Lake Manapouri

A stunningly beautiful alpine lake with multiple arms surrounded by pristine native forest and mountains, offering a more serene alternative to Lake Te Anau. Visitors can cruise the lake and visit the underground Manapouri Power Station, a feat of engineering beneath the mountains.

Things to do

• Manapouri Fiordland Explorer Cruise — A guided boat tour across the lake's multiple arms with commentary on local geology, wildlife, and forest ecology.
• Underground Power Station Tour — Descend 200 metres into the mountain to visit the remarkable subterranean Manapouri Power Station, a 1960s engineering marvel.
• Doubtful Sound Day Trip — A combination cruise and coach journey from Lake Manapouri to the dramatic Doubtful Sound fjord with towering waterfalls and marine wildlife.
• Forest Walk at Pearl Harbour — A scenic tramping track through native beech and podocarp forest leading to a sheltered bay with stunning mountain views.
• Kayaking on the Lake — Self-guided or guided kayak expeditions through the calm waters and quieter arms of the lake for an intimate alpine experience.
• Photography at West Arm — The dramatic West Arm offers pristine reflections of mountains and native forest, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography.

Food to try

• Fresh Southland Venison — Local farm-raised venison prepared at lodge restaurants, reflecting the region's deer farming heritage and mountain provenance.
• Lake Manapouri Whitebait Fritters — A seasonal delicacy made from whitebait caught in local streams, lightly battered and served at local lodges during season.
• Fiordland Salmon — Fresh salmon sourced from local aquaculture operations, often prepared simply to showcase its quality at lakeside eateries.
• Southland Lamb — Locally-raised lamb featuring the distinctive graze of high-country pastures, served at accommodation lodges with garden vegetables.
• Native Beech Honey — Pure honey from native forest beehives in the Fiordland region, available at visitor centres and lodges as a take-home specialty.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect for Conservation Efforts — Lake Manapouri is part of Fiordland National Park; visitors should respect track closures and conservation signage protecting native species.
• Weather-Dependent Planning — Mountain weather changes rapidly in this region; always bring layers and check conditions before activities, and allow flexibility for rescheduling.
• Maori Heritage Acknowledgement — The lake holds significance in Maori culture as part of Southland's Maori landscape; guided tours often acknowledge traditional connections to the whenua.