Dusky Track

[ Track Length ] [ Duration ] [ Access ] [ Notes ] [ Hut Capacity ] [Hut Fees ] [ Department of Conservation Contacts ] [ Track Transport ]

	The Dusky Track links Lake Hauroko with Lake Manapouri, offers a two-day detour to Supper Cove in Dusky Sound, traverses three major valley systems and crosses two mountain ranges. There are 21 3-wire bridges on this track and you can expect to encounter tree falls, deep mud, tree roots and river crossings. Flooding of parts of the track is not unusual and can cause delays for several days.
Track Length	84 kilometres.
Duration	Allow 8 to 10 days.
Access	The Dusky Track can be reached from the south by a scheduled boat service on Lake Hauroko. The lake is 64km west of Tuatapere. From the north a launch operates daily across Lake Manapouri. It is also possible to fly in or out from Supper Cove or Lake Hauroko by floatplane or helicopter.
Notes	For experienced and well equipped parties only. A very hard, extreme track with two alpine crossings and many places of deep mud. There are 21 3-wire bridges for river crossings. Take extreme care as rough weather can develop without warning. Track is subject to flooding and snow. Not recommended for solo trampers. Topographic maps and a compass are essential. As this is a rough and remote track, it is recommended that trampers carry a mountain radio or personal locator beacon, and fill in an Intentions Form with the Department of Conservation. Allow 10 days from Lake Hauroko - Supper Cove - West Arm (Lake Manapouri) or 4 days (one way) from West Arm to Supper Cove. Track is generally impassable in the winter and spring. Track not suitable for camping.
Hut Capacity	12 bunks in each hut. No booking system operates. A tent or fly should be carried for emergencies and for overcrowded huts.
Hut Fees	Valid 2006/2007: $5 adult; $2.50 youth All huts standard units, no gas cookers, pot-belley stoves in each.
Contact Address	Department of Conservation Te Anau Office Lakefront Drive Te Anau Ph 03 249 7924, Fax 03 249 7613 Email fiordlandvc@doc.govt.nz Website www.doc.govt.nz
Office hours for bookings	Nov-Apr 8.30am to 6pm daily, May-Oct 8.30am to 4.30pm daily
Track Transport for Independent Walkers	Te Anau - Tuatapere & Return: Scenic Shuttle Departs: Daily departures from Te Anau and Invercargill. Contact Tick-it Te Anau for details. Phone: 03 249 7654 or 0800 277 483 E scenicshuttle@xtra.co.nz Te Anau to Supper Cove: Wings & Water Te Anau Ltd Departs: Scheduled flight to Supper Cove 9am daily during summer months, subject to passenger numbers and weather conditions. Charter flight available on demand to Lake Hauroko Phone: 03 249 7405 E wingsandwater@teanau.co.nz Tuatapere & Lake Hauroko to/from Dusky Track: Lake Hauroko Tours Contact: Val &Helen McKay, 8 McVicar Street, Tuatapere Phone 03 226 6681 E valandhelen@duskytrack.co.nz MOB 025 320 373 WWW www.duskytrack.co.nz Wairaurahiri Jet (W Jet) Contact: Johan Groters & Joyce Kolk, Clifden, Tuatapere Phone 03 225 5677 or 0800 376 174, Mobile 0274 376 174 or 027 22 77 223 E johan.joyce@wjet.co.nz WWW www.wjet.co.nz Manapouri to West Arm: Fiordland Explorer Charters Phone: 03 249 6616 or 0800 434 673 WWW www.explorercharters.co.nz E explorercharters@xtra.co.nz Real Journeys Phone: 03 249 6602 or 0800 65 65 02 WWW www.realjourneys.co.nz E manapouri@realjourneys.co.nz Tracknet In conjunction with Fiordland Cruises provides coach and boat connections daily during Great Walks season. Departs Queenstown 7am, Te Anau 9.30am, arrives Manapouri 10am, and West Arm 11am. PH 03 249 7777 or 0800 483 262 Email info@tracknet.net WWW www.tracknet.net Helicopter Options: Southern Lakes Helicopters Phone: 03 249 7167 Fax: 03 249 7267 E info@southernlakeshelicopters.co.nz WWW www.southernlakeshelicopters.co.nz South-West Helicopters Phone: 03 249 7402 or 0800 435 476 E info@southwesthelicopters.co.nz WWW www.southwesthelicopters.co.nz