Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tion. The win proved big for environmentalists, for not only was the power station built
without the lake levels being changed, it also spawned more nationwide environmental ac-
tion through the '70s and '80s.
Activities
By crossing the Waiau River at Pearl Harbour you can embark on day walks as detailed in
DOC's
Fiordland National Park Day Walks
brochure. The classic outing is the
Circle Track
(three hours return) which can be extended to
Hope Arm
(five to six hours return). You can
cross the river aboard a hired row boat or water taxi from
Adventure Manapouri
( 03-249
8070;
www.adventuremanapouri.co.nz
; row boat hire per day $30, Waiau River water taxi return $15)
, which can
also be contacted via Manapouri Stores.
Running between the northern entrance to Manapouri township and Pearl Harbour, the
one-hour
Frasers Beach
walk offers picnic and swimming spots as well as fantastic views
across the lake.
The Kepler Track is accessible from the northern end of Lake Manapouri at Rainbow
Reach, 10km north of town.
Manapouri is also a staging point for the remote
Dusky Track
, a highly challenging 84km
tramp taking eight to 10 days. For more information contact DOC or
Lake Hauroko Tours
(
03-226 6681;
www.duskytrack.co.nz
)
.
Kayaking offers a wonderful perspective on the grandeur of Manapouri's surrounds.
Ad-
venture Kayak & Cruise
( 03-249 6626, 0800 324 966;
www.fiordlandadventure.co.nz
; 33 Waiau St)
rents
kayaks from $50 per person per day from October to April (minimum group size two;
VHF radios provided free of charge). It also offers kayaking trips on Doubtful Sound from
$245 per person.
Sleeping & Eating
Freestone Backpackers
( 03-249 6893;
www.freestone.co.nz
;
270 Hillside-Manapouri Rd; dm $22-33, d $66-86; )
These rus-
tic cabins nestle on a hillside about 3km east of town, each with a small kitchen, potbelly
stove and verandah. Bathrooms are communal. A converted family home offers another
eight beds for singles, doubles and twins, with communal facilities including a full kit-
chen. Ask about boat cruises.
HOSTEL
$
