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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: -45.74719, 167.38084. 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
- 1 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 45 min return
- 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 enjoyable, short tramping track offers a superb setting and views from Mt Burns, Monowai, Fiordland.
This DOC directory entry covers Mt Burns Tarns Track 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: 1 km return via same track
- Walking time: 45 min 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.
- 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 enjoyable, short tramping track leads from the Borland Saddle through the bush to the open, tussock-covered tops of Mt Burns.
Getting there
This track starts from Borland Saddle on Borland Road in Monowai, Southland.
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.
Nature and conservation
The alpine tarns (lakes) and unique views are well worth the steep climb.
Plant lovers will enjoy the array of alpine plants including hebes, Spaniards (Aciphylla species), daisies (Celmisia species), Dracophyllum species and more.
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.
