Lake Marian near Glenorchy, Otago (New Zealand)
If you’re heading to or from Milford Sound and the weather is moderately clear, don’t miss this walk. Although it’s only about 6 km, it’s relatively steep and rough so, unless you’re already camped nearby, leisurely hikers should allow plenty of time for getting to the trailhead, to hike in, enjoy the lake, and head out, before camping nearby at one of the campgrounds ready for (or after) Milford Sound.
The swing bridge gives no hint as to what is to come, other than lots of that beautiful aqua water
Lake Marian Track is a well-marked, out-and-return day hike that traverses a swinging bridge, through rainforest and to a hidden gem of a lake with picturesque waterfalls cascading into it. It’s a steep and steady climb to the lake, with rough and rocky sections and exposed tree roots, so the the track can be quite slippery after rain. But the canopy of moss-covered trees is otherworldly and, once you reach the lake with its circle of snow-covered peaks, you’ll want to linger on its shoreline to soak in the views.
Distance 6 km return
Total Ascent and Descent 412 m
Steep (>20%) in places.
The ascent is rocky but it’s scrambling rather than climbing.
And, at only 2.9 km to the lake, leisurely hikers will have plenty of time no matter how slowly we go!
The trees are glorious.
Looking up at their mist-shrouded canopies, you could almost expect to see a pterodactyl swooping silently past.
And as always, so many mosses and lichens to see.
New Zealand is beautiful at all scales.
And here we are.
There’s quite a bit of mist, but it’s coming and going. Initially we see little but every now and then it lifts and the view emerges.
Wow!
Time for lunch in what must be one of the most beautiful spots in the world!
And so close to a main road yet there is no sound - just a misty peace.
What a view, with wind gusts ruffling the lake and mist spilling into the hanging valley.
When we leave, the mist lifts completely from the surrounding rock faces, revealing the waterfalls.
The wind starts to pick up so we take a last look.
Utterly delightful.
