Lake Misery Track

Lake Misery Track is a 0.71-mile (1.14-km) one-way link from Dobson Nature Walk to Otira Valley Track. It crosses a shallow alpine wetland beside Lake Misery, then runs through tall red tussock to the Otira route. Allow about 20 to 30 minutes each way. This is useful for joining the walks; by itself, it is a short outing rather than a destination hike.

The listed distance starts at the junction with Dobson Nature Walk and ends at Otira Valley Track, leaving out the approach from either car park. From the south, follow Dobson Nature Walk from Temple Basin car park to the summit junction. From the north, the link joins Otira Valley Track, which continues to its footbridge or descends to the SH73 car park. To return to your starting point, retrace the same path. Don’t use SH73 as a walking connector at the summit. Pets aren’t allowed in Arthur’s Pass National Park.

Lake Misery is shallow, and its water level can rise quickly after rain. The low ground can be boggy; high water has covered the former boardwalk beside the lake. The payoff is the open wetland and the contrast between the dark water, alpine shrubs and tall red tussock. The mountain seats and alpine-flower areas belong to the adjoining Dobson Nature Walk, not this link.