Garnock Burn Track

Tramping track

Getting there

Several tracks start on the eastern shores of Lake Manapōuri which is located in Fiordland National Park.  In the same area the Monument track is accessible via boat in Hope Arm, and the Stockyard Cove track is at the entrance to Hope Arm.

The town of Manapōuri is situated on its shores and is 2 hours drive to Queenstown and 15 minutes to Te Anau.

Description

Pearl Harbour return via the Circle Track

Time: 3 hr - 3 hr 30 min

The track follows the western river bank upstream, past the lake outlet, then along the lake shoreline through open bush to the forks (one hour). A signpost here indicates the right branch leading to Hope Arm and the left leading up the ridge on the Circle Track. 

The left branch of the track rises steadily for about one and a quarter hours to reach the first lookout point. Another 5 minutes uphill is the main lookout.

Back Valley

From here there are excellent views of Hope Arm, The Monument, Back Valley, Mt. Titiroa and Garnock Burn.

Backtrack for two minutes and take the track to the right. It descends steeply on an uneven surface with tree roots and mud in places and provides excellent views of Manapōuri Village and Te Anau.

Robins, tomtits, tūī and bellbirds are abundant in the mixed beech and podocarp forest. The track back to the Waiau River and the starting point takes about 15 minutes of flat walking.

Pearl Harbour to Hope Arm Hut

Time: 2 - 3 hr

The track to Hope Arm starts from the right branch of the fork described above. After a short distance it reaches a moraine spur which descends for 15 minutes until the track branches again, the left branch leads to Back Valley (1 hour) and the right branch to Hope Arm (1.5 hours).

The track to Hope Arm proceeds through a narrow neck of forest, bordered on each side by swamp land.

The track crosses a short section of swamp, across board walk, then proceeds through mixed podocarp and beech forest to the Garnock Burn. After crossing over a three wire bridge, continue on to Hope Arm beach. The hut is sited at the far end of the beach.

Hope Arm Hut - Snow White Track

Lake Rakatu

Time: 3 hr - 3 hr 30 min (one way)

This track can be walked as a side trip from Hope Arm, or can be an overnight trip if a tent is taken for camping in the clearings alongside the Garnock Burn.

Behind the Hope Arm hut the track climbs steadily alongside a small stream to a peat swamp. From here the track descends along the right side of the swamp for 30 minutes to the open tussock clearings of the upper Garnock Burn valley. The area provides good hunting and pleasant tramping. The head of the valley is reached by following the river through open beech forest and clearings. Mt. Titiroa can be reached from the Snow White clearings (refer Moirs Guide South).

Hope Arm Hut to Back Valley Hut

Time: 1 hr - 1 hr 30 min

Behind the hut the track follows an easy grade to the Garnock Burn, spanned by a three wire bridge. It is 5 minutes from the burn to the hut.

Back Valley Hut to Lake Rakatu

Time: 1 hr

The track leaves behind the Back Valley hut and generally follows Stinking Creek, meandering through tall manuka stands, open clearings, podocarp and beech forest to the lake.

The lake has abundant waterfowl and good fishing.

Back Valley Hut to Pearl Harbour

Time: 2 hr - 2 hr 30 min

From the hut clearing, the track passes through low shrubland with small clearings. After 10 minutes you will pass through a tall stand of ribbonwood forest and then beech and podocarp forest until reaching the Hope Arm - Pearl Harbour track. Follow this track back to Pearl Harbour. It is worth the extra effort to take the Circle Track which provides excellent views of the area. The Circle Track route will add an extra 2.5 to 3 hours to the journey. 

Plan and prepare

• Make sure your group has a capable and experienced leader who knows bushcraft and survival skills.
• Take adequate food and clothing on your trip and allow for weather changes and possible delays.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Sign an intention form at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and use the hut books.
• Take care with river crossings, especially after rain. If in doubt, sit it out.
• Know the symptoms of exposure. React quickly by finding shelter and providing warmth.
• Keep to the tracks. If you become lost - stop, find shelter, stay calm and wait for searchers to find you. Don't leave the area unless you are absolutely sure where you are heading. 

What to expect on a tramping track:

• Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
• Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
• Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
• Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
• Tramping/hiking boots required

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