Pros & cons
PROS
- Fun swing bridge over the Borland Burn adds variety to a short walk
- Kids’ branch huts near the start make it extra family-friendly
- Often quiet compared to better-known Fiordland tracks
CONS
- Last kilometres of access road are gravel with corrugations
- Track can be muddy after rain with no big-view payoffs
Park near Borland Lodge on Borland Road; the loop starts just beyond the lodge at the road gate.
Fiordland weather changes fast—carry rain layers. Borland Road and track conditions can change; check DOC alerts. Expect gravel-road corrugations and some muddy patches. No pets.
Why go
If you want a quick taste of classic Fiordland forest without committing to a big mission, this is it. The Borland Nature Walk is a short loop through lush beech forest near Lake Monowai, starting by Borland Lodge on Borland Road. It’s about 2.2 km total (loop) and typically takes 30–40 minutes. The grade is easy, the vibe is peaceful, and the swing bridge over the Borland Burn is a fun highlight.
What you’ll see
Expect mature beech forest draped in vibrant moss, with the soft crunch of beech leaf litter underfoot. You’ll cross a sturdy swing bridge spanning the Borland Burn and pass interpretation panels that explain the local flora and fauna. Keep an ear out for small bush birds. In summer, look for flowering mistletoe brightening the canopy. Near the start, kids often build lean-to huts from fallen branches—charming, and a hit with families.
Trail notes and expectations
The loop is well formed and clearly marked from just beyond the Borland Lodge gate. While easy, it can be muddy in places after rain, and Fiordland’s weather turns quickly—pack a layer. This is a forest walk, so don’t expect big alpine views; if you want vistas, head for nearby alpine options in the Borland Road area (for example, Mt Burns Tarns Track) instead. The nature walk can connect into longer local tracks if you want to extend, including the South Borland Track; strong trampers sometimes continue much farther to North Borland Hut (a separate, full-day outing).
Best time to hike
Year-round. The forest is gorgeous in any season, and summer adds flowering mistletoe and lively bird activity. Crowds are rarely an issue; this is one of Fiordland’s quieter corners. As always here, take rain gear—showers can roll through any time.
Logistics and tips
Park near Borland Lodge on Borland Road; the loop starts just past the lodge at the road gate. The final stretch of access road is gravel and can be corrugated. Check Department of Conservation (DOC) updates for both the track and Borland Road before you go, as conditions can change. Sturdy footwear helps with occasional mud. If you’re turning this into a bigger day by linking tracks or staying at huts, sort hut tickets in advance; local walking maps are available from Borland Lodge. Pets aren’t allowed.
Elevation
1.4 mi · 36 minWhere it starts
-45.7740, 167.5383Wildlife on this trail
Near Borland Nature Walk
All places →All trails →
2.5 mi awayGreen Lake TrackRemote Fiordland tramp to a serene alpine lake and hutChallenging · 10.6 mi · 9 hr
2.5 mi awayRodger Inlet TrackRemote, rugged tramping to a tiny hut on Lake Monowai’s edgeChallenging · 12.4 mi · 12 hr
2.7 mi awayLake Monowai Lookout TrackShort forest loop to a big Lake Monowai panoramaEasy · 0.8 mi · 30 min
2.7 mi awayMonowai Lookout TrackQuick beech forest stroll to a quiet Lake Monowai lookoutEasy · 1.9 mi · 1.1 hr
6.7 mi awayMount BurnsTarn-studded alpine ridge with big Fiordland views and few peopleTrailhead · Parking
7.8 mi awayMount TitiroaSnow-white granite summit with wild boulders and vast Fiordland viewsScenic Viewpoint
7.9 mi awayBorland SaddleRoad-accessed alpine saddle to big views and Mt Burns tarnsTrailhead · Pullout
9.3 mi awayLake MonowaiQuiet lake with forest campsite, trout, and hydro historyTrailhead · Restroom
