Rodger Inlet Track

This is a classic Fiordland backcountry tramp: rough underfoot, lonely, and rewarding if you’re after solitude. Starting near the Lake Monowai road end, the track follows the lake’s shoreline before climbing and sidling above the water with occasional views across the forested ridges. It then drops toward the Walker River, crosses an old river delta, and continues along the quiet shores of Rodger Inlet.

It’s 10 km one way to Rodger Inlet Hut (plan on about 6 hours each way), and you return the same way for a 20 km/12.4 mile round trip. Expect windfalls, roots, mud, and a generally unformed feel—progress can be slow, especially after storms. The small Rodger Inlet Hut (six bunks) sits about 40 minutes past the lakeshore and makes a logical overnight. Bring your own cooking gear; water is untreated and must be boiled or treated. If you push beyond the hut toward the bushline (a further 3.5 km one way), the route becomes less defined and demands solid navigation skills.

Scenery is classic Fiordland: dense beech forest, mossy undergrowth, and glimpses of Lake Monowai’s glacially carved basin. It’s more about immersion than grand, constant vistas. You’re likely to have long stretches—and possibly the hut—entirely to yourself.

Tips: carry insect repellent (sandflies can be fierce in warmer months), a map and compass (and the skill to use them) if heading beyond the hut, and allow extra time if recent wind has brought trees down. No dogs—this is a national park. If you prefer a well-formed “Great Walk” style track, this isn’t it.

Best time to hike: Summer to autumn (December–April) offers more stable weather and longer days. The track is passable year-round, but winter brings heavy rain, cold, and slick surfaces. Cooler months can mean fewer sandflies, but you’ll trade that for rougher conditions.

Parking is at the Lake Monowai road end near the lakeshore/campsite area. If staying overnight in the hut, you’ll need the appropriate hut ticket or pass from the Department of Conservation.