Trail Sections
If you’re after a shorter ride or walk, take on a section of the trail – there are plenty to choose from.
Ride, walk or run alongside the South Island’s largest lake, with incredible views across to the Murchison Mountains as you make your way from the Te Anau boat harbour to Patience Bay Beach. From here follow the new section of trail for 2km all the way to Patience Bay Beach, where there is a ‘Trail End’ sign. From here, turn back and ride back to town, or cross the highway and make your way back through the network of town trails.
A flat, easy, lakeside trail from Te Anau to Patience Bay Beach, this is a trail for all ages and abilities.
The trail starts at the Te Anau boat harbour, then heads alongside Lake Te Anau to the mouth of the Upukerora River. It then turns alongside the Upukerora River to the Milford Highway, where there is a purpose-built trail bridge. That takes you along the trail to the current ‘Trail End’ at Patience Bay Beach. This will eventually lead to further trails – watch this space – but for now, you can either turn back along the same trail, or cross the highway and make your way back through the network of trails in the Te Anau township.
Leg 1
Te Anau boat harbour to the Upukerora trail bridge
Starting from the Te Anau boat harbour (or the Te Anau lakefront) head onto the trail and ride alongside the stunning Lake Te Anau.
This section is flat and suitable for all ages/abilities.
Check out the incredible views of the rainforested Kepler and the Murchison Mountains in UNESCO World Heritage Fiordland National Park.
When you get to the mouth of the Upukerora River and the car park, take a right and head up alongside the river to the Milford Highway. You’ll find a purpose-built trail bridge over the river.
From here follow the new section of trail for 1.9km all the way to Patience Bay Beach, where there is a Trail Ends sign. From here, turn back and ride back to town, or cross the highway and make your way back through the network of town trails.
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Future Plans
The Trust has plans to develop this trail further, subject to consents.
Under proposed plans:
Leg two will be from Patience Bay Beach to Sinclair Road (1.6km).
Leg three will run from Sinclair Road to Boundary Creek (11km).
Find out more here
You can create a loop from this trail, by heading back into Te Anau through the network of town trails. Stop and explore the township, or try out one of the cafes.
Take a fishing rod with you and have a cast at the mouth of the Upukerora River!
The lower Upukerora River delta area is a focus area for the Fiordland Trails Trust’s Jobs for Nature team.
In this area, there is a predator control programme across 345ha to protect rare, braided river bird nesting areas of the delta and riverbed.
Further along, the team will also be restoring the Patience Bay wetland, improving habitat for braided river birds by removing weeds from the riverbed.
There is also an extensive planting project, with the clearance of exotic forest and the planting of thousands of native plant species.
Check out the progress each time you ride the trail and see what you can spot!
