Pearl Harbour return via Circle Track
WalkSouthland
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 5 hr
- Distance
- 6.9 km
- Dogs
- No dogs
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzThis track starts and finishes at Pearl Harbour, Manapouri, Fiordland.
To get to the start of the track you need to cross the Waiau River. There are water taxis available in the summer season.
To get to Manapouri from Te Anau (21 km, 20 minutes drive), follow the Manapouri - Te Anau Highway.
The wharf at Pearl Harbour is 500 m past the shops on Waiau St, and the carpark is accessed from View St (left turn south of shops).
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 45.57585° S, 167.60178° E
About this place
This tramping track takes you on a pleasant, half-day walk through beech forest near Manapouri, to a hill viewpoint overlooking the lake.
The route
From the jetty on the other side of the Waiau River, follow the riverside track for 15 minutes to a track junction. Turn left and head up the hill to the view point overlooking the lake. This part of the track is rather steep and slippery so you will need to take care. The track then descends down the ridgeline to the Hope Arm Track. Turn right to return to Pearl Harbour which takes about one hour. Robins, tomtits, tūī and bellbirds are abundant in the mixed beech and podocarp forest. This track can be combined with the Hope Arm or Back Valley Hut tracks for longer or overnight options.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Possum Lodge
Southland • 1 km
Manapouri Motel and Holiday Park
Southland • 2.4 km
Back Valley Hut
Basic/bivvies • 4 bunks • Southland • 3.2 km
Back Valley Hut is a basic four-bunk hut located in eastern Fiordland.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Hope Arm Hut
Standard • 12 bunks • Southland • 4.9 km
Hope Arm Hut is a standard 12-bunk hut located in eastern Fiordland.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Shallow Bay Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Southland • 9.2 km
Shallow Bay Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in eastern Fiordland.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Walks nearby
Pearl Harbour to Back Valley Hut Track
Advanced • 4-5 hr return to hut • 7.8 km (approx.) • 2.17 km away
Pearl Harbour to Hope Arm Track
Advanced • 4-6 hr return • 7.8 km • 2.27 km away
Monument Track
Advanced • 1.5 - 2 hr return • 1 km • 4.62 km away
Stockyard Cove Track
Easy • 45 min - 1 hr return • 1.5 km • 9.24 km away
Kepler Track: Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay or Moturau Hut
Intermediate • 3 - 3 hr 30 min return • 12 km • 10.76 km away
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).