Trampers, Borland Saddle
The Borland Road provides access into Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. It travels through Beech forest up to the tree line at the Borland Saddle before traversing back down into Beech forest. The Borland Saddle and the Grebe Valley lookouts provide stunning views of the area.
The road provides access for trampers, hunters, mountain bikers, anglers, kayakers and those wishing to take a backcountry scenic drive.
Lake Monowai is valuable for its native fish and also supports a productive fishery of introduced rainbow and brown trout. Construction of the Borland Road began in 1963.
Tracks and walks in the area range from 45 minutes to 4 days. Monowai is a restricted waterway. There are opportunities for boating and kayaking, hunting and fishing, and mountain biking so long as you have your access permit from Biosecurity NZ.
You can stay in huts when walking tracks or in Borland Lodge which caters mainly for school groups.
How to get to Lake Monowai/Borland Road. Only properly equipped vehicles should attempt to nagivate the unsealed, narrow and steep Borland Road. It is not suitable for campervans, caravans or trailers.
NZ weather
Lake Monowai/Borland Road map (PDF, 317K)
Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Safety information
Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.
