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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -45.98398, 167.36600. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 2.9 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 3 hr return
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Fiordland National Park / Tuatapere area
- 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 steep tramping track climbs from the edge of Lake Hauroko to a lookout with great views over the lake and nearby mountain ranges.
This DOC directory entry covers Lake Hauroko Lookout Track in Fiordland, within Fiordland National Park / Tuatapere 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: 2.9 km return via same track
- Walking time: 3 hr return
- 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.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This is a tramping track that is steep and rough, but well worth the effort.
The track near the jetty follows along the lake edge before climbing steeply to the lookout.
On a clear day there are stunning views of Lake Hauroko, Foveaux Strait to the south, the Takitimu Mountains to the east, and the Princess and Kaherekoau Mountains in the northwest.
Getting there
This track starts and ends at Lake Hauroko in Fiordland, Southland.
To get to Lake Hauroko from Tuatapere, head north towards Clifden (12 km, 10 min), and turn west along the Lillburn Valley Road to Lake Hauroko (about 36 km to the carpark, 20 km of which is unsealed road).
Know before you go
This is a tramping track so you will need good fitness and moderate to high level backcountry (remote areas) skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills.
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.
