Lake Hankinson Track

What to expect

This is the opening leg of the George Sound Route and it feels remote from minute one. You’ll step off a boat at Middle Fiord on Lake Te Anau, walk an easy, well-marked 15 minutes through lush native bush to the shore of Lake Hankinson, then cross the lake by boat or kayak (there is no track around the shoreline). At the head of the lake, it’s a five‑minute stroll to Hankinson Hut.

Scenery is classic Fiordland: steep, forested slopes plunging to a glassy glacial lake. On calm days the reflections are ridiculous; on windy days, the lake can get rough enough to delay plans. You won’t see many people—this corner is quiet even in summer.

Length and difficulty

Plan on roughly 0.6 miles of forest walking plus a 2.8‑mile lake crossing, one way (about 3.4 miles total travel to the hut, including the boat section). Time it at about 40 minutes dock‑to‑hut if conditions are friendly: 15 minutes walking, ~20 minutes on the lake, then 5 minutes to the hut. The walking is easy; the overall outing is moderate purely because it relies on boat logistics and weather.

Logistics that make or break it

• Access is by water only. You’ll need transport across Lake Te Anau (typically from Te Anau Downs) to Middle Fiord, and separate transport (or your own kayak) to cross Lake Hankinson. There’s no track around Hankinson—water travel is mandatory.
• A guided “bush walk + lake cruise” option exists if you want the experience packaged without committing to the multi‑day route beyond.

Hankinson Hut (historic drawcard)

Hankinson Hut (11 bunks) is the oldest backcountry hut in Fiordland. It’s basic: mattresses, heating, non‑flush toilets; treat/boil water. First‑come, first‑served—carry a tent if you’re pushing onward on the George Sound Route. Use Standard Hut Tickets (honesty box).

Who this is for (and who it isn’t)

If you love quiet, logistics‑heavy adventures and the idea of cruising a glacial lake to a historic hut, this is your jam. If you want a straightforward day walk without boats, look elsewhere. Beyond the hut, the George Sound Route is recommended only for experienced, well‑equipped trampers with strong navigation.

Best time to go

Technically year‑round, but summer to early autumn (December–April) offers the most stable stretch. Weather turns fast in Fiordland—expect rain, wind, and chill any month. After heavy rain, sections beyond the hut (like toward Katherine Creek via Deadwood Lagoon/Henry Pass) can be boggy or flooded.

Safety and small print

It’s remote with limited rescue options. Check the forecast, build in weather days for the lake crossing, and follow biosecurity rules (Check, Clean, Dry) to prevent spreading didymo between Lake Te Anau and Lake Hankinson.