The Marian Falls and the Lake Marian track.

A gem to visit on the Milford Road

Driving to or from Milford Sound there is a very special excursion available for those who would like a taste of a real Fiordland bush environment, even if you have a limited time frame or are not a tramper.

The Lake Marian Track and/or the Marian Rapids. 

There are two parts to this lovely excursion. Option one is for people who have limited time, not dressed well enough or simply are not fit enough to do a stiff climb to the lake. Option two is for those who are appropriately dressed, fit and able to do a short but stiff Fiordland tramp.

 About this track.

 The Lake Marian track can be found about one km down the Hollyford Road, and is a right turn off the Milford Road. This is about one hour of your journey out of Te Anau depending on other stops. The turn off is well signposted. Down this road can be found the Lake Marian track, the Hollyford Camp also known as Gunn’s Camp and the Humboldt Falls (15 minute walk)  which are at the end of the road.

The Lake Marian track should start off with putting your camera around your neck, locking your car, and taking the (good and safe) swing bridge across the Hollyford River. Then following a very well formed track (ordinary shoes can be worn) through the bush which is full of all the local native trees, bushes, birds and ferns. After some minutes of walking one can start to hear the roar of the Marian Rapids. About here a board way starts and takes you around and passed a series of stunning rapids of which you will want to test photography skills. This area is simply beautiful. The deep and green native forest, with lots of mosses, contrasting with the white and clear water of the rapids. You will know when to stop and return as the board way stops and the track suddenly gets hard and steep.

The Department of Conservation has done an incredibly good job of creating this track and board walk and should be congratulated on doing this.
 This excursion is probably best done on your return from Milford Sound if you are doing a day trip, but that does depend on the time of your cruise or if you are staying the night etc.

Option two, Lake Marian is for the fit and ready, and follows what I have already said but they would carry on up the valley track. About two hours up and one down plus any stops and also your time at the lake altogether may take up to five hours. This is a true mountain lake with wonderful views, lots of moods and a strong feeling of the remoteness of the place.

 For more info on this track, click here. 


              
The Lake Marian Swing Bridge.



Start of the Lake Marian rapids board walk



One of the many large tree ferns



A small pool within the rapids



View of the board walk above the rapids makes for a great photo opportunity 



The Marian Rapids



The upper rapids



Moss smothering an old stump



 Lake Marian