Lake Hauroko Lookout Track - South Island of New Zealand

Lake Hauroko Lookout Track - South Island of New Zealand

The Lake Hauroko Lookout Track is a steep but worthwhile hike to an incredible rock view point with a view of the Lake Hauroko with the Foveaux Strait and the Takitimu and Princess Mountains.

on the South Island of New Zealand away from the leaked path? If you have a motorhome, I would highly recommend driving down to the Lake Hauroko, camping on the nearby Freedom Camping Area and taking the Lake Hauroko Lookout Track to the viewpoint to watch the sunset!

Here is the full hiking guide for this very little visited and underestimated region of the Fjordlands.
Alt = “Hauroko-See-Viewpoint at sunset”>

Connection: Kepler Track Day Walk and Mount Luxmore summit

How do you get to Lake Hauroko?

To get to Lake Hauroko, a separate means of transport is required. There is only one access road to the Lake Hauroko, known as Lillburn Valley Road, which is connected to the Clifden Highwish near the junction to the Clifden Caves.

This 33 km long road section is made of gravel and is often used by lumberjack trucks. Therefore, it is usually well maintained and most 2WD vehicles should be fine. However, you have to look for fast trucks.

I marked the location of the parking lot for Lake Hauroko on the map below. If you have difficulty finding your way, google: Lillburn Valley Road and follow it to the end.

Would you like to hike the Kepler?: Read the full Kepler Track Guide

Hike to the Lake Hauroko

Hiking length/distance, 6.2 km back and forth
difference in altitude: 430 m height difference, viewpoint at 630 m amsl
Difficulty (quite steep)

The hike to the Lake Hauroko Viewpoint begins at the parking lot, which is marked on the map above. Near the lake shore, a guide shows the way to the start of the hike.

The first section follows a path directly within the bush line on the edge of the lake. There are a few small stream crossings near the start that you have to do. However, you should be able to clear them without getting wet feet by using the rocks and fallen tree trunks to jump over it.
Alt = “Lake Hauroko Viewing Path”> See-Hauroko route
Shortly after crossing the streams, the path turns to the right and becomes steeper. This section is steep, but very nice. The native forest here in the fjordlands differs from what you may find near Queenstown or the Catlins.

There is also quite a bit of tree fall along the route, so pay attention to the orange triangular markings that show the way.
Alt = “Lake Hauroko Track Hiking Wide”>

Viewption of sunset

After a rather steep climb, the path breaks out into a rink. This is the end of the path and is known as Lake Hauroko Lookout. The view from here is wide and breathtaking. From the Tock platform you have an unrestricted view of Lake Hauroko and the nearby mountains Takitimu and Princess Mountains.

We decided to break open late to capture the sunset behind the mountains. Remember that you bring a headlamp in this case so that you can find the way down.

We sat there for 2 hours and admired the view before we took the way back to the lake in the dark.
Alt = “Hauroko-See-Viewpoint at sunset”>
Alt = “Hauroko-See-Viewpoint at sunset”>

Lake Hauroko Lookout GPX file

Here is the GPX track that I recorded with my Garmin GPS watch. If you want to download the track to use it on your phone or watch, you can do this by clicking on the download link below.

gpx file: download

Mein Strava: Visit

Camping am Hauroko-See

If you are on a New Zealand road trip, a visit to the Lake Hauroko is a good choice because there is a Freedom Camping Spot less than 15 minutes away.

This place is known as a Thicketburn campground. The equipment includes a bank, a toilet and a fresh water tank (not drinkable). The campsite is essentially a large grass lighting with plenty of space for motorhomes and cars.

just take care of the campermate reviews that the soil can be very swampy after wet weather. We also managed to record an additional passenger in the form of a small mouse. It took us almost 3 days to get it out of the car, so keep your doors closed!

More New Zealand travel guide

I hope you found this guide to the Lake Hauroko Lookout Track helpful. If you are looking for other travel guides for the South Island of New Zealand, be sure to take a look at some of the links below.

A good starting point for further ideas on great hikes is this guide to the 31 best hikes on the South Island!

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• Alt = "rocks at the Hauroko lake viewpoint viewpoint viewing track">
• Alt = "Hauroko-See Lookuot">

My camera and photo equipment

• Mirrorless camera: Canon R5
• drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360-degree action camera: Insta360 One X2
• landscape lens: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8l
• all-round lens: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
• telephoto lens: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4.5–7.1 l
• Long action rod: Insta360 Invisible Pole (Bullettime)
• landscape lens filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• camera backpack: F-stop Tilopa
• Favorite photo accessories: Peak Design Capture Clip

A list of my recommended photo equipment (including what I use and why) can be found in my guide for camera equipment for the trip.

If you want to use one of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my print store or contact me directly for customs deductions from pictures on WE Seek Travel.
Alt = “See Hauroko outlook”>

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