Besides the great walks in Fiordland, undoubtedly, Lake Marian is the most popular day hike in the park. The stunning alpine turquoise waters of Lake Marian is something out of a storybook with mountains towering all around. On a smaller scale, if you can believe it, it reminded Chris and I of my favourite lake, Moraine Lake in Alberta, Canada.
It was the best reminder of just how lucky we are to be able to explore these incredible sights of mother nature.
The uphill climb through rocky and rooted paths definitely makes it all worth it. It’s not an easy track but it’s also not long. Just when you feel like you’ve had enough you’ll be breaking through the forest to the beautiful Lake Marian ahead. It makes quite an entrance and it’s the best surprise!
The trek in will definitely work up a sweat and if you’re brave enough (I am not) you can jump in and go for a swim! I recommend summertime because the water is pretty cold but when we went (early April), there were 3 other small groups of people, all of who jumped in the water! I was the only one who didn’t. So in short bring your bathing suit if alpine swims are your thing!
Considering that the Lake Marian Track is in Fiordland, an alpine and more remote part of New Zealand, and it rains about 200 days of the year which equates to about 7 meters of water a year, there are some things to know before you go.
This guide to Lake Marian will help you plan your trip to the track so you are prepared, you have the best time and you have some ideas for what other hikes you can do in the area.
track details
Out and back track | 6.2 km return | 3 to 3.5 hours | 420 m elevation gain | 695 meter altitude
What is the track like
The track starts out over a short swingbridge and the first 20 minutes or so is nice and easy. A groomed walking path starts in the trees and follows up to Marian Falls on Marian creek. The viewing gantry as it’s called hugs the side of the base of Mt Christina and is easy to walk. If you were not up for the big walk to the lake, going to see the falls is a good alternative.
It is also a great spot to do some long-exposure photography of the falls as well. There are a few spots you can close to the river- be careful! but also space on the rocks nearby. Bring your tripod, filter and remote shutter.
Once past the falls, a sign indicates what is to come with an alert of rocky terrain ahead. It is not an alert to ignore and you will soon find yourself navigating over a rocky and rooted uphill path. Just over 400 meters in elevation is gained in 3km. So it’s not a steep uphill slog but instead a gradual steady climb.
You do want to be prepared for some parts where you will be using all fours on the rocks to get up a steep part of the path from a dip in the track. Unfortunately I didn’t get any photos but don’t let it hesitate you. It doesn’t last long at all, maybe 4 or 5 steps up but extra concentration and care is needed. The path is also clearly marked the entire way with orange markers so in good weather it’d be pretty hard to go off course.
What I liked about this track is that although it was uphill most of the way there were points where the track flatten out just enough for a bit of a break before it carried on up again.
I think because I hyped myself up that it was a relentless slog the entire way, that was what I kept reading, I didn’t find it as hard as I was expecting. Not to say it wasn’t hard because it was. I was certainly sweating getting up there and needed a few breathers but if you’re not new to hiking it’s a good walk that won’t leave you rendered out for the rest of the day! I quite enjoyed it and would happily do it again.
It is VERY important to note that our trip in April was during a weird dry spell that Fiordland was experiencing. The weather was also steady and true to the forecast of sunshine so the path wasn’t slippery or muddy from being wet nor did we need to worry about downpours. If walking this in the rain, it would get a lot harder from slippery terrain.
There was also a spot on the track where there was clearly a slip down the mountain into the stream and in heavy rain could be dangerous and impassible. In fact, I would highly recommend not attempting this track in the rain. This can make planning a bit hard because the majority of the weather in Fiordland is wet.
What you need to know
- Pack for all weather especially if the forecast is iffy. The weather changes very quickly in Fiordland and in alpine areas. It could be sunny heading out and clouds could roll in bringing moisture with them. Depending on when you go, the temperature can differ from start to arriving at the lake and heading back home so you will want to be prepared.
- Bring some snacks! The view is too amazing to not stay a while and with the hike in, you may just work up an appetite! I am also that person who airs on the side of caution that just in case something happened, I like to have a few extra snacks on hand.
- Lake Marian is in an alpine environment. This means the area is prone to avalanches, especially on the far side of the lake. It is recommended to not venture out that way. In all honesty, you don’t need to. The view from where the track comes out is amazing!
- There is no cell reception. The last spot for reception is around Te Anau Downs so you’ll want to make sure you’ve done a bit of planning before going into the park. Lake Marian does see quite a bit of traffic but it’s still always good to let someone know where you’ll be. I also suggest purchasing and downloading the app Nz Topo50. I believe it’s $7.99 but you’ll have access to the map even out of service. It can tell you exactly where you are, the tracks, etc.
- Bring a PLB. Some may say I’m dramatic but I bring mine everywhere I go. No matter how easy or busy a track is. You’ll certainly want to do some research and learn about when to use one but this is invaluable knowledge to have if you are going to be out hiking. You can hire PLBs. There is a good list of places here.
- Wear proper footwear. The track is rocky, rooted, steep and in most conditions slippery and muddy. You’ll want to make sure you have footwear with a good tread whether that’s hiking boots or shoes.
- Facilities. There is a toilet just before Lake Marian itself and at the car park before you leave for the walk. Fuel is all the way in Milford Sound about 32km away. I don’t know how accessible it is though regarding hours of operation for the public etc so make sure you fill up in Te Anau before coming down. There is a cafe at the Milford Sound Lodge called the Pio Pio cafe. It’s best to call ahead before you’re in the park to find their opening hours.
Can you camp at Lake Marian
From what I can find, yes you can. You may have to scout around the rocky shore to find a flat spot to put up a tent but people have done it before. It would be wise to stay close to the ‘south’ shore, the side the track comes out of as there is a higher avalanche risk down the lake. You’ll also want to make sure you have good weather and backcountry skills. There is a long drop toilet at the end of the track by the lake but that is it. As always, leave only footprints, take only memories!
Where to stay
Places to stay near Lake Marian are pretty limited unless you are keen to camp. Milford Sound Lodge is the only accommodation past Te Anau Downs. The lodge offers rooms starting at $615 per night. They also provide campervan powered sites at $60. Note that tenting is not allowed.
There are various DOC campgrounds on the Milford Highway. We stayed at Cascade Creek Campground. It had a lot of sites, shelters for eating with picnic tables and toilets.
How to get there
Lake Marian is located down the Milford-Te Anau Highway/ State highway 94. Turn off onto Lower Hollyford Road and the car park will be on the left-hand side about 1 km down. Lower Hollyford Road is an unsealed road.
Other tracks in the area
- Lake Gunn nature track | easy | 1.4 km return | 45-minute return
- Milford Sound foreshore walk | easy | 400 m loop | 30 minutes
- Key Summit track | moderate | 6.8 km return | 3 hour return
- Routeburn track– great walk 3-4 days
- Gertrude Saddle | expert | 7 km return | 4-6 hour return