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Gallery.
Valley of the Trolls
The Valley of the Trolls is a spectacular location just a small adventure off the busy Routeburn track. It is accessed via a boggy and less travelled path starting from the Harris Saddle, taking you through the valley marked by many rockfalls and steep valley walls.
A moderate ascent up to Lake Wilson unveils a breathtaking view over the valley, with Lake Harris, Ocean Peak, and the Hollyford Valley being notable features visible in the distance. It is important to note that this location requires some level of experience in the mountainous terrain of the Alps especially during the colder months.
While the origin of the name remains unclear, it's speculated to be linked to its appearance in the Lord of the Rings movies. Despite its proximity to the main Routeburn trail, the Valley of the Trolls offers a special escape, inviting exploration away from the usual crowds.
A moderate ascent up to Lake Wilson unveils a breathtaking view over the valley, with Lake Harris, Ocean Peak, and the Hollyford Valley being notable features visible in the distance. It is important to note that this location requires some level of experience in the mountainous terrain of the Alps especially during the colder months.
While the origin of the name remains unclear, it's speculated to be linked to its appearance in the Lord of the Rings movies. Despite its proximity to the main Routeburn trail, the Valley of the Trolls offers a special escape, inviting exploration away from the usual crowds.
Misty Forest
Te Ana-Au First Light
First light illuminates the peak of Mt Te Ana-Au, towering above the upper reaches of Lake Te Ana-Au. Captured on a late autumn morning during a ferry trip to the start of the Milford Track. After traveling through dense fog for most of the journey, emerging to this breathtaking view was nothing short of magical.
Lake Te Ana-Au, the second-largest lake in Aotearoa New Zealand with a surface area of 344m², has a rich history. It once served as a vital resting point for Māori explorers venturing into the mountains and towards the West Coast. Today, it's a hub of activity, offering boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming opportunities.
Lake Te Ana-Au, the second-largest lake in Aotearoa New Zealand with a surface area of 344m², has a rich history. It once served as a vital resting point for Māori explorers venturing into the mountains and towards the West Coast. Today, it's a hub of activity, offering boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming opportunities.
McLean Falls
Hokitika's Dance
Koropuku
Te Awa-o-Hine
On the third day of our Milford Track journey, we enjoyed a leisurely visit to Te Tau-tea Sutherland Falls, the tallest waterfall in Aotearoa New Zealand, standing at an impressive 580 meters. Along the way, we ventured off the main trail to Te Awa-o-Hine (Arthur River), where the water dances through the rapids. The river’s path is shaped by rocks of various sizes that have fallen from the steep valley slopes, continuously rerouting its flow downstream.
This handheld image captures the vibrant colours of Te Awa-o-Hine as it navigates through the dense, native forest. The scene is alive with hues of green, yellow, and orange, creating a magical tapestry of colours.
Te Awa-o-Hine flows into Te Moana-o-Nohorua (Lake Ada), and then onwards into Piopiotahi (Milford Sound).
Historically, Te Awa-o-Hine guided Māori on their quests to find Tangiwai, a type of greenstone unique to this region. It’s beautiful colouring and relatively soft texture made it ideal for carving into intricate heitiki and other fine ornaments. The Māori used the trail from Piopiotahi to Lake Te Ana-au (Te Anau) to transport this precious cargo to the southern settlements. Tangiwai was then loaded onto moki rafts and taken down the Waiau River to the Southern Coastline.
This handheld image captures the vibrant colours of Te Awa-o-Hine as it navigates through the dense, native forest. The scene is alive with hues of green, yellow, and orange, creating a magical tapestry of colours.
Te Awa-o-Hine flows into Te Moana-o-Nohorua (Lake Ada), and then onwards into Piopiotahi (Milford Sound).
Historically, Te Awa-o-Hine guided Māori on their quests to find Tangiwai, a type of greenstone unique to this region. It’s beautiful colouring and relatively soft texture made it ideal for carving into intricate heitiki and other fine ornaments. The Māori used the trail from Piopiotahi to Lake Te Ana-au (Te Anau) to transport this precious cargo to the southern settlements. Tangiwai was then loaded onto moki rafts and taken down the Waiau River to the Southern Coastline.
Te Komama
Nesteld a mere two-minute walk from Falls Hut on the Routeburn Track, the Routeburn Falls is a great place to unwind after a day of walking, or serves as a picturesque setting for a midday meal during a return day walk from Routeburn Shelter carpark. Although the map states it as a 176-meter waterfall, this image only reveals a fraction, approximately 20-30 meters, of its cascading descent along Te Komama/Route Burn river.
Te Komama/Route Burn boasts a rich history dating back to early Māori settlements, where pounamu/greenstone was discovered in the surrounding areas. Te Komama was an integral part of the ara tawhito (traditional travel route) connecting Whakatipu Waimāori (Lake Whakatipu) with Whakatipu Waitai (Martins Bay), one of the largest Māori settlements in South Westland.
