Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Beach
Riverside
Lakeside
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +8.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -8.1%
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2:00
Slow
1:30
Moderate
1
Fast
One of the few loop tracks in Fiordland, the Manapouri circle track provides amazing views. A water taxi is required to cross the Waiau river to the trailhead -- this can easily be arranged with Adventure Manapouri River Taxi. The river taxi picks up from Manapouri's Pearl Harbour, and within 5 mins you'll be across the river at the trail.
After about 5-10 minutes, follow the sign for the Circle Track taking a trail to your left. The track takes you through forest up a moderately steep trail to the view point, where you have a stunning view of Lake Manapouri, Mt Titiroa, and The Monument. From there the trail descends back down to the forest floor where you will meet a trail fork -- turn right following DOC signs back to Manapouri to complete the loop. From then on you mostly follow the beach along Lake Manapouri, where there are some lovely places to have a break and enjoy the sunshine and a swim (and sandflies).
This track can definitely be muddy after rainfall, and a bit of treefall is to be expected.
For a longer and more adventurous run, this trail can be connected with the tracks to Hope Arm or Back Valley huts.
Views of Mt Titiroa & The Monument.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Parking at Pearl Harbour Manapouri for the water taxi.
0 km
0 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Patchy.
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map
No water along the way. It's a short track, bring all the water you'll need.
This track can be done year-round provided there has been no flooding or severe weather. The track is prone to mud, so take into account longer travel times if there's been wet weather.
At the viewpoint, stay away from the edge.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Manapouri Circle Track
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