Earlier on this year, I realized that my New Zealand summer was quickly slipping away like sand through my fingers. The days were disappearing, getting shorter and before too long I’d be back on another flight to Ireland.
I’d been on a few adventures – paragliding trips to Wanaka, Christmas in the Marlborough Sounds, hikes around Queenstown – but I’d not yet done an overnight. I got out my New Zealand topomap, and started looking for an achievable overnight adventure that I could do with Maura.
We were considering doing something close to home, like the overnight up to Earnslaw Burn. However as it’s been years since I did any adventuring in Fiordland (outside of flying to Milford Sound), I set my eyes in that direction.
About four years ago, I did the incredible day hike up to Gertrude Saddle. At that time, we overnighted in the Homer Hut, and walked up to Gertrude Saddle the next day. I considered that option, but to make the most out of the weekend, I decided we’d first do the hike to Lake Marian, set up camp and overnight, and then hike out and up to Gertrude Saddle the next day.
Fiordland is one of the most dramatic areas of New Zealand. Sheer and towering rock faces, glacial valleys with hanging glaciers high above, crystal clear alpine lakes and rushing glacial fed rivers – this is the New Zealand that you dream about, the landscapes that end up in magazines. It’s a magical place to drive through on the way to Milford Sound, and an even better place to get amongst it in the backcountry.
Lake Marian
On the way up Gertrude Saddle
Adventures in Fiordland: Lake Marian
I put together a quick video to show you a bit more of what Lake Marian and Fiordland has to offer. Flip the settings to 1080HD and enjoy!
Getting There and Need to Know
The hike to Lake Marian departs from the Hollyford Road, on the Milford Sound side of the divide. It’s only about 3-4 hours return with a day pack, steadily climbing for 2 hours or so from the Hollyford Road past a series of waterfalls and through native forest. With more weight, the hike up will clearly take a bit longer.
We set up camp on the shores of the lake, but it’s worth noting that there are no formal camping facilities. There is a drop toilet right before you arrive at the lake, but to find flat ground without rocks, we had to scramble for 500 metres or so along the shores of Lake Marian. If you do the same, please leave no trace – bring everything out with you, and if you have to do your business, do it responsibly!
Backpacking Matt 
Oh, wow! Awesome video! NZ is really one of the most beautiful world’s destinations…
Hey, Matt! This looks amazing. Thanks for all your wonderful posts.
I’m actually in the process of applying to a graduate program in Dunedin. If I end up there, I’d love to meet up for a hike wherever your adventures are taking you.
Let me know if you’re interested,
Madelene
Hey,
Matt! it is wonderful. Thanks for all your wonderful posts.
I’m really in the process of applying to a graduate program in Dunedin. If I end up there, I’d love to meet up for a hike wherever your adventures are taking you.
Hi Matt!
I am in the midlle of planning our trip to NZ, will be there dec+jan for 5weeks! I soooo wanted to go to NZ for some time now, so we are super excited! Frankly, I dont know how i got to your blog, but it is wonderfull! I read all the articles and got some inspirations and very usefull tips & tricks 🙂 I also plan to check out your PlanItNZ for more details on how and where etc 🙂 but thx again for sharing your adventures, really does help! If you’d go to Czech Republic (Prague is awesome!) let me know, so I can repay the advices 🙂
a.k.
Thanks Andrea! Are you renting a car and doing a tour or bus pass? Let me know how I can help!
This spot looks magical! Coming over to South Island from Hawaii for 10 days in the middle of November! Can’t wait to see everything we can. Starting in Christchurch. Cutting west and making our way down to queenstown to see areas like this. then back up to Christchurch through mt. cook area with stops in a few places along the whole way. My fiancé and I can’t wait to just be amongst it all and do some epic hikes. Would love any advice of less touristy highlights of South Island. If you have any recommendations or must sees would be stoked to hear from you!
Cheers!
Pam
This has just made it onto my bucket list. It’s my dream to take 2 weeks and just drive and camp and hike around NZ. One day! Love your photos!
Thanks Peggy!
Hi Matt, have loved your articulate posts!
I’m an expat Kiwi (30 yrs O/S) now ‘coming home to live’; miss the mountains too much, and Monteiths Apple Cider!
Thanks again.
Cheers,
Ang
Breathtaking view you got there by the lake shore. It looks so serene and lovely. The photos are really stunning. New Zealand has so many hidden gems like this. Thanks for sharing!