The Lake Hauroko Loop is a flat and easy 40-minute track in Fiordland that starts on the east side of the Lake Hauroko car park. Heading anti-clockwise, it runs through a section of mature beech forest, then skirts the edge of the lake before cutting back into the forest.
This intensely green section is the most interesting; it looks much wetter, with dense hanging lichen, moss and epiphytes all clamouring for position amongst the beech trees. There is good bird life along the track, and the pīwakawaka (fantails) were especially curious.
As you complete the loop, you will also see the start of the 18 km Teal Bay Hut Track. This is a tough tramping track that goes to the southern end of the lake, where it connects with another 17 km track over the north end of the Hump Ridge to Te Waewae Bay.
During summer, you can arrange a water taxi across the Lake to the start of the Dusky Track, a very tough multi-day tramp through Fiordland to Lake Manapouri.
