Lake Sylvan

Image Credit: 'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, NZG-19071214-2-2

A little gem at the gateway to the Routeburn track, the Lake Sylvan walkway is the perfect introduction to Mount Aspiring National Park for those without the time or inclination for a multi-day hike. Lake Sylvan is only around 40 minutes walk from the start of the Routeburn track and DoC manages a campground there. The walk is easy, camping area is pretty and grassy, there is an excellent swing-bridge over the river and the lake itself is a good photography subject. An alernative track is longer but even easier as it follows the route of an historic tramway.
Technically the Lake itself is part of the West Coast, as is the rest of the park, but the access is via Glenorchy then up the river to the start of the Routeburn Track.

ULTIMATE NATURE EXPERIENCE FROM QUEENSTOWN: DART RIVER JET BOAT RIDE AND LAKE SYLVAN HIKE