Instead of driving to the trail head for your next tramp, why not take a boat?

The Dusky Track is a challenging 84km hike linking lakes Hauroko and Manapouri. A scheduled boat service operates across Lake Hauroko to the start of the track.

Nestled deep in the mountains of Aspiring National Park, Siberia Valley can be reached by jet boat from Makarora to Kerin Forks. From the forks there is a range of hikes, including to Siberia Hut (three hours), Crucible Lake and the Gillespie Pass Circuit.

A private boat or water taxi can also be taken to the jetty opposite Pearl Harbour in Manapōuri, from where there’s access to the 3hr Circle Track or the 4–6hr return track to Hope Arm.

Special mention should be made of the Abel Tasman Track – which can be seen from the water the whole way!