Often touted as one of the hardest tramping trails in the country, the Dusky Track is an eight to ten day walk that should be reserved for experienced hikers. Travelling between Lake Hauroko and Lake Manapouri, this track travels through the luscious and dense Fiordland National Park. With a variety of landscapes to explore from forested valleys and mud to gushing rivers and lakes, the trail isn't for the faint hearted.
Though quite difficult, the 84 kilometre journey is incredibly rewarding. You can begin the trail from either the northern or southern end and is reached via a daily boat service over the lakes. Hikers are expected to have a high level of fitness and self-reliance as the trail is quite isolated and if not fully prepared and equipped you may not be able to complete the trail successfully.
Note
Trail Breakdown
- Lake Hauroko to Halfway Hut: 4-6 hours
- Halfway Hut to Lake Roe Hut: 3-5 hours
- Lake Roe Hut to Loch Maree Hut: 5-7 hours
- Loch Maree Hut to Supper Cove Hut: 6-8 hours
- Loch Maree Hut to Kintail Hut: 6-8 hours
- Kintail Hut to Upper Spey Hut: 5-7 hours
- Upper Spey Hut to Wilmot Pass Road: 4-5 hours
- Wilmot Pass Road to West Arm, Lake Manapouri: 45 minutes