Track description

Track times are given as a guide only and may vary depending on fitness and track conditions. Flooding of parts of the track and deep mud are common. 

Check with the Department of Conservation in Te Anau or Invercargill for track conditions. You will need topographical maps NZMS 260 B44, C43 & C44.

Lake Hauroko to Lock Maree

Lake Hauroko to Halfway Hut, 4 hr - 6 hr

Lake Hauroko is the deepest lake in New Zealand (462 metres) and the boat journey across it provides a spectacular start to the trip.

The first 40 minutes of tramping from Hauroko Burn Hut (10 bunks) is flat walking with attractive views of the burn. If there has been heavy rain a three wire crossing is available about 100 metres downstream from the track.  This is signposted and marked as an emergency crossing. The track then climbs at a gentle grade to a gorge, before descending to a walkwire over the Hauroko Burn - prior to its confluence with the Gardner Burn. The track steepens then descends to the river with flat terrain to Halfway Hut (14 bunks).

Halfway Hut to Lake Roe Hut, 3 hr - 5 hr

The track follows an easy grade crossing the Hauroko Burn just before the top forks. Keep an eye open for yellowheads/mohua and kaka in this section. From the forks the track climbs steeply to above the bushline. Snow poles show the direction to Lake Roe Hut (12 bunks), sited at the northern end of Lake Laffy on Furkert Pass. Lake Roe, set among massive granite outcrops, is 20 minutes due east, above the hut.

Lake Roe to Loch Maree Hut, 5 hr - 7 hr

If there has been continual rain it is recommended that you wait for more favourable conditions before completing this section, as the Seaforth River could be impassable due to flooding.

In a westerly direction snow poles mark the track around past the outlet of Lake Horizon and along the open tops of the Pleasant Range. This section is the scenic highlight of the track with spectacular views of Dusky Sound and the surrounding mountains.

From the end of the Pleasant Range the track descends very steeply down to Loch Maree. Trampers can usually ford the Seaforth River just downstream of the walkwire which is provided for use only when the river is running high. Loch Maree Hut (12 bunks) is a few minutes from the walkwire. If river levels restrict access to the walkwire, there is an open shelter adjacent to the track where trampers can wait until the crossing can be safely made.

Lake Manapouri to Supper Cover

Lake Manapōuri is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful lakes and is the second deepest (444 metres). It was the focus of a nationwide protest in the 1970s when the lakes level was to be raised to increase hydro-electric power generating potential at the West Arm station. These plans were dropped after a 265,000 person petition was presented to Parliament. The station is sited 213 metres underground taking water from West Arm and diverting it through a tailrace tunnel to Deep Cove in Doubtful Sound. A second tailrace tunnel to maximise efficiency was completed in 2002.

West Arm to Trackhead, 45 min

From West Arm follow the Wilmot Pass Road. The start of the Dusky Track is signposted on the left-hand side of the road 20 minutes past the Mica Burn.

Trampers wanting to stay at West Arm can use the basic 6 bunks hut sited 200 metres east of the visitor cent

Trackhead to Upper Spey Hut, 4 hr - 5 hr

The track follows the true left of the Spey River passing through ribbonwood and beech forest. Two walkwires span the Dashwood Stream. The Spey River is crossed by walkwire 40 minutes before the hut is reached. After a short climb the track crosses a large swampy clearing to reach the Upper Spey Hut (12 bunks).

Upper Spey Hut to Kintail Hut, 5 hr - 7 hr

A short steep climb from the hut takes you into the head of the Warren Burn. The track continues to climb steeply and is marked by snow poles through alpine shrubland and tussockland to Centre Pass (1051 metres). If the weather is fine it is worth leaving packs at the pass and climbing one hour each way to the summit of Mt Memphis for some spectacular views. The steep descent from the pass traverses through herbfield with mountain buttercups and then descends through steep forest to Kintail Stream. This section provides breath-taking views of Gair Loch, Tripod Hill and the Seaforth Valley. Kintail Hut (12 bunks) is five minutes along a side track signposted just after the walkwire over the Seaforth River.

Kintail Hut to Loch Maree Hut, 6 hr - 8 hr

From the hut backtrack five minutes to the walkwire over the Seaforth, staying on the true right bank. The track makes its way down river to the outlet of Gair Loch. This section is relatively easy going apart from a swampy area at the top end of the loch. But the track is rough underfoot as it descends through the gorge (crossing a large new slip) to the Kenneth Burn walkwire.

Between the Kenneth Burn and Deadwood Creek the going gets easier as the track passes through several clearings. Watch for track markers on the opposite forest edge of the clearings. This section of track also crosses several deep guts which can fill with water and be difficult to cross if river levels are high.

The track is rough underfoot and susceptible to flooding between Deadwood Creek and Loch Maree Hut (12 bunks). This section is very difficult in wet weather.

Loch Maree Hut to Supper Cove Hut, 6 hr - 8 hr

The track climbs around Loch Maree and then descends to the Bishop Burn. After heavy rain low-lying parts of this section can become flooded and you may have to swim across small backwaters. From the Bishop Burn to the Henry Burn the track is flat going and follows the original track cut by West Coast miners in 1903. From the Henry Burn the track gets rougher as it sidles the slopes overlooking the cove.

Supper Cove Hut (12 bunks) is visible on a small terrace just south of the Hilda Burn.
 

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