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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 3 hr return
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Fiordland National Park / Lake Te Anau area
- Dog access
- Dogs on a leash only. 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 easy track leads alongside the Te Anau lakefront to where the Upukerora River flows into the lake. It's great for families and a range of activities.
This DOC directory entry covers Visitor Centre to Upukerora River Track in Fiordland, within Fiordland National Park / Lake Te Anau 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: 3 hr return
- DOC grade: Easy
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
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
From the Visitor Centre, follow the Te Anau lakeshore toward the main shopping centre. Continue along the footpath to the boat harbour at Bluegum Point (30 min).
For a longer trip (3 hr return) continue round the lakefront and past the rodeo grounds to the mouth of the Upukerora River.
Return either the same way, or follow the gravel road alongside the river to the Te Anau - Milford Highway and back into town.Be careful as cars travel quickly on this road.
This walk offers beautiful views across Lake Te Anau to the Murchison Mountains and Fiordland National Park.
As this track is not in the Fiordland National Park, you can ride your bike or walk dogs here, and it is great for family activities.
Getting there
This walk starts from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre on Lakefront Drive, Te Anau.
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.
