Lake Marian is one of those hikes that’s well worth the effort. The track starts with a swing bridge and a short, easy walk to a waterfall, after that, it turns into a steep, rocky climb through beech forest. It’s not long (about 1.5 to 2 hours up), but it’s a decent workout.

At the top, the lake sits in a glacial hanging valley, surrounded by steep peaks and often completely still. On a calm day, the reflections are unreal, one of the most photogenic alpine lakes I’ve come across in Fiordland.

Quick tips:
– The track gets muddy and slippery, wear decent footwear.
– Pack water and snacks; there’s nothing up there.
– Go early for fewer people and better light.