Last Updated: 5th Feb 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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Manapouri Circle Track

Manapouri, Southland

Submitted by Sierra Alef-Defoe

Last Updated: 5th Feb 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 16 ?

Gnarl Factor: 37 ?

10.0km

435m

435m

541m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Beach

Riverside

Lakeside

Run Makeup

25%
75%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +8.1%

Average Downhill Gradient: -8.1%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

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.

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

DS

Dean Stewart

has completed Manapouri Circle Track once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

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