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Borland Saddle, Fiordland National Park
1 km
48 minutes
210 metres
If you are looking for that "top of the world" feeling without spending days trekking into the wilderness, the Mt Burns Tarns Track is one of Fiordland’s best-kept secrets. Located in a remote corner of the South Island, this walk offers an incredible "effort-to-reward" ratio. While it is short, don’t let the 1-kilometre distance fool you; it’s a steep, punchy climb that delivers you directly into a pristine alpine wonderland.
The journey begins at the Borland Saddle, which, at 990 metres above sea level, is already quite high up. This high-altitude starting point means you are already halfway to the clouds before you even lace up your boots. The track is classified by the Department of Conservation (DOC) as an Advanced tramping track, and you’ll understand why the moment you step off the gravel.
The first section of the walk plunges you into a dense, magical world of native beech forest. This isn't just any forest; it is a lush, moss-draped kingdom dominated by Lophozonia menziesii (silver beech). The air here is cool and earthy, and the ground is a tangle of ancient roots that act as natural, albeit slippery, stairs. You’ll need to watch your footing, as windfall trees and exposed rocks are common. It’s a steep, lung-busting ascent right from the get-go, but the forest is so beautiful you might find yourself stopping for "photo breaks" just to catch your breath.
The magic of the Mt Burns Tarns Track lies in how quickly the landscape transforms. In about 10 to 15 minutes of solid climbing, the canopy thins, the trees shrink into stunted sub-alpine scrub, and suddenly, you burst out onto the open tops. The transition is startling. One minute you are in a shaded green tunnel, and the next, you are standing in wide-open alpine tussockland with the wind in your hair and the horizon stretching out forever.
The track continues to climb through the golden snow tussocks, eventually leveling out at a series of shimmering alpine tarns. These small, glacial-fed pools are nestled in the folds of Mt Burns, sitting like jewels against the rugged landscape. The terrain here can be boggy, so expect to get a little mud on your boots as you explore the edges of the water.
A spacious parking area and toilet facilities are available at Borland Saddle (990m above sea level), which serves as the trailhead for the Mt Burns Tarns Track. There is space for approximately 10 cars without blocking the road. Access is via the unsealed Borland Road, which is narrow and steep in places, and subject to slips, washouts, snow, ice, high winds, and fallen trees. The road is generally suitable for 4WD and some other vehicles depending on conditions, but it is not recommended for campervans, caravans, or trailers. There is no cell phone coverage or emergency services along Borland Road.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Nestor notabilis
Intelligent alpine parrot endemic to the South Island. Known for curiosity and problem-solving abilities.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
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Out and back
The undisputed stars of the show are the alpine tarns. On a calm day, these pools turn into perfect liquid mirrors, reflecting the massive Fiordland sky and the surrounding peaks with crystal clarity. If you are a photographer, this is your playground. The contrast between the deep blue of the water and the golden-brown hues of the tussock is spectacular.
Beyond the tarns, the 360-degree panorama is simply world-class. From this vantage point, you can look down into the deep, carved-out Grebe Valley, or spot the distant reaches of Green Lake and Lake Monowai. To the east, the jagged silhouettes of the Hunter and Takitimu Mountains dominate the skyline.
For those with a bit more gas in the tank and solid navigation skills, the adventure doesn't have to end at the tarns. While the official marked track stops here, an unmarked route continues upward to the summit of Mt Burns (1645m). This extension is a significant undertaking, adding several hours and requiring experience in alpine route-finding, but for the seasoned tramper, it offers an even more commanding view of the Fiordland interior.
Getting to the trailhead is an adventure in its own right. The track starts from the top of Borland Road at the Borland Saddle. To get there, you’ll turn off the Southern Scenic Route (SH99) near Monowai and follow the unsealed Borland Road.
Be warned: this road is narrow, steep, and unsealed. It was originally built for the construction of the power lines from the West Arm of Lake Manapouri, and it retains that rugged, industrial feel. It is not recommended for campervans, caravans, or trailers. A 4WD is the best tool for the job, especially after rain when the road can be prone to washouts or slips.
There is a reasonably spacious parking area at the saddle with enough room for about 10 cars. You’ll also find toilet facilities here—it’s a good idea to make use of them before you start, as there is absolutely no cover once you hit the alpine zone! Remember, there is no cell phone coverage out here, so make sure someone knows your intentions before you head into the hills.
Fiordland is a stronghold for New Zealand’s unique birdlife, and the Mt Burns Tarns Track is a fantastic place to spot some of our more elusive species.
The area around Mt Burns and the Borland Road is steeped in both natural and human history. This region is part of Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for its outstanding natural values. For Māori, Fiordland (Te Rua-o-te-Moko) was a place for gathering pounamu (greenstone) and hunting, with trails connecting the coast to the inland lakes.
The Borland Road itself is a fascinating piece of 1960s engineering. It was carved out of the wilderness to allow the installation of the massive transmission lines that carry electricity from the Manapouri Power Station across the mountains. Today, it serves as a vital gateway for trampers, hunters, and mountain bikers looking to access the remote Grebe Valley and the South Arm of Lake Manapouri.
After you’ve descended and navigated the winding Borland Road back to civilisation, you’ll likely be craving a good meal and a cold drink.
The Mt Burns Tarns Track may be short, but it leaves a lasting impression. It's a raw, concentrated dose of Fiordland magic that reminds us why this corner of the world is so special.
Cyanoramphus auriceps
These noisy, small green parrots are commonly found high in the forest canopy, identified by their distinctive yellow crown and chatter.
Best time: Year-round
Falco novaeseelandiae
Also known as Kārearea. Fast and agile raptor found in both forest and open country.
Best time: Year-round
Xenicus gilviventris
One of New Zealand's few truly alpine birds, the tiny and elusive rock wren inhabits rocky areas above the treeline.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round