Ever since European settlement the track has witnessed plenty of transformations. The discovery of gold on the West Coast and the founding of the Martins Bay (Jamestown) settlement spurred the ambitious endeavour to construct a 112km road stretching from Kinloch over the Harris Saddle to Martins Bay. Just a few years later the attempt failed due to the complexity of winter snow and slow work in rugged terrains. Tourism potential was recognised in the 1880s and has the area has since been a focal point for outdoor enthusiasts, prompting continuous upgrades and repairs to the track and huts due to weather impacts and the burgeoning demand for tourism. In 1992, the Great Walks were established, with the Routeburn Track earning its place among them, often being lauded as one of the premier hikes worldwide.
The Routeburn Track traverses diverse habitats including valley flats, forests, and alpine lands, home to various bird species. Beech forests, especially in the east at lower altitudes, support birds like fantail, brown creeper, rifleman, and South Island robin. Scarcer species include yellow-crowned parakeet, yellowhead, and kākā, which are challenging to spot but can be heard. The New Zealand falcon is observed hunting small birds, rodents, and lizards. In summer, shining cuckoos and long-tailed cuckoos can be heard. Kea, bold alpine parrots, are common in alpine sections, while rock wrens are elusive. Paradise shelducks are found in valley flats, and moreporks are heard in the forest at dusk. NZ scaup are commonly seen on Lake Howden.
Te Komama/Route Burn boasts a rich history dating back to early Māori settlements, where pounamu/greenstone was discovered in the surrounding areas. Te Komama was an integral part of the ara tawhito (traditional travel route) connecting Whakatipu Waimāori (Lake Whakatipu) with Whakatipu Waitai (Martins Bay), one of the largest Māori settlements in South Westland.
Ever since European settlement the track has witnessed plenty of transformations. The discovery of gold on the West Coast and the founding of the Martins Bay (Jamestown) settlement spurred the ambitious endeavour to construct a 112km road stretching from Kinloch over the Harris Saddle to Martins Bay. Just a few years later the attempt failed due to the complexity of winter snow and slow work in rugged terrains. Tourism potential was recognised in the 1880s and has the area has since been a focal point for outdoor enthusiasts, prompting continuous upgrades and repairs to the track and huts due to weather impacts and the burgeoning demand for tourism. In 1992, the Great Walks were established, with the Routeburn Track earning its place among them, often being lauded as one of the premier hikes worldwide.
The Routeburn Track traverses diverse habitats including valley flats, forests, and alpine lands, home to various bird species. Beech forests, especially in the east at lower altitudes, support birds like fantail, brown creeper, rifleman, and South Island robin. Scarcer species include yellow-crowned parakeet, yellowhead, and kākā, which are challenging to spot but can be heard. The New Zealand falcon is observed hunting small birds, rodents, and lizards. In summer, shining cuckoos and long-tailed cuckoos can be heard. Kea, bold alpine parrots, are common in alpine sections, while rock wrens are elusive. Paradise shelducks are found in valley flats, and moreporks are heard in the forest at dusk. NZ scaup are commonly seen on Lake Howden.
Haumia-Tiketike
Haumai-tiketike/ Mount Brewster is located in the Mount Aspiring National Park high above the Haast Highway. Standing at 2516m above sea level, the name Haumai-tiketike refers to the cold- breeze arising from the glacier on Mount Brewster, which early travelers would feel when they reached the top of Tiori-patea (Haast Pass).
From the Fantail Falls carpark on the Haast pass highway, it is a 3-4 hour climb to Brewster hut and a further 1-2 hours to the base of the glacier. Camping by the serene glacial lake below the glacier is almost imperative, offering panoramic views of the valley and sunset on one side, and the glacier and Mount Brewster peak on the other.
Due to its elevation relative to surrounding peaks, Mount Brewster offers unparalleled vistas of distant mountains and serves as a perfect vantage point for captivating sunsets to the west. For those exploring the glacier, it is highly recommended to allocate ample time not only for close-up encounters with the ice but also for moments of quiet reflection, immersing oneself fully in the grandeur of the surroundings.
From the Fantail Falls carpark on the Haast pass highway, it is a 3-4 hour climb to Brewster hut and a further 1-2 hours to the base of the glacier. Camping by the serene glacial lake below the glacier is almost imperative, offering panoramic views of the valley and sunset on one side, and the glacier and Mount Brewster peak on the other.
Due to its elevation relative to surrounding peaks, Mount Brewster offers unparalleled vistas of distant mountains and serves as a perfect vantage point for captivating sunsets to the west. For those exploring the glacier, it is highly recommended to allocate ample time not only for close-up encounters with the ice but also for moments of quiet reflection, immersing oneself fully in the grandeur of the surroundings.
