Lake Marian
On top of the world at Lake Marian!
On a wintery day in August 2022 our group of 3 jumped in the car and set about exploring one of Fiordland National Park’s most precious spaces, and quite possibly one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in New Zealand - at least that I’ve visited.
We were out for snow and snow we got. The excitement was palpable as we travelled up Milford Road and turned off to the beginning of the Lake Marian track. 1km down Hollyford Road is where we began our days adventures and ice was in the air as we unloaded ourselves and our day packs from the car. Skipping ahead, Loren was eager to smash out the track, while I was still waking up and wondering where on earth her energy comes from. This is a daily occurrence however as we work together too. This was my second trip up to Lake Marian, and my first in proper winter, and if you know anything about me it’s that I love snow!
The track begins well graded and maintained as you make your way through the lush forestry to Marian Falls - the first spectacular stopping point on this hike. We spent a few moments here taking photos and admiring the falls before moving up the track. As this is an in and back track, we knew that we would have plenty of time to enjoy the falls on our way back, as we were eager to arrive at the lake before lunch time in order to soak in the views for as long as possible before making our return journey.
From here the track becomes a tramping track. This section is more steep and requires navigation over rocks, through mud, as well as under and over trees as you make your way up to the lake over the next 1 and a half hours. There are plenty of points along the way for admiring the snow-capped mountains surrounding you as you look out over parts of Fiordland and it makes the grind all worth while.
As we climbed upwards the sides of the trail began to be dotted with snow, although not very thick, and we hoped as a group that we would come across thicker snow as we got closer to the lake. Turning a corner, after crossing what could be a thundering river after snow melt and climbing a tree root ladder, there was snow! Snow everywhere! We stopped to take a ton of photos before embarking on the last part of the track to the lake.
When the track eventually opened out to Lake Marian our words failed us. It was just as breathtakingly beautiful as the first time I’d visited, if not more so with snow on the ground and on the mountains surrounding the lake. Blanketed in white, a winter wonderland stretched out before us in all directions, absolutely magical! We spent a long hour and a half here exploring, eating, and talking before inevitably making our way back down the same track we came up on, which was slightly more eventful due to the slipperiness of icy tree roots. Sometimes on your butt is the best way to go.
Although short, because this was an alpine trip I had plenty of extra gear as a just incase, including extra food, spare clothing, waterproofs, crampons, a sleeping bag and emergency blanket. I would also recommend taking some type of emergency shelter in winter as well as a PLB - something I’ve actually really only started using on recent trips, but now fully understand the importance and value of after watching a helicopter rescue in good conditions on Gertrude Saddle. These can be hired for a small fee of $15 a day from most outdoors stores and some petrol stations and are definitely an essential for your groups safety.
I’ve since visited Lake Marian again in early 2023. This is one of my go to hikes when introducing friends to the sport and this time I finally hyped myself up for an alpine swim and if you’re feeling brave, or crazy, I’d highly recommend you do the same!
