Walking the Lake Monowai Peninsula Lookout Track
View from the end of the Lake Monowai Lookout Walk / tip of Mcbrides Peninsula.
The Lake Monowai Peninsula Lookout Track is a quiet, short and peaceful stroll to the end of the Mcbrides Peninsula, offering panoramic views of Lake Monowai. This family friendly walk takes you through beech forest filled with lots of native flora, fauna and fungi. It’s stroller friendly too!
In This Trail Guide:
Lake Monowai Lookout Track Map
Created by Mountain Mamas NZ - Image sourced from LINZ - Crown copyright ©
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Distance | 3 kilometers |
| Trail Type | Out-and-back |
| Elevation Gain | 5 meters |
| Time | 30 minutes |
| Family Friendliness | ★★★★★ |
| Pram Access | Yes |
| Dog Access | No |
| Trailhead Coordinates | 45°48'41.8"S 167°31'18.0"E |
About the Lake Monowai Peninsula Lookout Track
The trailhead for the Lake Monowai Lookout Track is located within the Lake Monowai Campsite. After passing the boat ramp and entering the campsite, you’ll see a green and yellow DOC sign on your left. This marks the start of the walk. While you’re here, it’s worthwhile to hang around for a swim or a picnic after your walk. There’s two long drop toilets, a few picnic tables and a fire pit / grill within the camping area.
This walk is as family friendly as it gets. It’s a flat and easy stroll through beechy shaded forest with practically no elevation gain at all. Strollers would handle the path with ease, though a 3 wheel offroad pram always makes it a smoother ride for bubs. We let our 1.5 year old toddler walk most of the trail on his own, as it was very well marked and easy to follow. It only takes about 15 minutes to get from the trailhead to the lookout.
Our 1.5 year old easily navigating the trail!
The thick forest shades you in almost completely, making this a great cool escape on a hot summer’s day. Also highly sheltered from the wind too. Fallen leaves all over the walkway make for a soft layer of cushioning underfoot. A great padding for when toddlers trip over their own feet too! Speaking from experience.
Take a moment to observe all the native flora, fauna and fungi around you. Various ferns, manuka, beech trees and even some funky shaped mushrooms are dappled along the trail. The forest is also teeming with bird life and you’ll likely be greeted with chirpy bird song along the way.
Glimpses of Lake Monowai can be seen through the trees majority of the time. At the end of the Mcbrides Peninsula, the views are much more expansive as you reach the lookout. There’s two wooden benches where you can sit and admire the beautiful Lake Monowai in front of you. I’ll admit though, the trees blocked a lot of the view from here. But luckily you can climb down to get a better look!
The official Lake Monowai Lookout. Trees block most of the view.
I wouldn’t recommend any young kids to attempt climbing down to the shore. It’s very steep and drops off about 1 meter from the ground with no further steps down. Adults or tall kids could manage it with a bit of hand and feet climbing, perhaps not after rain though. Don’t get too close to the edge either because it’s a wee cliff just waiting to collapse! From the bottom you get quite a panoramic look at Lake Monowai, with Fowler’s Arm to your right and Hinchey’s Outlet to your left.
This is an out and back trail, so return back the way you came when you’re done at the lookout. Overall, it’s a very quiet and peaceful half hour walk.
A mini cliff just waiting to collapse! That very large tree is half floating above nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, the Lake Monowai Lookout Track is very family friendly. It’s a flat and easy stroll through the forest, making it stroller and wheelchair accessible too.
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No, dogs are not allowed at Lake Monowai or in the campsite area.
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Lake Monowai covers 31 square kilometers, is about half a kilometer wide and approximately 160 meters deep.
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Monowai means “one water.” Monos is the Greek for one. Wai being the Maori word for water. Fun fact: the original Maori name for this lake is Manokiwai.
How to Get to Lake Monowai
Lake Monowai is approximately 45 minutes north of Tuatapere and 40 minutes south of Lake Manapouri. The turn off for Lake Monowai Road is along the Blackmount-Redcliff Highway. From the turnoff, the lake is 14 kilometers further and 8 km’s of that are on an unsealed gravel road. Stay to the left because the road that veers right is Borland Road.
The trailhead is after the boat ramp and just past the campsite, marked with a green and yellow DOC sign.
Other Things To Do in Lake Monowai
Bridge crossing on the Borland Nature Walk, just 20 minutes from Lake Monowai.
Lake Monowai is the gateway to tons of outdoor adventures. You’ll find plenty options for day walks, overnight tramps to backcountry huts, trout fishing, deer hunting, freedom camping, swimming and boating too. Here’s a few activities worth checking out nearby.
Lake Monowai Campsite: The trailhead for this walk starts within the camping area. It’s a free DOC campground open to all non self contained visitors.
Borland Nature Walk: (pictured above)
2.1km | 30m | 30 min
Mount Burns Tarns Track:
1.4km | 200m | 1hrBurnt Ridge Track:
5.3km | 120m | 1hr 20min
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.
