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Key facts
- Distance
- 4 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 8 to 10 hours return via same track
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Fiordland National Park / Lake Monowai/Borland Road area
- Seasonal restrictions
- The Borland Road may be closed at any time. Check alerts for the Borland Road.
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This quite steep and difficult tramping track leads from the Borland Road through beech forest then into the tops where you can enjoy gorgeous views of Fiordland.
This DOC directory entry covers Eldrig Peak Route in Fiordland, within Fiordland National Park / Lake Monowai/Borland Road area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 4 km return via same track
- Walking time: 8 to 10 hours return via same track
- DOC grade: Advanced
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
- Borland Road closed for winter; First published on 17 June 2026.
Seasonal restrictions
The Borland Road may be closed at any time. Check alerts for the Borland Road.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This quite steep and difficult tramping track leads from the Borland Road through beech forest then into the tops where you can enjoy gorgeous and rugged views of Fiordland.
From the car parking area on Borland Road, a pylon access road leads to the left.
Follow this main access road up (for about an hour), until you see a DOC track sign on your left that says Eldrig Peak.
A steep climb for approximately 2 km (1 ½ hours) follows a marked route through gradually shorter forest then scrub until you reach the open tussock tops, and some fantastic views.
From here on, snow poles mark the route onto the slopes just below Eldrig Peak. Here you can enjoy are some fascinating rock formations and fantastic views across Fiordland.
Getting there
This track starts on the Borland Road in Monowai, Fiordland, at a parking area about 6 km up the road from the gate near Borland Lodge.
A DOC sign at the roadside marks the parking area (on the left side of the road heading towards the saddle).
You can walk to this point from the lodge if without a vehicle - see the South Borland Track.
Lake Monowai and the Borland Road are located about 67 km from Te Anau (1 hour), and 120 km from Invercargill (1 hour 45 min) and can be accessed via the Southern Scenic Route.
From Te Anau
Drive south via the Te Anau-Mossburn Highway and onto the Blackmount-Redcliff Rd.
After 55 km (about 40 min), turn right into Lake Monowai Rd just north of the Blackmount School.
Follow signs to Borland Lodge or Lake Monowai (both reached after about 20 min).
From Invercargill
Drive 77 km to Clifden (65 min) then head north on the Clifden-Blackmount Rd (25 km, 20 min) until turning left into the Lake Monowai Rd, just north of the Blackmount School.
Follow signs to Borland Lodge or Lake Monowai (both reached after about 20 min).
Borland Road
From the gate near Borland Lodge it is about 15 km up the Borland Road to Borland Saddle (990m above sea level).
A toilet, parking and natural history information are available at the saddle.
Borland Road access
The Borland Road is unsealed, narrow and steep in places, and subject to slips, washouts, snow, ice, high winds and fallen trees.
It is usually fine for walking, mountain biking, 4WD vehicles and some other vehicles (depending on conditions).
It is not suitable for campervans, caravans or trailers. Vehicles are not allowed off the main road.
There are no fuel, communication (including cell phone coverage) or emergency services along its length, therefore only those properly equipped should attempt to negotiate the road.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
