Monument Track

What to expect

Monument Track is a short, punchy out-and-back straight up from the Hope Arm shoreline of Lake Manapouri to the rocky knob known as The Monument. It’s only about 0.62 miles total (1 km), but climbs roughly 290 m—so you’re breathing hard almost immediately. The route pushes through lush beech forest, follows a narrowing ridge, then pops above the bushline onto exposed rock.

The climb and the crux

This is graded as an advanced tramping track for a reason. Expect steep, rough footing with loose rock, narrow ledges, and real exposure near the top. A fixed chain helps on the trickiest move; use it and take your time. If heights and scrambling aren’t your thing, this is not your hike.

The payoff

On a clear day, the summit dishes out huge Fiordland views: Lake Manapouri (Moturau) spread with its “hundred isles,” ringed by jagged ranges. It’s a massive reward-to-effort ratio—provided the weather plays nice.

Logistics and access

There’s no road to the trailhead—you must arrive by water. Most people take a water taxi or paddle from Manapouri township (Pearl Harbour) and start at the beach marker just north of Hope Arm Hut. There are no facilities; bring everything you need and plan your transport ahead of time.

Conditions, seasons, and safety

Best hiked in summer to early autumn (December–April) when weather windows are more reliable and lake transport is running regularly. Avoid wet, icy, or windy days—the exposed, crumbly sections become hazardous fast. Sturdy boots with good grip are mandatory. Sandflies are fierce along the lakeshore and in the forest; strong repellent is your friend.

Nature and context

You’ll move through classic beech forest before stepping onto rock shaped by Fiordland’s glacial past and uplifted, fractured terrain. The lake’s Māori name, Moturau, means “a hundred isles,” a nod to the panorama you’ve come to see.

Bottom line

Short, steep, and spectacular. If you’re comfortable with exposure and scrambling—and you pick a clear, calm day—Monument Track is a brilliant little adventure. If you’re not, skip it; this one doesn’t pull punches.