After the torrential rains and winds we experienced the day before, we were blessed with another beautiful day as we left Milford Sound. Packing up and saying goodbye to the area, we headed out, stopping for one final look at the tunnel separating what felt like serenity from the rest of the world.

Shortly afterward, we arrived at the trailhead parking area and got geared up. Heading out, we see, surprise, a bridge and stream crossing!

As we’ve been coming to expect of the region, this hike was yet different terrain. Much less of the rain forest type vegetation we’d seen on the Milford Track, and certainly not the alpine type vegetation we’d seen on Ben Lomond or Roy’s Peak. Footing was good, though every so often, we had some substantial root systems to traverse. In all, a pleasant walk.

And then, breaking free of the tree and forestation area, there it was – alpine Lake Marian – wonderfully pristine and isolated from nearly everything!

Unfortunately, we didn’t see any sort of path around the lake, just the small clearing area at the end of the trail. What better way to pause, grab a bite to eat and just marvel at the colors, textures, and the calmness of the moment.

Soon enough, it was time to head back – we still had a bit of driving to do, so we said our goodbyes and headed out. Stopping once again on the lower stretch to enjoy some of the natural beauty of this hike. You really have to marvel at the Kiwis for their dedication to the outdoors – with all of the money spent on trails, trail maintenance, and this – a walkway skirting some massive boulder outcroppings.

This hike was definitely a hidden gem – almost opportunistic, we were there, we had the time, so why not. By the numbers, nothing fancy, but definitely high marks for little effort!

Distance	6.0 miles
Hike time	2hrs 46 mins
Elevation gain	1722 feet