2019-05-01 Wilderness

PAT BARRETT

http://www.wildernessmag.co.nz

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FEW PLACES IN New Zealand rival the exquisite

beauty of Shallow Bay, right outside the door of Moturau

Hut on the Kepler Track Great Walk in Fiordland.

Undoubtedly, the grand backdrop of the Lake Man-

apouri mountains is the centrepiece for this arresting

panorama. Yet all this is offered just for the effort of an

easy 90-minute walk along an undulating path through

pristine red beech forest.

The forest possesses enough stately beauty itself to

entice walkers to ascend the steep terrace above the

Waiau River, but the view from the hut deck, and espe-

cially the beach, is undeniably supreme.

Saunter along the sandy shore, gazing over Man-

apouri’s many islets to the Kepler, Hunter, and Turret

ranges to appreciate Fiordland’s mystique, hidden depths

and, perhaps, the allure of great adventures to come.

It’s a place of the heart.

• Pat Barrett

WILD FILE
Access From
Rainbow Reach onthe
Waiau River between-
Lake Te Anauand
Lake Manapouri
GradeEasy
Time2hr
Distance 5.87km
Total ascent95m
Accommodation
Moturau Hut ($65, 20
bunks)
Map CD07

E m e - d. y r m m n 0 ) 7

Wandering along Shallow Bay Beach

on the shores of Lake Manapouri