This walk starts and ends at the jetty on the other side of Waiau River.
You can get to the start of the walk by boat transfer from Pearl Harbour or row yourself.
On the other side of the river, if you start on the riverside track, you will follow the Waiau River and then along several beaches of the Manapouri Lake. After 15 minutes, you will reach where the track intersected with the Back Valley Track. To continue on the Circle Track, follow the sign indicating to go left.
From this point, the track begins to climb and is entirely forest—excluding the viewpoint itself of course. Robins, tomtits, tūī and bellbirds can be sighted in the mixed beech and podocarp forest. The forest opens when you come out at the ridge overlooking Back Valley. From the viewpoint, you will be able to see Lake Manapouri and the stunning mountains in the distance.
After the viewpoint, the track follows the ridge line downwards to the Hope Arm Track intersection. Tun right and make your way back to Pearl Harbour.
This track is often done in conjunction with the Hope Arm or Back Valley Hut tracks for longer or overnight options.
Quick Facts about this walk
- Location: Manapouri, South Island, New Zealand
- Time needed: 3-3.5 hour walk
- Distance: 6.9 km
- Difficulty: Medium
- Bikes allowed: No
- Route: Loop
- Elevation: 400 m
- Wet Feet: No
- Toilets: No
- Dogs: No
- Mobile Coverage: Unknown
- Last Updated: May, 2020
We’ve partnered with Macpac outdoor walking & hiking gear to bring you the very best products designed exclusively for our New Zealand climate. They’ll ship for FREE within NZ on orders over $100 (if under $100 it’s only $5). Worldwide international shipping is available except to the USA. Bulky orders will be $20.
