The Chasm Walk

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On the South Island, among all the beauties of the SH 94 road, a stop at Chasm is a must, located about ten kilometres before its terminus at Milford Sound. This short hike begins in a rainforest filled with the sound of water and birdsong, which gradually gives way to a thunderous noise announcing the waterfalls and whirlpools of the Cleddau River as it carves its way through the bottom of a chasm. From above, in a misty atmosphere, the view of the turbulent river is breathtaking. After this lovely walk, an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound is a must to discover the iconic sights of this remote corner of the world: Bowen Falls, Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls and the sea lions of Seal Rock.

Details

n°64433018
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 0.77 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 0h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 67 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 67 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 579 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 512 m
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Photos

Milford Sound
Bowen Falls
Chasm Primary Forest.
The Chasm

Description of the walk

From Te Anau on the South Island, follow signs for Milford Sound on Highway 94. After 107 km on a road with superb views, including Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Christie Falls, Homer Tunnel in a snow-covered cirque and Hundred Falls, you will reach the Chasm Walk car park, signposted on the left.

(S/E) Follow the Chasm Walkway (south-west) through a lush rainforest populated by birds such as the colourful Kea mountain parrot, which will be delighted to peck at your favourite treats, the door seals and windscreen wipers of your vehicle, when you're not looking!

(1) At the fork, keep right and approach the deep chasm formed by the Cleddau River, which cascades over the rocks with a terrifying roar and swirls in the devil's pots, disappearing and reappearing a little further on. Cross the river via a first footbridge, then a second one to complete the small loop.

(1) Turn back to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 512 m - Parking
  2. 1 : km 0.3 - alt. 575 m - Start of the loop
  3. S/E : km 0.77 - alt. 512 m - Parking

Notes

The well-secured trail is easy to navigate.
Do not leave your car unattended or you may find the tyres of your vehicle torn by Kea parrots.

Other walks in the area

Walking A stroll around Milford Sound

Association / Club / Walk leader
Promenade à Milford Sound
↔2.11 km ↗+22 m ↘-21 m ◔0h 40 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from New Zealand
A short walk offering beautiful views of Milford Sound. A good complement to a boat or kayak trip in the Milford Sound.

Walking Gertrude Saddle Route

Association / Club / Walk leader
Col Gertrude
↔9.28 km ↗+797 m ↘-787 m ◔4h 55 ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from New Zealand
This hike can be broken down into three/four parts, first along the torrent with three torrent crossings, a scramble up, then continuing on a slab before arriving at Black Lake, then another fine ascent between slab and scrambles to reach the saddle and a superb view. ⚠️ Please check the weather forecast as some parts can't be accessed when there is too much rain/ice.

Walking Marian Lake, Fiordland National Park

Association / Club / Walk leader
Lac Marian
↔5.96 km ↗+429 m ↘-429 m ◔2h 55 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from New Zealand
First, walk along a turquoise-blue torrent to finally reach the edge of a lake with beautiful reflections.

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