Last updated November 2026
Lake Marian Falls is a series of waterfalls on Marian Creek, a short walk from the Hollyford Road in Fiordland National Park. DOC grades the Lake Marian Falls Track Easy: from the car park you cross a swing bridge and reach the falls in about 10 minutes.
The car park is 1 km down the unsealed Hollyford Road from Marian Corner on Milford Road. Above the falls the track becomes the much harder Lake Marian Track, which climbs to an alpine lake. The falls are about 180 km from Invercargill in a straight line, so plan them into a Fiordland trip. Check DOC before you go.
Practical Information
- Start
- Lake Marian car park, 1 km down the unsealed Hollyford Road from Marian Corner (Milford Road, SH94)
- Distance from the city
- About 180 km from Invercargill; Marian Corner is about 87 km along Milford Road from Te Anau
- Walking time
- About 10 min to the falls (DOC lists 20 min for the walk)
- Grade
- Easy to the falls; Advanced beyond them on the Lake Marian Track
- Track type
- Walking track with a swing bridge
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Lake Marian Falls
DOC calls this a “spectacular series of waterfalls” on Marian Creek: a run of falls rather than one single drop. The walk in is short and easy, starting with the swing bridge just beyond the car park.
The creek is the thing to respect here. DOC warns that Marian Creek is swift and the rocks beside it are slippery, and that a fall could cause serious injury or death. Stay on the track, keep away from the creek edge, and keep children within arm’s reach.
Going On to Lake Marian
The end of the falls track is the start of the Lake Marian Track. DOC rates it Advanced, for fit walkers with moderate to high backcountry skills, including navigation. Beyond the waterfalls it climbs steeply and can be muddy, taking about 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the lake.
Lake Marian is an alpine lake in a hanging valley shaped by glaciers, above the bushline and ringed by mountains. DOC notes the reflections can be striking on a calm day.
Ongaonga, the native stinging nettle, grows along the track, so DOC recommends long trousers and close supervision of children. If you go beyond the falls, tell someone your plans and use Plan My Walk.
Getting There
Marian Corner is where the Hollyford Road leaves Milford Road, about 87 km out of Te Anau. Take the unsealed Hollyford Road for 1 km and the Lake Marian car park is on your route; the swing bridge is just beyond it. If you have time for a second waterfall, Humboldt Falls is reached from the end of the same road.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Lake Marian Falls Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Lake Marian Track: the advanced climb from the falls to Lake Marian.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the walk to Lake Marian Falls?
About 10 minutes from the car park, over a swing bridge. DOC grades it Easy.
Is it one waterfall?
No. DOC describes a series of waterfalls on Marian Creek.
Where do I park?
At the Lake Marian car park, 1 km down the unsealed Hollyford Road from Marian Corner on Milford Road.
Can I swim or climb on the rocks?
DOC warns the creek is swift and the rocks are slippery. Stay on the track and away from the edge.
How far is Lake Marian beyond the falls?
About 1 hour 30 minutes up a steep, Advanced track that can be muddy.
Who is the Lake Marian Track for?
DOC says fit walkers with moderate to high backcountry skills, including navigation.
What else is nearby?
Humboldt Falls, at the end of the Hollyford Road.
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