The Lake Marian hike, nestled deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park, has got to be in my opinion one of the best day hikes in the South Island of New Zealand and is one of my Top 5 day hikes throughout the whole of New Zealand.
The Lake Marian track offers an unparalleled blend of the incredible Southern Alps with the unspoilt forests and rivers of Fiordland, and for photography it is an absolute must do if you're visiting this part of New Zealand. The Lake Marian hanging alpine lake is unmatched by anything else you can achieve with a 3 hour hike in deep Fiordland, and when I first saw it myself it felt like I had been transported to the Canadian Rockies or some other place for the sheer size of the surrounding mountains.
The Lake Marian track begins with an easy well graded walk on the Lake Marian Falls Track which takes you to the falls. This alone is a beautiful short walk and definitely rewarding for the photography opportunities. As you traverse past the falls and further through the ancient Fiordland forests crossing old river beds, boulders, and with the sound of nearby Marian river cascading, you are rewarded at the end with the breathtaking sight of Lake Marian, its pristine blue waters reflecting the surrounding towering peaks.
I can't stress enough how amazing this hike is and that it really is a photographers paradise, where every step brings a new opportunity to capture the raw, untouched beauty of New Zealand's wilderness.
I have completed the Lake Marian track three times now, the first being way back in 2016, and I thought it was about time I shared my experience and knowledge along with some of my favourite photos on Hiking the Lake Marian Track Fiordland New Zealand.
CONTENTS
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QUICK FACTS ABOUT HIKING THE LAKE MARIAN TRACK FIORDLAND NEW ZEALAND
LAKE MARIAN TRACK MAP
Map courtesy of Department of Conservation
Distance: 6.2km return
Location: Start from the Marian Falls track on Hollyford Road at the carpark.
Time: 3 hours return
Elevation gain: 400 metres
Difficulty: Advanced - The Department of Conservation rate this as an advanced track due to its alpine nature and there are some boulder crossings, tree roots and steep sections to get through. I wouldn't say it was hard I just recommend good fitness for this one. Do not walk around the lake edge during the snow/avalanche season (winter and spring).
Hut booking: No
Facilities: Toilets available at the car park and one near Lake Marian (long drops)
Dogs: No
WHAT CAMERA GEAR I TOOK
Canon 5DMKIV or R5 body
Canon 16-35mm lens
Tamron 70-200 lens
Nisi Filters (10 stop, 6 stop and 0.9nd grad)
Lightweight travelling tripod
Spare battery x 2, charger and spare memory card
Personally I have only ever used my wide angle lens at this location but if you'd like to zoom in on the mountains, create compression shots or are focusing on wildlife having your zoom lens on hand is a great option.
ACCOMMODATION NEAR THE LAKE MARIAN HIKE FIORDLAND
If you're wanting to visit the Lake Marian Track and then head to Milford Sound for the evening the only accommodation available in Milford Sound itself is at Milford Sound Lodge.
Other options outside of Milford Sound towards Te Anau include:
DOC Campgrounds at: Cascade Creek, Deer Flat, Henry Creek, Kiosk Creek, Mackay Creek, Totara Creek, Upper Eglinton, Walker Creek
There are plenty of accommodation options in Te Anau if you aren't planning to stay over in the Milford Sound area and make it a day trip.
LAKE MARIAN TRACK FIORDLAND WEATHER
The weather conditions on the Lake Marian Track in Fiordland can be as dynamic and dramatic as the landscape itself. With Fiordland being one of the wettest regions of New Zealand, this whole area experiences frequent rainfall, and sudden changes in the weather are not uncommon.
I have hiked the Lake Marian track during winter twice and spring once, two out of three of those times were absolutely beautiful blue bird days and no wind. The last time I did the Lake Marian track we started the track in the misty rain, and ended it with full snow flurries and wind, for it then to turn around and be calm, reflections on the lake and the snow stopped. So you just never know!
Temperatures down by the lake can be very cold, even in summer, so layered clothing is essential. The Department of Conservation advises not to not walk around the lake edge during the snow/avalanche season (winter and spring). I saw several avalanches on my first visit to Lake Marian so definitely listen to their advice .. the snow can come right down the lake edge.
WHICH SEASON SHOULD I VISIT LAKE MARIAN FOR PHOTOGRAPHY?
As mentioned above, I have only visited in the winter and spring seasons, and from my experience these times of the year (June to early November) are when the lake and the mountains look their absolute best.
