LAKE TO LAKE TRAIL

Unveiling the Wonders of the Lake to Lake Walking & Bike Trail in Te Anau

Have you ever wanted to truly experience the heart of Fiordland, where you can have both an adventure and serenity but don’t have the time (or perhaps inclination!) to do a multi-day walk like Milford, Routeburn or the Kepler Track? Well, the Lake-to-Lake Cycle Trail in Te Anau could well be what you are looking for.  Let’s explore this in more depth.

What’s the Lake2Lake Distance?

The trail spans approximately 29 to 41 km, depending on how far you’d like to go (41km if you do the full loop). It connects Lake Te Anau to Lake Manapouri and offers different options to tailor your journey to your fitness level. On average it takes around 6.5hrs to do and is great for hiking or mountain biking. 

Skill Level and Grade

The trail is graded as a 2, which means it’s pretty easy going, so is ideal even for beginners, making it accessible for all ages and abilities and even better, it is open all year round!

What to Bring

Pack a day bag with water, snacks, suntan lotion and maybe even a bike repair kit if you’re cycling. Don’t forget your camera to capture the scenic beauty!

Lake2Lake Trail Route & Scenic Highlights

The trail starts at the DOC Centre, goes 4 km to the Control Gates by Lake Te Anau, then 6.4 km to Queens Reach along the Waiau River. It continues another 6.4 km to Balloon Loop Road, and ends with a 4.7 km stretch to Lake Manapouri.

The track is well away from main roads and there are a decent number of rest areas to stop enroute so you can also admire the stunning vistas whilst you catch your breath.

Some of the awesome sights you will see are:-

• Lake Te Anau and Waiau River
  The trail itself meanders along the edge of Lake Te Anau and alongside the Waiau River, which offers simply breathtaking water views.
• Native Beech Forest
  You will get the true sense of Fiordland as you pass through patches of awesome native beech forest.
• Fiordland Mountains
  You will elevate your senses with magnificent vistas of towering Fiordland mountains as your backdrop and you will also get to see
• Native Fiordland Birdlife
  In the wetlands and forested areas.

How to Get There

There are multiple entry points to the trail, including the DOC Visitor Centre, Te Anau control gates, and Rainbow Reach, all of which have parking and toilet facilities.

If you would like to see a map of the Lake2Lake trail or want further information please go to the Fiordland Trails site on this link – https://fiordlandtrails.nz/trails/lake2lake/

In Summary

The Te Anau Lake2Lake Trail is not merely a one day bike or walking trail but a truly immersive experience of one of New Zealand’s finest native surroundings it calls Fiordland.

If you are thinking of staying in Te Anau and entertaining doing the Lake-to-Lake Trail, luxury High Leys Lodge  is in a prime location within a short driving distance to the Lakes2Lakes Trail and bikes can easily be hired through Wild Rides or Outside Sports located in Te Anau central.