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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: -45.58928, 167.58159. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 4-5 hr return to hut
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Fiordland National Park / Lake Manapouri 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
A tramping track leading through beech forest to Back Valley Hut near Manapouri, with a side trip option to peaceful Lake Rakatu.
This DOC directory entry covers Pearl Harbour to Back Valley Hut Track in Fiordland, within Fiordland National Park / Lake Manapouri 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 4-5 hr return to hut
- 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
From the jetty on the other side of the Waiau River, follow the track for 15 minutes. Bypass the Circle Track sign on the left - carry on straight ahead.
The track follows close to the lake edge a few times and there are some unofficial tracks that lead to the lake itself.
From here the track climbs gently to the spur where the Circle Track rejoins the main track.
Continue straight ahead again until reaching the Back Valley/Hope Arm Hut junction.
Take the left branch, which leads through beech and podocarp forest and a stand of ribbonwood before emerging in some small clearings, where the Back Valley Hut is situated. After heavy rain this part of the track can be quite muddy.
Back Valley Hut to Lake Rakatu, 2 hr return
The track leaves behind the hut and generally follows Stinking Creek, meandering through tall manuka stands, open clearings, podocarp and beech forest to the lake.
The lake has abundant waterfowl and good fishing.
Back Valley Hut to Hope Arm Hut, 1 - 1.5 hr one way
This tramping track allows side trips from either hut, or loop track options.
Getting there
This track starts and finishes at Pearl Harbour, Manapouri, Fiordland.
To get to the start of the track you need to cross the Waiau River. There are water taxis available in the summer season, or row boats can be hired. For options contact: Manapouri Store, phone +64 3 249 6619.
To get to Manapouri from Te Anau (21 km, 20 minutes drive), follow the Manapouri - Te Anau Highway.
The wharf at Pearl Harbour is 500 m past the shops on Waiau St, and the carpark is accessed from View St (left turn south of shops).
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.
