3.1 km one way
Do not walk around the lake edge during the snow/avalanche season (winter and spring).
From the Lake Marian carpark, cross the swingbridge and continue to the spectacular series of waterfalls. This takes around 10 minutes. More about the track to the waterfalls.
From the falls, the track becomes steep and sometimes muddy during the ascent to Lake Marian. The ascent to Lake Marian takes around 1 hr 30 min.
Lake Marian is an alpine lake in a hanging valley formed by glacial action, in one of the most beautiful settings in Fiordland. The lake is above the bush line and is surrounded by mountains with magnificent reflections if the weather is calm.
The track begins from the Lake Marian carpark, which 1 km down the unsealed Hollyford Road.
To find the Hollyford Road, turn off from the Milford Road (SH94) at Marian Corner, a few minutes towards Milford Sound from The Divide.
Marian Corner is about 87 km along the Milford Road from Te Anau.
Beyond the waterfalls this is a tramping track so you will need good fitness and moderate to high level backcountry (remote areas) skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills.
Be prepared for stinging nettle
There are large amounts of ongaonga (New Zealand stinging nettle) on the Lake Marian Track. We recommend visitors wear long trousers and supervise children closely to avoid coming in contact with the plant.
Stinging nettle (Ongaonga) with red admiral caterpillar
Image: Rod Morris | DOC
Te Rua-o-te-moko/Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 249 7924 |
| Email: | fiordlandvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | Lakefront Drive Te Anau 9600 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |