Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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Lake Marian Meander

Te Anau, Southland

Submitted by Andre Chalmers

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 14 ?

Gnarl Factor: 47 ?

8.9km

375m

375m

700m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Lakeside

Run Makeup

25%
10%
40%
25%

Gravel Road

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +13.3%

Average Downhill Gradient: -13.0%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:00

Slow

1:30

Moderate

1:05

Fast

A very cool technical trail that is 100% runnable for an intermediate to advanced runner. By starting at the Milford Road you get a nice little warm up before you hit the hard stuff, it also allows you to have a nice little no thinking run at the end so by the time you get back to your car you'll be ecstatic.
If you're really keen it is very common for people to swim at Lake Marian and boy is it refreshing, I jumped straight in as soon as I got to her, and stayed in for 5 minutes, but this is a very cold glacial lake, hence why I suggest you carry some thermals to warm yourself up post swim.

There are many cool trails outside of the Great Walks on the Milford Road, and this is one of these.
The key point of interest is the lake itself

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.

By parking by the Milford Road you are guaranteed a park and plenty of space to get yourself geared up. You can do the shorter option of going to the Lake Marian carpark but that would make it too easy and won't count towards you knocking the meander off....
You probably have to self drive though you could hitchhike if your really keen.

87 km

69 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Head down the Hollyford Road, once you get to The Lake Marian Track head over the bridge on the left.
The track is reasonably well marked and pretty clear if you slow down and look around.
The main areas you might get confused are several spots where there is two paths however they all link up again,
so it will be hard to get lost. A few times at the creek crossing the path heads straight up through the trees so keep your eyes peeled.

Non-existent.

Thermal leggings, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Plenty of water here, no issues whatsoever. Either get water from Lake Marian itself or from Marian Creek.

Generally runnable all year around, but in winter I seriously don't recommend you go for swim in the lake!

This is quite a technical track to run the main thing to look out for is rocks and tree roots so be sure of your footing, and keep an eye out for overhanging branches where you may knock your head if you're not careful.

Sandfly Cafe Te Anau
9 The Ln, Te Anau 9600
For a coffee or a light snack head to this busy café when you get back to Te Anau. Then pop across to the supermarket over the road and grab a beer or wine for post run celebrations!

Redcliff Cafe
12 Mokonui St,Te Anau, Fiordland 9600
http://www.theredcliff.co.nz/
Nice spot well known by the locals. Head here for a beer or a full dinner, great atmosphere.

Trail Legend

MO

Manfred Oswald

has completed Lake Marian Meander once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

A great climb to a stunning lake 😍

Lauren Mai Anderson

February 5, 2022

One of my favourites. Loved the river on the way up, the technical track, and the lake was stunning.

Richele McKenzie

January 2, 2022

Gorgeous views at the lake! Make sure you budget enough time to enjoy the lake or you will regret it. We saw a massive slab avalanche up the valley when we were there - it was so loud we thought it was a low flying aeroplane at first.

Matt Halverson

December 20, 2020

Love how it is a short run but you can make up super gnarly by picking up the pace!

Matthew Pester

October 30, 2019

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