Saturday 3 August 2024
Make the weekend of it here in Te Anau
Held in August, it’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the bracing freshness of a Fiordland winter’s day, when crisp clear days are the norm.

With mighty Mt Titiroa behind you and the World Heritage Fiordland National Park to your left, the scenery will enthral even the seasoned runner.

Running under the snow-capped mountains, you’ll snake your way through sections of beech forest and alongside the crystal clear Waiau River before finishing up at picture perfect, lakefront Te Anau.

10:30am start at the location of the original Hydro Construction Village,  you cross the Te Anau-Manapouri Highway and drop into Balloon Loop where you join the Fiordland Trails Trust’s Lake2Lake Trail and head on past Rainbow Reach, Horseshoe Bend and onto Queens Reach.

A relaxed and enjoyable vibe flows through the field as you draw inspiration from the breath-taking scenery.

You then follow the Upper Waiau River before reaching the Lake Te Anau control gates – from here you make your way around the stunning lakefront trail. There’s plenty to take in as you pass Tui Bay and the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary (try to spot a takahe or a kākā) before heading along the town waterfront to Lions Park.