Fiordland Day Trips

There are many interesting day trip options available around the Te Anau area.  Places such as Key Summit/Routeburn Track, Lake Marian, Hollyford Valley, Gertrude Valley, Eglinton Valley, Dore Pass, Milford Track, Back Valley Forest and the Kepler Track are all easily accessible from Dock Bay Lodge.

Lake Marion is one of my favourites.  It starts about 1 km down the Hollyford Road where you cross the Hollyford River over the swing bridge.  After walking for about 10 minutes through silver beech forest you come across a series of spectacular waterfalls.  The track then gets a bit steeper and is often quite difficult to navigate as it is not as well maintained as some of the Fiordland Tracks but you should reach the top within about an hour and a half.  Lake Marion is above the bushline and offers a very stimulating swim.  On a clear day the reflections on the lake from the Darren Mountains are quite spectacular.

The Key Summit is also a great walk and takes about three hours return.  It starts at the Divide carpark and follows the Routeburn Track for about an hour then branches off for 20 minutes to the Key Summit.  From here you will have panoramic views over the Humbolt and Darren Mountains and possibly even see Lake Marion.