The Mirror Lakes walk is almost perfectly halfway between Te Anau and Milford Sound.
It is a nice pit stop to stretch your legs after about 45 minutes of driving. It is a short, easy, and wheelchair-accessible walk that is well-suited for everyone. The walk is a wide boardwalk, so even when there are tour buses passing through, there’s enough room for everyone to enjoy.
Walk among the small lakes which offer crystal clear reflections of the Earl Mountains, as the name of the walk so aptly suggests. Wind on the water can result in blurry or no reflections, so the mirrored mountains are best seen on a still day. A good way to avoid the crowds and increase your chances of still water is to go in the morning.
Besides the mountains and lakes, you’ll also be able to enjoy the waterfowl and wetland plants which can be seen in conjunction with the beech forest. There are panels along the walk that provide information on the local flora and fauna.
Two things to note are that the car park is quite small and there are usually many sandflies so don’t forget your bug repellant!
While you’re in Te Anau, make sure you take a day trip out to Milford Sound. Or take a once in a lifetime scenic flight over Dusky and Doubtful Sounds. which leaves right from the waterfront in Te Anau.
Quick Facts about this walk
- Location: Te Anau, South Island, New Zealand
- Time needed: 10 minutes walk
- Distance: 400 m
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Bikes allowed: No
- Route: Return
- Elevation: None
- Wet Feet: No
- Toilets: The closest toilets are in Knobs Flat.
- Dogs: No
- Mobile Coverage: No
- Last Updated: May, 2020
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