Lake Alta
Situated in the Kawarau/Remarkables Mountain Range above Lake Whākatipu and Queenstown, Lake Alta is a popular alpine glacial lake. Accessible via a scenic drive up the ski field road, the hike to the lake takes just 1 hour and 30 minutes round trip, making it easily accessible for most adventurers. For those seeking a more extended exploration, climbing an additional 150 meters over the ridge into the Wye Creek Basin reveals many tarns, or you can also descend to Highway 6 along the Wye Creek Route.
During the winter months, lake Alta freezes over and is skied across by advanced skiers and snowboards as they come down from the chutes or from Double Cone peak. At a depth of 36 metres and its extreme climate being 1800m above sea level, the lake is ideal for Antarctic diving preparation. Notably, the lake and its surroundings served as the filming location for the slopes of Dimrill Dale in the iconic Lord of the Rings films.
Despite its extreme climate and altitude, the lake is too cold and low in nutrients to support fish or flowering plants. However, some small insects and plankton have evolved survival strategies over millennia to cope with this harsh environment. Alpine grasshoppers are able to survive beneath the snow during winter, and when the warmer days arrive in summer, they are often seen flickering around the grasses.
During the winter months, lake Alta freezes over and is skied across by advanced skiers and snowboards as they come down from the chutes or from Double Cone peak. At a depth of 36 metres and its extreme climate being 1800m above sea level, the lake is ideal for Antarctic diving preparation. Notably, the lake and its surroundings served as the filming location for the slopes of Dimrill Dale in the iconic Lord of the Rings films.
Despite its extreme climate and altitude, the lake is too cold and low in nutrients to support fish or flowering plants. However, some small insects and plankton have evolved survival strategies over millennia to cope with this harsh environment. Alpine grasshoppers are able to survive beneath the snow during winter, and when the warmer days arrive in summer, they are often seen flickering around the grasses.
Ōtāpara
Ōtāpara/Lake Gunn is a small lake located between Te Ana-au/Lake Te Anau and Piopiotahi/Milford Sound. The lake was named after Tāpara, a Waitaha tupuna (ancestor). Ōtāpara was an important mahinga kai (food-gathering area). It is also located on the ara tūpuna (traditional travel route) along the Upokororo/Eglinton River and Ōkare/Whakatipu-ka-tuku (Hollyford River), connecting Te Ana-au with Piopiotahi.
The English name ‘lake Gunn’ is named after George Gunn, a runholder who was the first European to explore the lake in 1861. Along with David Mckellar they were the first to reach the key Summit above Lake Gunn which has a panoramic view of the Hollyford Valley and surrounding areas.
Today, Lake Gunn lies adjacent to the Milford Road, offering a nearby campsite and serving as the gateway to the Lake Gunn Nature Walk. This short loop trail winds through the verdant beech-dominated forest, teeming with diverse plant species and birdlife, offering visitors a captivating immersion in New Zealand's green paradise.
The English name ‘lake Gunn’ is named after George Gunn, a runholder who was the first European to explore the lake in 1861. Along with David Mckellar they were the first to reach the key Summit above Lake Gunn which has a panoramic view of the Hollyford Valley and surrounding areas.
Today, Lake Gunn lies adjacent to the Milford Road, offering a nearby campsite and serving as the gateway to the Lake Gunn Nature Walk. This short loop trail winds through the verdant beech-dominated forest, teeming with diverse plant species and birdlife, offering visitors a captivating immersion in New Zealand's green paradise.
Lake Māpourika
Lake Māpouriki is the correct spelling of Lake Mapourika. Known as the “Flower of the Dawn” reflecting that dawn is the best time to experience the lake for a range of activities. Fishing is popular on the lake with salmon being released in 1932 as well as trout being common. Kayak tours are also popular, allowing visitors to explore the lake and its abundant birdlife while picnicking on the shores.
As the largest lake in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Lake Māpouriki is a kettle lake formed when a large section of ice was left behind by the retreating Kā Roimata-a-Hinehukatere/Franz Josef Glacier roughly fourteen thousand years ago. Fed by several small streams from the surrounding hills, it drains into the Ōkāriti River.
Located just 10km north of Waiau/Franz Josef township, Lake Māpouriki is adjacent to Highway 6, making it easily accessible for visitors. Its photogenic qualities are not limited to sunrise; the lake is captivating during any hour of the day and in all types of weather.
As the largest lake in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Lake Māpouriki is a kettle lake formed when a large section of ice was left behind by the retreating Kā Roimata-a-Hinehukatere/Franz Josef Glacier roughly fourteen thousand years ago. Fed by several small streams from the surrounding hills, it drains into the Ōkāriti River.
Located just 10km north of Waiau/Franz Josef township, Lake Māpouriki is adjacent to Highway 6, making it easily accessible for visitors. Its photogenic qualities are not limited to sunrise; the lake is captivating during any hour of the day and in all types of weather.
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