Dusky Track

The Dusky Track can be walked in either direction - from Lake Hauroko to Lake Manapouri (as described below), or the other way. It also offers a two day optional detour to Supper Cove in Tamatea/Dusky Sound.

The track is reasonably well marked, but you need to know that:

• There are 21 three-wire bridges to cross. 
• You can expect tree falls, knee-deep mud, river crossings, tree roots and some rough terrain.
• Some sections often become impassable due to flooding after heavy rain.

Lake Hauroko to Halfway Hut, 4 hr - 6 hr

Lake Hauroko is the deepest lake in New Zealand (462 m) and the boat journey across it provides a spectacular start to the trip.

The first 40 minutes from Hauroko Burn Hut (10 bunks) is flat, with attractive views of the river. If there has been heavy rain, there is a three wire crossing about 100 m downstream from the track. This is signposted as an emergency crossing.

The river has changed course near Halfway Hut. It must now be crossed twice in knee deep water (in dry conditions). During and after rain this section may become impassable.

The track then climbs at a gentle grade to a gorge, before descending to a walkwire over the Hauroko Burn, prior to its meeting with the Gardner Burn.

The track steepens, then descends to the river, with flat terrain to Halfway Hut (12 bunks).

Halfway Hut to Lake Roe Hut, 3 hr - 5 hr

The track follows an easy grade crossing the Hauroko Burn just before the top forks. Keep an eye open for birds such as yellowheads (mohua) and kaka in this section.

From the forks the track climbs steeply to above the bushline. Snow poles show the direction to Lake Roe Hut (12 bunks), sited at the northern end of Lake Laffy on Furkert Pass.

Lake Roe, set among massive granite outcrops, is 20 minutes due east, above the hut.

Lake Roe Hut to Loch Maree Hut, 5 hr - 7 hr

If there has been continual rain it is recommended that you wait for more favourable conditions before completing this section, as the Seaforth River can be impassable due to flooding.

In a westerly direction snow poles mark the track around the outlet of Lake Horizon and along the open tops of the Pleasant Range. This section is the scenic highlight of the track, with spectacular views of Tamatea/Dusky Sound and the surrounding mountains.

From the end of the Pleasant Range the track descends very steeply to Loch Maree. Trampers can usually cross the Seaforth River just downstream of the walkwire, which is provided for use only when the river is running high.

Loch Maree Hut (12 bunks) is a few minutes from the walkwire. If river levels restrict access to the walkwire, there is an open shelter adjacent to the track where trampers can wait until the crossing can be safely made.

Loch Maree Hut to Supper Cove Hut, 6 hr - 8 hr

The track climbs around Loch Maree and then descends to the Bishop Burn. After heavy rain, low-lying parts of this section can flood.

From the Bishop Burn to the Henry Burn the track is flat and follows that cut by West Coast miners in 1903. From the Henry Burn the track gets rougher as it sidles the slopes overlooking the Supper Cove.

Supper Cove Hut (12 bunks) is visible on a small terrace just south of the Hilda Burn.

Loch Maree Hut to Kintail Hut, 6hr - 8 hr

From Loch Maree Hut the track heads along the Seaforth River to Deadwood Creek. This section is rough underfoot and prone to flooding. It can be very difficult in wet weather.

Between Deadwood Creek and the Kenneth Burn the track gets easier as it passes through several clearings. Watch out for track markers on the opposite forest edge of the clearings. This section
also crosses several deep guts which can fill with water and are difficult to cross if river levels are high.

After crossing the Kenneth Burn walkwire the track becomes rough as it climbs through the gorge to the outlet of Gair Loch. From here the track leads up river to a walkwire across the Seaforth River. This section is relatively easy apart from a swampy area at the top of the Loch.

Kintail Hut (12 bunks) is five minutes along a side-track, signposted just before the walkwire.

Kintail Hut to Upper Spey Hut, 5hr - 7hr

From the hut backtrack five minutes to the walkwire over the Seaforth River. From here the track crosses a large slip which destroyed several hundred metres of track in 2008.

Orange markers indicate a new route up the true right of the Kintail Stream to the walkwire. The steep climb to Centre Pass (1051m) traverses forest then herbfields and provides breath-taking views of Gair Loch, Tripod Hill and the Seaforth Valley.

If the weather is fine it is worth leaving packs at the pass and climbing to the summit of Mt Memphis for some spectacular views (2 hrs return).

From Centre Pass the track is marked by snow poles as it descends steeply through tussock and alpine shrubland to the head of the Warren Burn. It is a short steep descent from here to Upper Spey Hut (12 bunks).

Upper Spey Hut to Wilmot Pass Road, 4hr - 5hr

The track crosses a large swampy clearing and descends to a walkwire over the Spey River, about 40 minutes from the hut. It then follows the true left of the river through beech and ribbonwood forest to the Dashwood Stream. One walk wire bridge spans the stream, and the other creek crossing is crossable in dry conditions but can quickly become impassable in heavy rain.

From here it is a short walk to the Wilmot Pass Road.

Wilmot Pass Road to West Arm, Lake Manapouri, 45 min

From the track end (sign posted on the left hand side of the road, 20 minutes past the Mica Burn) follow the Wilmot Pass Road to West Arm, Lake Manapouri. West Arm Hut (6 bunks) is sited half an hour along the road.

To start from the north end (West Arm on Lake Manapouri), the Dusky Track can be reached by a daily boat service on Lake Manapouri. 

To start from the south (Lake Hauroko), a scheduled boat service on Lake Hauroko leads to the start of the track at the head of the lake.

It is also possible to fly to or from Supper Cove in Tamatea/Dusky Sound or Lake Hauroko by floatplane or helicopter.

For transport options contact the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre, or see transport services in Fiordland.

Safety information

The Dusky Track is only recommended for experienced, well equipped groups with high fitness level.

Plan properly for your trip and ensure your party has a capable, experienced leader.

• We strongly recommend that you carry a Personal Locator Beacon or an InReach or Satellite Messenger, and topographical maps for navigation.
• Topo50 series maps covering the Dusky Track are: CE05 Cooper Island, CE06 Lake Roe and CD06 Deep Cove.
• Take enough food, clothing and equipment, portable stoves and fuel. Allow extra food and time for possible delays (being stranded for 2 days is not uncommon).
• Take care with river crossings. Sections of the Dusky Track flood easily. River crossing skills required. If in doubt, sit it out. Common flood areas are just before Loch Maree (an emergency shelter exists on track from Lake Roe), and along the route to Supper Cove and from Loch Maree Hut to Kintail Hut.
• Keep to the tracks. If you become lost - stop, find shelter, stay calm and wait for searchers to arrive. Do not move away from the area unless absolutely sure of direction and location.
• Check at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre for conditions before you go.

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

There may be avalanche danger

Check the avalanche terrain in this area.

Avalanches usually occur from May to November in Fiordland National Park. There can also be avalanches outside this period, if there is still snow coverage.

Check the avalanche danger before you go on the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.

If you are going into avalanche terrain, always:

1. Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.
2. Check the ATES rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.
3. Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.