Place
What this route is
This is Fiordland at its wildest: a remote, multi‑day backcountry route that links the Lake Te Anau/Lake Hankinson side of the park to George Sound (Te Houhou) on the coast. It’s officially a “route,” not a maintained track—expect rough, vague sections, slow travel, and long, committing days. Typical time is 3–4 days one way; distance figures aren’t the headline here, and DOC/operators emphasize duration over mileage.
Scenery and highlights
You’ll thread through ancient temperate rainforest, along rivers and mossy undergrowth, and between lakes—Hankinson, Thomson, and Katherine—before crossing Henry Pass for glimpses of surrounding peaks. At the coast, George Sound (the longest fjord in northern Fiordland at about 26 km) delivers a rare, dramatic payoff. Don’t miss Alice Falls: a 56 m cascade that drops straight into the fjord—one of those “only-in-Fiordland” scenes few ever see.
Trail experience
Sections are reasonably marked but rugged: expect knee‑deep mud, bogs, windfall to clamber over/under, slippery roots and rock, and unbridged river crossings. After heavy rain, parts can flood and become impassable; delays of a day or more aren’t unusual. Carry a tent even if you plan to use huts—reaching one isn’t guaranteed on a bad weather day. Solitude is the norm; you may not see another party for days, and there’s no mobile reception.
Huts and logistics
Two DOC huts anchor the trip: Hankinson Hut and George Sound Hut (hut tickets required). This is not a circuit, so you must arrange transport. Common tactics: water taxi across Lake Te Anau/Lake Hankinson on the eastern side, and floatplane/helicopter/boat at George Sound. Many groups fly in to George Sound and walk out to Hankinson Hut for a reliable boat pickup in most weather. Small groups (often 5–6) keep transport practical—link up with others to split costs. Always check current conditions with the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre before committing.
Best time to hike
Open year‑round, but summer to early autumn (December–April) offers longer daylight and the best shot at more settled weather. Fiordland storms can hit anytime—build buffer days into your plan. Winter ramps up the seriousness: short days, colder temps, and higher hazard.
Who will love it (and who won’t)
If you crave true wilderness, don’t mind crawling under logs and wading mud, and have strong navigation and river‑crossing skills, this is a top‑tier Fiordland mission with an unforgettable fjord finale. If you prefer maintained tracks and predictable timetables, pick one of the park’s Great Walks instead.
Tips
- Pack extra food, warm layers, emergency gear, and a tent—non‑negotiable here.
- Keep the schedule flexible; plan at least one spare day for weather delays.
- Strong group skills matter: navigation, river crossing, and decision‑making.
- Confirm track status, river levels, and transport logistics with the Visitor Centre before you go.
Pros
- Ends at a rarely seen fjord with the 56 m Alice Falls right at the coast
- True solitude—days can pass without seeing another party
- Fly‑in/boat‑out logistics let you tailor exposure to the roughest sections
Cons
- Route can be impassable after heavy rain; delays are common
- You must carry a tent even with huts due to distance and flooding risk
- Not a circuit—expensive, prearranged transport at one or both ends
Parking
No road access at either end. Most parties arrange a water taxi across Lake Te Anau/Lake Hankinson (Te Anau Downs side) and air/boat access at George Sound. There is no traditional trailhead car park at the coast.
Caution
Expect unbridged river crossings, deep mud, windfall, vague sections, and flooding that can halt progress for days. Carry a tent, extra food, and full backcountry emergency gear. No mobile reception. Only suitable for experienced, well‑equipped parties.
