13 Rankers Reviews
11 Face-to-Face
8 Glenorchy
Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
I'm Marios, delivering the best of Aotearoa's nature walks to your device.
I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!
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There’s a plethora of peaks on show from the lake.
Only return via the old tramline if it hasn’t been raining, as there is a small river crossing.
From Glenorchy follow signs to Routeburn Track all the way. This will lead you over the Rees River, then a hard left into Priory Road. Straight after crossing the Dart River turn right into Routeburn Road and after 5km Lake Sylvan is signposted on the right.
This last section is unsuited to large campervans, although many do make it.
The start of the track is after the swingbridge over the Routeburn River. The peaks here are on a grand scale, although you only ever get to see them on the drive and at Lake Sylvan outlet.
The track is wet and boggy after rain and weaves through open red beech forest. Make sure you follow the orange triangles, especially if you have to leave the track to circumnavigate a wet patch. Blue and pink triangles are for trap lines. Follow only orange triangles.
After 20 minutes is the junction with the old tramline.
Continue over the uneven and broken moraines before arriving at the circular viewing platform by the lake outlet.
The return via the tramline track is wetter, narrower and boggier but has some more open views due to the lower revegetation of the beech forest. There is a small river crossing near where the loop rejoins the main track.
The Cook brothers milled timber, including totara from the area.
Scheelite mining took place in the area.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
Central government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Glenorchy |
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Categories |
Arthur Rolf
Ranking: 10/10
Favourite place in NZ!
Eveet De Beleir
Ranking: 8/10
Nice little walk. The weather was not good but we can imagine that it is nice to swim when the sun is shining.
Molly Bogeberg
Ranking: 9/10
Short walk that felt as if you were walking through a forest from Lord of the Rings! The trail ends at a lookout over Lake Sylvan. We decided to take a dip and walk out to watch the sunset on a rock in the water. It was quite nice!!
Michael Busching
Ranking: 10/10
It was a nice and easy walk to the beautiful lake. You can either choose a 40 minute walk or a 1 to 2 hour walk via the tramway. Highly recommended.
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Barbara
Ranking: 10/10
It was a nice and easy walk to Lake Sylvan. You had to go through the forest before you got to the lake. We had nice weather and the lookout was beautiful. Was recommended by a friend.
Matt Weston
Ranking: 10/10
Stunning walk through the forest.
Niamh Duane
Ranking: 9/10
Beautiful tranquil forest walk. Very peaceful and bird song to accompany your walk.
Manuela Opprecht
Ranking: 7/10
Nice and easy. Nothing special but relaxing. nice view over the lake. Many birds in the forest.
Jesper Andersen
Ranking: 6/10
Nice walk in the forest. 2hr return. The lake is nice but the walk becomes a bit boring after a bit.
Lena Jensen
Ranking: 5/10
Nice walk in the mossy forest. Great view of the lake. 2 hour return where the last bit can be a bit boring from the same experience of the forest.
Andreas Schacke
Ranking: 6/10
Don't expect views here (even of the lake). Walk in a beautiful forest setting.
Hadas and Amichay Guter
Ranking: 9/10
Beautiful!
Estel la Prado
Ranking: 10/10
The lake is good. Short walk 2 hours return.
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