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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: -45.53251, 167.85335. 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
- 300 m return via same track
- Walking time
- 5 min to Lookout
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Fiordland National Park / Lake Te Anau 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 walk leads to a viewing platform over ancient bog pine forest, with marvellous views of Fiordland National Park and surrounding land.
This DOC directory entry covers Wilderness Lookout Walk 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: 300 m return via same track
- Walking time: 5 min to Lookout
- DOC grade: Easiest
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 carpark, follow the marked track to the lookout.
The track is suitable for all ages and is wheelchair accessible.
It leads to a viewing platform over ancient, low and slow growing Halocarpus bidwilli bog pine forest.
Although not in Fiordland National Park itself, the 360 degree views of the Takitimu Mountains and foothills, Fiordland National Park and nearby farmland are spectacular.
Getting there
This walk is at the Wilderness Reserve on SH 94, about 21 km (15-20 minutes drive) east from Te Anau towards Mossburn.
A sign marks a short driveway leading to a car parking area and wheelchair accessible toilets.
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.
