Explore the most popular hiking trails in Southland with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
Excellent trail. You can go te the mount Luxmore it’s beautiful and challenging, (9 hours).
The trail is easy first half up, some over grown areas with grass that you need to wade through. Once you’re passed that then you have to cross a lot of loose gravel to get to the steep incline up. The trail isn’t well marked, looks like a few poles have fallen over but people have stacked some rocks so you can find your way. All worth the beautiful lake and view of the sound and ocean in the end!!
Great walk
Outstanding and one of the greatest walks. One for the bucket list!
Outstanding alpine level hike with amazing mountain and lake scenery!
Possibly the best day hike I have ever done. Beautiful waterfalls and Alpine Lakes all along the Trail and then a truly epic view of the Canyon and Milford sound at the top. highly recommend to anyone. A word of warning, there are sections that have Cables bolted into the rock face to help with the climb. The rock could become very slippery when wet. would not attempt this hike in heavy rain.
did it in 1 day. 62km in 10h45 ... counterclockwise of course ... water is clean at the 3 huts along the way so pack light on water if you want to enjoy your run ... started at 6h15am ... covered and rainy for half the run ... nice views at the top and nice tropical forest for the second half! if i would to do it again i would run it half way counterclockwise and come back the same way. start at the parking lot directly!!
Scenic highlight worth the brief stop. Gushing waterfalls worth the short walk.
excellent
brilliant
excellent
I did it in one day, if you enjoy the view for a bit and want a challenge then do it. Total: 11 hours, 45km, finished at rainbow reach
Awesome hike - beautiful hiking trail - well maintained
Super easy and short walk we did on the way to our cruise through Milford Sound. Compared to what we saw on the boat these views are barely much, but still beautiful to see nonetheless.
Great little warmup track to run or walk
Truly amazing thing to see. Water is amazing!! Very short & easy walk. Worth a stop.
Very fortunate in that we only had one day of rail, the last day. Well maintained trail and huts. I’m looking forward to other tracks on my next visit. Thank you New Zealand for a great vacation.
Done in 2 days instead of the 3 I had planned. The 1rst day was windy but amazing with stunning views on the lake and mountains, the 2nd day was a long but nice bush walk.
Saw a giant kiwi
This was my first Great Walk and such a eye opener to what is out there. I was seven when completed it and although challenging, it was and fun experience.
One of the harder Great Walks in my opinion, although the age recommendation is ten my brother was seven when he did it. He survived, but it took a toll on him. If you are afraid of heights I wouldn't recommend this because during most of the second day, if you trip, you will go rolling down the cliff.
This is an incredibly beautiful medium length day hike that feautures some stunning views of the highest mountains in Fiordland National Park. This trail follows a beautiful river that is surrounded by lush serene rainforest. The panoramic views of the esperance valley and glacier capped peaks/waterfalls are stunning (especially if its raining). There are some tough terrain sections that require some moderate climbing. Do NOT attempt this trail solo if its raining unless you are a highly experienced trekker because it is barely used when it rains. The rocks on the trail are extremely slippery, If you slip and get hurt without a beacon you might not be found. I didnt see a single person on this track. Another con is this trail gets extremely muddy and bogged down in some portions due the constant rains. Totally worth it if you come prepared with appropriate waterproof shoes and hiking apparel.
Spectacular views
Really cool track with lots of great information about the Chinese gold miners. Lots of history in the area
We did this in 2017 and loved it - very lucky to have clear weather to enjoy the forests, lakes and waterfalls, incredibly beautiful and a good challenging hike
sublime
Andrew W. on Kepler Track
Hiked the first part up to the end of the treeline back in February. Easily the most stunning place I've ever been. The forest is incredibly lush and the trails are well maintained. It helps to have waterproof boots during the rainy season as mud does accumulate quite a bit. Once you get past the treeline prepare to be amazed with stunning views of the surrounding snowcapped mountains and lake below. I will definitely be back to complete the loop when I'm outfitted with enough gear.
Did this in Nov 17, lovely track.. If you saw what on the NewZealand.com adv, it us what you will be seeing there. Fantastic sightseeing, but It was hard for me 4 days of walking, best to travel light and carry pain killer, just in case you need it for the sore feet. Wooly for the feet and Vaseline work best. But it is a once in a lifetime experience
One of the most challenging but fun hikes I’ve ever done!! 110% recommend taking your partner and seeing how long you can last
I did this track in one day !
the first part is lovely.
After that was snowing so WE couldn't see much
Anyway it's a really nice track to do, but you should do it during the great season (Oct/Apr).