Lake Marian is a fantastic hike in Fiordland National Park. People come from around the world to experience the magic and wonder of this region on the southwest coast of New Zealand's South Island.
The lake is truly beautiful and the hike up there is good fun! In the winter, you need to start early as the sun will disappear behind the mountains at the lake between 1:00-1:30pm. This is not an easy hike; be prepared to scramble and have the proper gear to get there and back safely and enjoyably!
LAKE MARIAN HIKE DETAILS
When: year-round, but bring weather-appropriate gear (I highly suggest hiking boots year-round)
Where: Fiordland National Park, about 40 minutes outside Milford Sound
Difficulty: difficult due to steep, uneven terrain, lots of rocks and a section where you climb up tree roots
Length: we took an hour for the 3km each way; give yourself plenty of daylight hours
Directions: turn onto Hollyford Road off Milford Highway, following signs for Lake Marian. The track is an in-and-out route marked by orange triangles
Bathrooms: yes, at the carpark
Public Transit: no
