the trail is easy to follow, the latter part involves a steep climb through the forest where you’ll need to navigate large rocks and occasionally scramble up inclines. This section can be tricky to navigate, so I suggest downloading AllTrails to stay on track. Note that some sections may be muddy, especially after rainfall, so be cautious when hiking in the colder seasons.

Once at the opening you’ll see the alpine lake which is nestled in a hanging valley and surrounded by mountains. The mountains that surround you are Mount Crosscut, directly in front, Mount Christina, to your left and Mount Lyttle and Mount Gunn, to your right.

We made our way here in the afternoon during summer, and this was the perfect time. There was little to no people around so we were able to enjoy this place mostly to ourselves. And if you’re extra lucky and the weather is calm you will get some incredible reflections.

ACCOMMODATION

While you can camp at Lake Marian there are no facilities available, however there are other permanent campsites in the area for ease. If you’re looking for a little more comfort the Milford Sound Lodge should definitely be a consideration. This place has been on my bucket-list of stays in New Zealand for a while as it’s a unique experience with incredible views. If that’s not your style (or like me, a little out of budget), Te Anau is the nearest township and has plenty of places to stay.

MILFORD SOUND

If you’ve spent time researching Fiordland National Park or just the South Island in general, you would have heard of Milford Sound. Despite its name, Milford Sound isn’t actually a sound; it’s a fiord. It’s also a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site and a destination that you don’t want to miss.

There are several ways to reach Milford Sound, with driving you’re guaranteed to work Lake Marian into your itinerary. However if you aren’t able to do a self guided tour or join a group tour and you’re seeking a more luxurious experience, there are options to combine tours with cruises or flights from Te Anau and Queenstown.

Top tip: Don’t hesitate to visit Milford Sound in the rain. It’s when the waterfalls are at their most spectacular.