10 October 2026
Fine, but cloud developing about the tops in the afternoon, then showers at night.
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1 / 12Fiordland National Park
Lake Gunn Nature Walk
Experience wild Fiordland on one of our best short walks - wander through red beech forest, enjoying glimpses of the birdlife of the Eglinton valley, Lake Gunn and the surrounding mountains. It's a good option for children.
Distance
1.4 km
Walking time
45 min loop
Difficulty
Easiest
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Outdoor alert
Outdoor alert
Weather outlook
Fiordland National Park forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 7:33 am
11 October 2026
A few showers.
12 October 2026
A few showers.
13 October 2026
A few showers, turning to rain, with snow to 2100 metres.
14 October 2026
Showers. Snow lowering to 1100 metres.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Lake Gunn Nature Walk on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Lake Gunn Nature Walk
Time required: This is a 40-minute loop track of 1.4km on an easy flat track suitable for all abilities and is wheelchair accessible. This round trip starts off through large red beech forest with beautiful mosses and ferns covering the ground. The loop is well marked and has interpretation panels about the forest to look at on the way. This track is also a popular spot for bird watching as it has a good range of our native birds in here such as South Island robins, tomtits and fantails and if you are lucky, the rare mohua. The walk goes to the edge of Lake Gunn and gets great views of the mountains. There is also a short 50-metre detour to the outlet of the Eglington River and then you can backtrack to the loop walk and continue back to the car park. It is a great option for families and a nice way to break up the drive if you are doing a day trip into Milford Sound.
Essential information for Lake Gunn Nature Walk
There is a wheelchair accessible toilet at the carpark. No dogs allowed Weather can change rapidly in this alpine area so dress for all possible conditions such as a waterproof layer, even on a short walk There are many picnic tables and toilets further on at the Cascade Creek Carpark as well as 200 sites for campervans and tent sites.
Getting there for Lake Gunn Nature Walk
From Te Anau head down SH94 on the Milford Road for 78km. Turn off at the Cascade Creek Carpark and 50 metres down this road you will see signs and parking for the Lake Gunn Nature Walk. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
Helpful resources We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Lake Gunn Nature Walk
No dogs.
Before you walk Lake Gunn Nature Walk
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.