Sight · Fiordland National Park
Remote Fiordland lake with hut and moody, mirror-like views
Overview
Lake Alabaster / Wāwāhi Waka is a long, narrow glacial lake tucked into the northern reaches of Fiordland. It’s a classic backcountry stop on the Hollyford Track and links to the rugged Pyke–Big Bay Route. Expect dramatic, cloud-draped mountains and dark, reflective water that feels a world away from the road system.
This is Fiordland at its most atmospheric: rainforest, steep valley walls, and a sense of deep quiet. The dual name recognizes both the English and Māori heritage; Wāwāhi Waka translates to “split canoe,” a nod to the area’s cultural history.
Parkwolf’s verdictWhy it’s specialMap
Local know-how
Book Lake Alabaster Hut in summer and carry the required hut pass or tickets.
Bring strong insect repellent and cover up—sandflies are intense here.
Pack full rain gear; expect mud and possible flooding on the track.
Carry a PLB and don’t rely on cell coverage for emergencies.
Treat all water from the lake or streams before drinking.
Plan your stop
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Fiordland Tour Guide
Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Fiordland National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.
See the Fiordland audio tour“Fantastic app with many points of information… It’s great to just turn on while you’re driving and it gives you an audio tour of the national Park. We love it!!!!”
Guide
Native forest birds are a highlight—keep an eye out for tūī, bellbird, fantail, South Island robin, and kererū. Brown trout are present; if you’re angling, bring the proper permit. Night walkers sometimes talk about kiwi activity in the area.
Fiordland is extremely wet. Tracks can be muddy, slippery, and occasionally flood. Navigation is straightforward on the main track but take extra care in poor weather and carry a PLB. Sandflies are relentless—come prepared with strong repellent and a strategy for quick hut entries and lake visits.
Like many valleys here, Lake Alabaster was carved by ancient ice. The long, over-deepened basin and steep walls are classic glacial signatures.
Wildlife
1,181 sightingsKeaMost seen around 10 AMSighting map
199 sightingsFiordland PenguinMost seen around 7 PMSighting map
228 sightingsBlue DuckMost seen around 5 PMSighting map
32 sightingsBottlenose DolphinMost seen around 5 PMSighting map
247 sightingsNew Zealand Fur SealMost seen around 6 PMSighting map
58 sightingsKākāMost seen around 6 PMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Fiordland. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
Keep exploring
Parkwolf’s Fiordland ranking
The audio tour guide for the drive, plus offline maps, trails, and wildlife heatmaps for when the signal drops.
