The Lake Mistletoe track is a walk that is often overlooked, but it is a short walk through dense forest to a serene picnic area overlooking the small lake.
A sign from the highway indicates the start of the walk, where there is a car park. The path is straight-forward as you quickly step from the car park into the shadow of the tall trees. The forest opens onto a viewpoint of the lake where the picnic site is. Lake Mistletoe is home to New Zealand scaup (duck), frogs and other wetland wildlife, which you may see while enjoying lunch or a snack.
From this point, it is possible to continue on around the lake and exit onto the highway. While it is an option to walk back to the car park along the highway, it is not the recommended route as it is dangerous. The safer option is to return the way you came and, in any case, walking back along the highway does not offer much in terms of tramping or more views.
As this track is short and easy, it is great for all ages.
Quick Facts about this walk
- Location: Te Anau, South Island, New Zealand
- Time needed: 45 minute walk
- Distance: 1.3 km
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Bikes allowed: No
- Route: Return
- Elevation: None
- Wet Feet: No
- Toilets: There are toilets at Te Anau Downs.
- Dogs: No
- Mobile Coverage: No
- Last Updated: April, 2020
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