LAKE MARIAN TRACK WINTER
The surrounding alps are magnificent with their winter coat and look so striking against the blue water of the lake.
If you're planning on visiting Lake Marian during the winter, you'd be looking to go between the months of June to late August
LAKE MARIAN TRACK SPRING
During Spring the surrounding alps still have some snow and the lake level tends to be higher which is great for full reflections. The temperature is also warmer and a picnic down by the lake is beautiful during this season.
If you're planning on visiting Lake Marian during the Spring season, you'd be looking to go between the months of September to late November.
GETTING TO THE LAKE MARIAN TRACK FROM TE ANAU
Getting to the Lake Marian Track from Te Anau is a straightforward but incredible scenic journey that will have you stopping at every turn to take a photo.
Start by driving along State Highway 94, the renowned Milford Road, heading north towards Milford Sound. After approximately 90 kilometres, you'll reach the Hollyford Road turnoff. Turn left onto Hollyford Road and continue for about 1 kilometre until you see the signposted car park for the Lake Marian Track.
The trailhead is located near the popular Marian Creek suspension bridge. From there, you're ready to begin the journey to get to the breathtaking Lake Marian.
SOME THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT DRIVING IN TO MILFORD SOUND
There are no petrol stations or shops between Te Anau and Milford Sound so be sure to fill up before you drive in.
Milford Sound cellphone coverage is very limited.
There are public toilets/long drops at Knobs Flat, The Divide and Milford Sound.
If you are wanting to capture sunset and sunrise at Milford Sound Piopiotahi Foreshore book accommodation as there is no freedom camping at Milford itself.
HIKING THE LAKE MARIAN TRACK AND ALL THE PHOTOS
The Lake Marian Track is a 3 hour return hike that takes you through the lush beech forests of Fiordland, alongside the crystal clear Marian River, and then up to the absolute prize at the end of the track Lake Marian.
TRAILHEAD BEGINNING TO MARIAN FALLS
The first section of the track is a gentle walk to the Marian falls, which takes around 20 minutes and is a perfect spot to stop and get the tripod out. The boardwalk surrounding the falls offers beautiful views right next to the thundering rapids and there are plenty of options for compositions and photo opportunities.
Photo tip: This image was taken in the late afternoon using a 6 stop filter to slow down the water and on a tripod to hold the camera steady.
MARIAN FALLS TO LAKE MARIAN
From Marian Falls the track becomes steeper and more challenging as you ascend through dense forest and across rocky terrain. For next hour or so there will be some climbing, tree roots, old river / boulder crossings which can all be slippery and muddy if the track is wet.
There are some sections of the trail where it can be hard to see exactly where the track is, so you will need to keep an eye out for the orange markers that are dotted along the trail (nailed to the trees most of the time) and keeping following them the entire way.
As you approach the end of the trail, you'll recognise it by reaching a small open area with a sign indicating the location of the long drop toilet. Continue walking for a few more minutes across the moss covered grass and boulders until you reach another clearing where you'll be greeted by the stunning Lake Marian.
LAKE MARIAN PHOTOS
Reaching Lake Marian is a moment of pure awe and makes the somewhat challenging hike so worth it! Walking into the scene of an incredible wilderness wonderland surrounded by towering peaks and this beautiful lake reflecting the epic surroundings is something I will never forget.
When you reach the lake you will see there is ample room and opportunity for photographs. I would definitely suggest exploring the rocks and area to your right, and also down at the lakes edge to your left.
Here are some further shots of the lake I have taken:
TIPS FOR HIKING TO LAKE MARIAN
Prepare for the Weather: Bring waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots. The track can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain.
Pack Essentials: Carry enough water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. The hike is remote, and there are no facilities along the track.
Check Conditions: Before you set out, check the weather forecast and road conditions. Fiordland's weather can change rapidly.
Leave No Trace: Respect the natural environment by taking all your rubbish with you and sticking to the marked track.
IS THE LAKE MARIAN TRACK FIORDLAND WORTH IT?
The Lake Marian Track is one of my absolute favourite day hikes ever, so a resounding YES it is totally worth it! Lake Marian's mirror like surface reflecting the surrounding snow capped peaks is a one of a kind photo opportunity especially as the effort to get here is not as hard as some of the other hikes in the area. The tranquil ambiance and the sheer beauty of the alpine landscape here makes the hike entirely worthwhile. Take your time to soak in the views, enjoy a picnic by the lakeside, and capture the stunning scenery with your camera.
