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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: -44.70095, 168.10414. 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
- 5.5 km one way
- Walking time
- 7-9 hr to lake, 9-11 hr to bivvy rock
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Fiordland National Park / Hollyford Valley 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 challenging tramping route leads up the Moraine Creek from the Hollyford Road to beautiful Lake Adelaide in an impressive glacial basin.
This DOC directory entry covers Moraine Creek Route in Fiordland, within Fiordland National Park / Hollyford Valley 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: 5.5 km one way
- Walking time: 7-9 hr to lake, 9-11 hr to bivvy rock
- DOC grade: Expert
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 challenging tramping route requiring tramping and alpine experience and is not recommended in winter-early spring due to avalanche danger.
Trampers require a high level of fitness, skills and experience and to be self-sufficient. The track can be muddy, rough and very steep.
To start this tramping route, cross the Hollyford River by the swingbridge at the top of the gorge above the Humboldt Creek junction.
The track up the north bank of Moraine Creek climbs steadily through heavy bush, crossing two rock gullies and eventually reaching Lake Adelaide. Phil’s Bivvy is further around the lake.
The track is only marked and maintained up until Tent Flat, beyond this point there are no permanent markers nor is the track maintained.
Lake Adelaide is nestled in an impressive glacial basin with sheer rock walls. This track provides excellent access to the mountains for experienced climbers.
Getting there
This route starts from the end of the unsealed Hollyford Road.
To find the Hollyford Road, turn off from the Milford Road (SH94) at Marian Corner, a few minutes towards Milford Sound from The Divide. Marian Corner is about 87 km along the Milford Road from Te Anau.
Allow 2 hours to drive from Te Anau to the end of the Hollyford Road.
Know before you go
This is a route so you will need above average fitness and high level backcountry (remote areas) skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills.
There is avalanche risk in the entire Lake Adelaide basin especially in winter and spring, so check with the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre for track conditions before starting.
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.
