8 - 10 Days 84 km (one way)

Highlights

  • Alpine vistas
  • Dusky Sound and lakes

Proximity

  • by car:

    From Te Anau to Lake Manapouri
    1 hr | 21 km

Grade: ADVANCED

For well-equipped and experienced hikers.

Immerse yourself in the mountains, valleys and the absolute remoteness of Fiordland as you walk the Dusky Track.

Fiordland
Dusky Track, Fiordland

Dusky Track Itinerary

Hikers can walk the Dusky Track in either direction, beginning in Lake Hauroko (below) or from Lake Manapouri. There is also an optional 2-day detour to Supper Cove.

DAY 1

Lake Hauroko > Halfway Hut

Take the ferry across Lake Hauroko to Hauroko Burn Hut. The walk takes in attractive views of the river as it crosses Hauroko and Gardner Burns before reaching Halfway Hut.

4 - 6 hours walking

DAY 2

Halfway Hut  > Lake Roe Hut

Today's walk crosses the Hauroko Burn and climbs steeply above the tree line to Lake Roe Hut. Keep an eye open for rare native birds in this section.

3 - 5 hours walking

DAY 3

Lake Roe Hut  > Loch Maree Hut

With spectacular views of Dusky Sound and the surrounding mountains, this section is a track highlight. Follow Lake Horizon through the Pleasant Range to Loch Maree.

5 - 7 hours walking

DAY 4

Loch Maree Hut > Kintail Hut

Today's walk follows the Seaforth River to Deadwood Creek and on to Kenneth Burn before climbing through the gorge to the outlet of Gair Loch.

6 - 8 hours walking

DAY 5

Kintail Hut > Upper Spey Hut, 

Take in breath-taking views of Gair Loch, Tripod Hill and the Seaforth Valley before descending through tussock and alpine shrubland to Warren Burn and Upper Spey Hut.

5 - 7 hours walking

DAY 6

Upper Spey Hut > Wilmot Pass Road

Today's walk crosses a large swampy clearing before joining the river through beech and ribbonwood forest to the Dashwood Stream. From here it is a short walk to the Wilmot Pass Road.

 4 - 5 hours walking

 

Department of Conservation

Click the link below for more information and detailed maps of this hike.

Dusky Track(opens in new window)

More information

Alternative route

At Loch Maree Hut hikers the track splits and walkers can choose to include the 2-day return walk to Supper Cove.

Loch Maree Hut  > Supper Cove Hut (return)

The track takes in Bishop Burn and Henry Burn, before climbing the slopes overlooking the Supper Cove.

6 - 8 hours walking

 

Accommodation

  • DOC huts provide accommodation along the route - they operate on a first come, first served basis.

Getting there: 

  • Catch a scheduled boat service from Manapouri or Lake Hauroko.
  • Fly in or out of Supper Cove or Lake Hauroko.

Walk features:

  • Three major valley systems
  • Two mountain ranges
  • 21 three-wire bridges

 

Safety in the Outdoors

This walk is suitable for advanced walkers, expect to encounter tree falls, deep mud, tree roots and river crossings. After heavy rain some sections often become impassable. 

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