Last updated July 2026
Lake Manapouri is one of New Zealand’s most striking natural features, located in Fiordland National Park in the Southland region. It ranks as the country’s second-deepest lake and serves as a popular starting point for boat tours into Doubtful Sound. The lake attracts visitors from Invercargill, roughly a two-hour drive away, who come for its dramatic scenery, walking tracks and cultural stories. Its glacial origins, Māori heritage and role in renewable energy add layers of interest beyond the views.
Practical Information
| Location | Fiordland National Park, Southland, 20-minute drive from Te Anau |
| Max depth | 444 metres (second deepest in New Zealand) |
| Surface area | 142 square kilometres |
| Shoreline length | 170 kilometres |
| Access | State Highway 95 from Te Anau; boat tours depart from Manapouri township |
| Status | Public access within national park; lake levels managed for hydro and environment |
| Key activities | Boating to Doubtful Sound, Kepler Track walking, kayaking, fishing |
About Lake Manapouri
Lake Manapouri lies within Fiordland National Park and forms part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. Glaciers carved the lake during the last Ice Age around 20,000 years ago, leaving steep shores, 33 islands and four main arms. The surface sits about 178 metres above sea level, yet the deepest point reaches 267 metres below sea level.
The lake measures 28 kilometres long with a surface area of 142 square kilometres. Its western arm receives heavy rainfall exceeding 3,000 millimetres annually in places, while the eastern side near Manapouri township is drier. This variation supports diverse vegetation from lowland podocarps to mountain beech.
Early Māori knew the lake as Moturau, meaning many islands, and also Roto Ua, the rainy lake. A legend describes two sisters whose tears formed the waters, giving rise to the later name Manapouri, interpreted as sorrowful heart. European explorers Charles J. Nairn and W. H. Stevens reached the lake in 1852.
The Manapōuri Power Station, an underground facility at the West Arm completed in 1971, generates renewable electricity by channelling water through tunnels to Deep Cove in Doubtful Sound. Lake levels are carefully controlled to balance power generation with environmental protection following a major public campaign in the 1960s and 1970s.
History and Cultural Significance
Māori occupation evidence exists at inlets, beaches and islands around the lake. The eastern end provided abundant food including eels, birds and cabbage trees. The name Manapouri was originally applied only to Shallow Bay before extending to the whole lake.
Surveyor James McKerrow explored and named many features in 1862. Early European settlement followed, with tourism and hunting developing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The 1960s–70s Save Manapouri campaign protected the lake from proposed raising for hydro development.
Recreational Activities
The Kepler Track, a 60-kilometre Great Walk, begins near the lake and offers multi-day tramping through beech forest and alpine terrain with lake views. Shorter day walks start from the eastern shores.
Boat cruises from Manapouri township provide access to Doubtful Sound, passing through the power station tailrace and offering fjord scenery. Kayaking on the lake’s calmer waters and fishing for trout are popular, subject to regulations.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the lake as exceptionally peaceful with mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountains. Many highlight the contrast between the dramatic Doubtful Sound tours and the quieter shoreline walks.
Reviewers frequently note the rich birdlife and the impressive engineering of the underground power station. Day-trippers from Invercargill appreciate the accessible boat departures and scenic drive through Southland farmland.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Official information on geology, ecology, history and conservation projects at Lake Manapouri.
NewZealand.com: Practical visitor details on activities, access and nearby attractions in the Fiordland area.
Wikipedia (citing primary sources): Summary of physical dimensions, history and power station facts with references.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Māori name and legend associated with Lake Manapouri?
The lake was traditionally known as Moturau. A legend tells of two sisters whose tears formed the waters, reflecting themes of sorrow.
How deep is Lake Manapouri and is it the deepest in New Zealand?
It reaches a maximum depth of 444 metres and is New Zealand’s second-deepest lake after Lake Hauroko.
Can visitors take boat tours to Doubtful Sound from Lake Manapouri?
Yes, regular cruises depart from Manapouri township and travel through the West Arm to Doubtful Sound.
Is fishing allowed on the lake?
Fishing for trout is permitted under regional regulations. Check current rules with Fish & Game New Zealand before your visit.
What walking tracks are available near the lake?
The Kepler Track offers a multi-day loop with lake views. Several shorter day walks start from the eastern shores.
Why was the Manapōuri Power Station controversial?
A 1960s proposal to raise lake levels for extra generation sparked a major public campaign that led to statutory protection and controlled levels.
What wildlife might visitors see around Lake Manapouri?
Native birds include bellbirds, tūī, whio and grey warblers. Introduced species such as deer and possums are also present.
How far is Lake Manapouri from Invercargill?
The drive from Invercargill takes approximately two hours via State Highway 6 and 95, making it a feasible day trip.
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