Lake Monowai Freedom Camping in Fiordland National Park
Lake Monowai Campsite is a quiet and off the beaten track freedom camping site in Fiordland National Park. This is a no cost site open to all non self contained campers. An ideal location for families with plenty opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, hunting and hiking.
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Freedom Campsite |
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NSC - Non Self Contained |
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Toilets - Long Drop |
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Water Tap - Non Treated |
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Campfires Permitted |
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No Dog Access |
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45°48'41.5"S 167°31'18.2"E |
Lake Monowai Freedom Campsite Facilities
TENT SITES
No designated tent sites are laid out, it’s more of a first come first serve free for all. Tents are to be pitched underneath the trees besides the gravel parking lot for campers. The ground is very soft and mushy, but not very level. You may also drive your car into the forest a bit further to find more spots, though keep in mind it can get muddy. The forest camping area can comfortably accommodate at least 10 well spaced out groups, possibly squeezing up to 15 if you’re willing to sacrifice some privacy.
Our cozy tent pitched under the trees. Hard for me to sleep though— We heard possums screeching above us all through the night!
CAR PARKS
The gravel area for campervans and cars is quite small, barely big enough for 5 small vans. There’s not much room to turn around either, especially when it’s packed full of cars for the night. It’s closer to the toilets and boat ramp than the tent sites are though.
TOILETS
Two long drop toilets can be found across from the boat ramp, approximately 100 meters out from the furthest camp sites. It’s quite a walk, so I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of campers err… don’t use them through the middle of the night. You know what I mean! There’s no sink for hand washing here either. DOC mentions a non treated water tap being available, but we did not see it during our stay.
Two long drop toilets across from the boat ramp.
CAMPFIRES
Fires are allowed in the campsite but you’re asked to contain them to the pre existing fire pits and not to create any new ones. Otherwise you’ll be eating into the already very limited tent pitching space! We saw two metal grills for campfire cooking in the forest area too, alongside a couple picnic tables.
BOOKINGS / FEES
It’s completely free to stay here, and there are no bookings required. Can’t beat that!
Two grills found in the tent camping area.
What To Do at Lake Monowai
1. Go Swimming in Lake Monowai
Tent campers have the luxury of being mere steps from the water. I found Lake Monowai to be super kid and toddler friendly. Not only are there tons of shallow areas, the lake bottom is super mushy and covered in moss, so you don’t even need water shoes! Since it’s so shallow, the water was super warm too. Kids will love playing in all the little pools and squishing their toes into the mossy flooor.
The boat ramp is directly to the left of you though, so it’s important to always be on the look out for boaters. Don’t forget the sandfly spray either! Sandflies are extremely abundant here.
So many safe, shallow spots for kids to get in the water and play!
2. Kayaking & Boating in Lake Monowai
Lake Monowai covers 31 square kilometers, is about half a kilometer wide and approximately 160 meters deep. Even though it’s considered one of the smaller Fiordland lakes, there’s plenty to explore in this boomerang shaped body of water. Calm waters make this a great spot for kayakers or paddle boarders. Adrenaline seeking kayakers can do a challenging white water run from where the Grebe River flows into Monowai Lake.
After the dam and just before the campsite, you’ll see a boat launching ramp to your left. It’s a concrete boat ramp that isn’t too deep and isn’t too shallow. It didn’t look too difficult to navigate, but there’s no jetty to tie onto so you’ll have to be careful not to scratch your boat on the rocks from the dam retaining wall. You should also stay on the lookout for submerged tree trunks around the shorelines.
The Lake Monowai boat ramp, made of concrete, is seen on the far right.
3. Walk the Lake Monowai Peninsula Lookout Track (30min)
Starting from the campsite, this half hour return walk takes you to the tip of Mcbrides peninsula which offers a wide view of Lake Monowai. It’s a flat and easy stroll through the forest with lots of mossy trees, native ferns and mushrooms to be seen along the way. Bird watchers will love this trail— there’s more than 45 bird species found near the area surrounding Borland. Read more about the walk to Lake Monowai Lookout.
The Lake Monowai Peninsula Lookout Track starts in the camping area.
4. Fishing in Lake Monowai
Lake Monowai and it’s tributary rivers provide good brown and rainbow trout fishing opportunities. Anglers do need to have a current fishing license though.
5. Hunting Near Lake Monowai
A low to moderate amount of red deer can be found throughout Fiordland. Hunters must hold a permit and are not permitted to hunt within 500 meters of Borland Road.
How to Get to Lake Monowai
Located approximately 45 minutes north of Tuatapere and 40 min south of Lake Manapouri, the turn off is along the Blackmount-Redcliff Highway. From the Lake Monowai Road turnoff, the lake is 14 kilometers further. 8 of those k’s are on an unsealed gravel road. Stick to the left, as the road that veers to the right is Borland Road.
Other Things To Do Near Lake Monowai
Fiordland is known for it’s isolated and untouched scenery. Borland Road is the gateway to an outdoor lover’s paradise, offering numerous walking trails, backcountry huts, lakes for fishing or boating, and even hunting too. Here’s a few activities near Lake Monowai (up Borland Road) worth checking out:
Borland Nature Walk (30min return) pictured above.
Shorter Walking Tracks:
Borland Nature Walk (30min)
Mount Burns Tarns Track (1hr)
Burnt Ridge Track (3hr)
South Borland Track (3hr one way)
Overnight Tramping:
Borland Bivvy / Bivouac to Green Lake Hut (2.5 hours one way)
Monowai Hut Track (5 hours one way)
Rodger Inlet Hut (6 hours one way + 4.5 hours to bushline)
North Borland Hut (7 hours one way)
Stay at Borland Lodge: The nearest accommodation and a convenient starting point to all your outdoor activities in the Borland and Grebe Valley. Featuring numerous small chalets and wooden cabins, this is a good option for those who like glamping.
Disclaimer: Please adventure at your own risk. The author of this article is not liable for any injuries or damage that may occur. It is up to the individual to determine their own capabilities and limits, and to thoroughly research before venturing into the great outdoors. Read our full Disclaimer.
