George Sound Track
Route
Time:
2 - 3 days
Getting there
Several boat operators take groups to or from the track end on the Middle Fiord of Lake Te Anau and also provide boat transport on Lake Hankinson. George Sound is accessible by boat, float plane and helicopter.
Description
Map showing location
of George Sound
Track times are given as a guide only and may vary depending on fitness and weather conditions.
Middle Fiord to Hankinson Hut - 15 min
The track from the Middle Fiord of Lake Te Anau up to Lake Hankinson is signposted from the beach and takes 15 minutes. Kayaks can be carried over this section or boat transport may be arranged with a local operator.
The lake is 4.5 km long and can be affected by strong winds. Take care as there are few beaches on which to land. It takes 5 minutes to reach Hankinson Hut from the head of the lake.
Hankinson Hut to Thomson Hut - 2 hr 30 min
From the hut it is 5 minutes to the first wire crossing; then 1 hour to the second. Watch for the sign pointing to the crossing. From the second wire crossing the track skirts round the north side of Lake Thomson to its head - 1 hour. Tramping from the head of the lake up the Wapiti River flats to the Thomson Hut takes half an hour. Lake Hankinson and the Wapiti River provide opportunities for trout fishing.
Thomson Hut to George Sound - 10 hr
This section of the track can take longer and a tent may be required. There are suitable tent sites on the east side of Henry Pass.
From the hut continue up the valley (past the markers showing the track to the mica mine) to Henry Pass (830 metres) - 4.5 hours. The track around Deadwood Lagoon is very boggy. From Henry Pass the track drops steeply to the valley floor, then down the valley along Katherine Creek to Lake Katherine - 4 hours. From the lake to George Sound takes 1 - 1.5 hours.
Activities
Fishing
Special Conditions – anglers
Changes to the fishing regulations for fishing in Fiordland National Park have been made to help prevent the spread of Didymo Didymosphenia geminata into the park.
From 1 November 2008 to 30 April 2009 any person wanting to fish on almost all of Fiordland's rivers and lakes must obtain a Clean Gear Certificate.
Rivers and lakes excluded are: Eglinton (including Lakes Fergus & Gunn), Hollyford (including Lakes McKerrow and Alabaster), Cleddau rivers and their tributaries.
Anglers can also fish in: Lakes Te Anau, Manapouri, Monowai, and Hauroko.
The Clean Gear Certificate must be obtained within 48 hours of the commencement of your trip. An approved didymo cleaning kit must be produced before a Clean Gear Certificate is issued.
Clean Gear Certificates are available from Department of Conservation, Te Anau; Fish and Game, Te Anau; Manapouri Garage; Outdoor Sports, Te Anau; Borland Lodge; B and B Sports, Gore; and Tuatapere Service Station.
Places to stay
This is a standard 14-bunk hut in the Te Anau area
This is a standard eight-bunk hut in the Te Anau area
This is a standard eight-bunk hut in the Te Anau area
Hut tickets or an annual hut pass must be purchased from any Department of Conservation office or approved outlet prior to departure. George Sound Hut (8 bunks), Thomson Hut (8 bunks) and Lake Hankinson Hut (14 bunks) are all standard huts, requiring one hut ticket per night. Each hut is supplied with mattresses, running water and toilet facilities. Users are expected to leave the huts clean and tidy.
Plan and prepare
This track is suitable for fit, experienced and well equipped trampers only.
For your safety let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
Complete an intentions form at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau and sign the hut books.
Carry a mountain radio or emergency locator beacon. Topographical maps B41/C41 George Sound and C42 Mount Irene should be carried.
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