Looking for a stunning hike away from the crowds? Lake Marian delivers.
Fiordland National Park is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s top destinations for nature lovers, home to dramatic mountain ranges, glacier-carved valleys, dense rainforest and diverse wildlife.
The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound alone offers breathtaking views and countless nature walks. But if you’re looking for a trail that delivers all the beauty without the crowds, Lake Marian is a must-do. It’s challenging enough to break a sweat and has everything you could hope for in a hike – lush forest, rushing waterfalls, impressive peaks and a stunning alpine lake.
And if you’re up for it, you might find yourself taking one of the most exhilarating swims of your life.
Know Before You Go
Time and difficulty: The return hike takes three to 3.5 hours. It’s a steady uphill climb but is manageable for those with moderate fitness. The track is well-marked.
What to take: Sturdy shoes with good grip, warm layers, a waterproof jacket (Fiordland weather is unpredictable), food and plenty of water. And, if you’re feeling brave, swimwear.
Safety tip: DOC advises against walking around the lake’s edge in winter and spring due to avalanche risk, and with no cell reception in the area, ensure you have all the information you need.
The Lake Marian Track
The hike begins at the Lake Marian car park, about 1.5 hours from Te Anau.
We arrived on a drizzly January afternoon – typical for Fiordland – with mist shrouding the dramatic mountain peaks.
Waiting at the car park toilet – the first of only two along the track – a lively woman starts chatting. “Are you gonna swim in the lake?” she asks, “It’s amazing!” Given the cold, damp morning, we thought there was no way we’d be keen for a dip today. “Maybe if it was warmer?” I say.
The track starts with a swing bridge over Marian Creek, offering a first glimpse of the powerful waterfalls cascading from the valley above. If you’re not up for the full hike, the 20-minute return walk to the falls alone is well worth it.
We soon find ourselves navigating dense, moss-covered beech forest and climbing – steeply, at times – over rocks and tree roots. The path is well-marked but slippery and uneven in places, so be careful with your footing.
As we ascended, the clouds began to break, and sunlight filtered through the overstory, warming the air. The higher we climbed, the sweatier we got, peeling off layers as the humidity thickened. The woman’s suggestion to swim in the lake was growing on us. “I’m starting to wish I brought my togs,” I say.
About 1.5 hours in, the track flattens and trees open up, revealing the surrounding peaks and the first view of Lake Marian. You’ll find the second and final toilet on the track near this spot.
Another five to 10 minutes further, the trail fully opens, revealing the crystal-clear alpine lake set in a hanging glacier-carved valley beneath jagged peaks. If the water is still, it creates a perfect mirror.
Arriving at the lake shore without the shade of trees, we felt a growing desire to jump into the most inviting water we’d ever seen. There was no question. Togs or no togs, we had to take that dip. We scrambled over boulders to find a quiet spot, stripped down to our underwear, and leapt in.
Now, I have to be that woman at the start of the track: The water is icy at first but exhilarating. Swimming through glass-clear water, surrounded by nothing but raw, untouched wilderness, was one of the most unforgettable moments of any hike I’ve ever done.
I highly recommend it.
And if you take a break at the south shore, you can bask in sunlight for most of the day in summer – a perfect way to warm up after your swim.
As we hiked back down the same way, bodies refreshed and spirits soaring, we had to admit that, sometimes, taking advice from strangers in a toilet queue is absolutely worth it.
A Perfect Fiordland Escape
Lake Marian Track offers adventure, beauty, and, if you’re willing, an unforgettable swim. It’s a place that stays with you long after you leave – one of New Zealand’s true hidden gems.
