New Zealand

Dusky Track Freedom Plus Walk

View other Independent Walks

The Dusky Track Walk offers an opportunity for fit experienced trampers to explore Fiordland back country wilderness at it's rawest. Boat across Lake Hauroko to the start of the track, climbing steeply up the Hauroko Burn to Lake Roe Hut, set beautifully amongst solid granite outcrops.

Traverse along the tops of the Pleasant Range with spectacular views of Dusky Sound and the surrounding mountain ranges before descending steeply to Loch Maree. Travel along the Seaforth River to Supper Cove.

Freedom Plus Walk customers need to walk out via Loch Maree to Lake Manapouri to catch the boat back to civilisation.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Tuatapere

Check in to Shooters Backpackers, Tuatapere's newest accommodation. Wander along the road to the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track office to pick up your hiking kit and check the weather for the next few days.

Shuttles can be arranged from Queenstown (2pm), Invercargill (2pm) and Te Anau(8.15am / 5.30pm).

Day 2: Boat across Lake Hauroko, Halfway Hut
Walk 5 - 6 hours

Track Transport departs Tuatapere 7.30am for Lake Hauroko. We boat across Lake Hauroko the deepest lake in New Zealand ( 462 m ), passing the remains of a Maori princess called the Princess of the Lake resting in the cleft of a rock on Mary Island. Steady walk up the Hauroko Burn to Halfway Hut.

Day 3: Halfway Hut, Lake Roe Hut
Walk 3 - 5 hours

The track is reasonably flat for the first two hours then climbs steeply to above the bushline. Snow poles and mountain grasses guide you to Lake Roe Hut (12 bunks), sited at the northern end of Lake Laffy on Furkert Pass.

Set amongst massive granite outcrops Lake Roe is a short walk above the hut with stunning views of Mt Tamatea.

Day 4: Lake Roe, Loch Maree Hut
Walk 5 - 7 hours

Traversing along the tops of the Pleasant Range skirting a series of mountain lakes with spectacular views of Dusky Sound and the surrounding mountains. Then plunging down in to the Seaforth valley and Loch Maree Hut

Day 5: Loch Maree, Supper Cove Hut
Walk 6 - 8 hours

Skirting around Loch Maree with trees poking eerily above the water.....if you can't see them you are probably staying another day at Loch Maree! Then follow an old track cut in 1903 as part of an ambitious road planned up the Seaforth to Lake Manapouri, but abandoned well before completion. Supper Cove Hut (12 bunks ) is situated on the edge of Dusky Sound.

Day 6: Supper Cove, Loch Maree Hut
Walk 6 - 8 hours

Return trip to Supper Cove, you have done this one before so you know what to expect!

Day 7: Loch Maree, Kintail Hut
Walk 6 - 8 hours

Relatively easy going although a few deep gorges can prove challenging and wet after heavy rains.

Day 8: Kintail, Upper Spey
Walk 5 - 7 hours

Steep climb up Centre Pass with some spectacular views of Seaforth Valley, Gair Loch and Tripod Hill. On Centre pass walk through alpine shrubland and tussockland. If it is a fine day we recommend the side trip ( 2 hours return ) to Mt. Memphis.

Day 9: Upper Spey, West Arm of Lake Manapouri
Walk 4 - 5 hours

F0llow the Spey river to the track end and the West Arm of Lake Manapouri. Catch the boat (3 to 5 a day depending on time of year) to Manapouri and the completion of your epic trip.

General Information

Accommodation

In Tuatapere stay at the Shooters Backpackers.
On the trail you stay in public DOC huts. These range from 10 to 12 person huts with open design bunks. They have a fire, running cold water and outside toilets. You will need to carry your own sleeping bags, cooking and eating equipment and food. We strongly recommend you carry a mountain radio and possibly a personal locator beacon.Village as an upgrade option. Hot showers are available. All linen is provided.

Getting There

Tuatapere is 86km from Invercargill, 100km from Te Anau and 195 km from Queenstown on the Southern Scenic Route. The track office and Tuatapere Information Centre is at 31 Orawia Road. Pop in here for updates on weather and track conditions, browse the shop for all your tramping needs or check out the Bushman's Museum.

Scenic Shuttle operates a daily service departing Invercargill 2pm (pick up from 1.30pm) and Te Anau at 8:15am (pick up from 7:45am). Sausage Shuttles operates on demand from Te Anau at 5.30 pm. Shuttles from Queenstown depart at 2pm and connect via Te Anau.

On the completion of your walk we can arrange a same day shuttle to Te Anau and Queenstown. If you require transport to Invercargill you will need to stay an extra night in Tuatapere with Scenic Shuttles departing at 9.30am. Feel free to contact us to help arrange transfers from other locations.

Weather

Is unpredictable. Extreme conditions can develop at any time. Be prepared for cold and wet weather and have warm waterproof equipment. It makes it even nicer when it is warm and sunny:

Payment

Full payment is required to confirm a booking. Cancellation fees apply. Bookings are essential.

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