Monro Beach Track
Whakapohai Wildlife Refuge
Monro Beach Track is a short return walk in South Westland that can be accessed immediately from the highway. The beach is a breeding site of the endangered Fiordland crested penguin / Tawaki.
| Details | |
| Length | 5.2 km return |
| Time Required | 1 hr 30 min |
| Trail Type | Walking track |
| Physical Difficulty | Easy |
| Uses | Walking and trail running |
Monro Beach Track does not connect to any other tracks.
1 hr from Fox Glacier | 30 min from Haast
Monro Beach Track is located at Lake Moeraki, South Westland. The car park is accessed from Haast Highway (SH6), right next to the Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge.
The well-graded walking track heads through tall podocarp forest featuring magnificent rimu, kahikatea and ferns, which are protected within the Whakapohai Wildlife Refuge (which itself is encompassed by the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area). The track gently climbs to a saddle then descends a shallow gully alongside an unnamed stream, all the way to Monro Beach. The beach itself is about 500 m long and is bounded by two rocky headlands.
The rocks above the beach are a nesting site for Fiordland crested penguin / Tawaki. These are most likely seen during breeding season (Jul-Nov). If you are lucky enough to see them, make sure you keep your distance (at least 20 m).
Return the way you came.
Monro Beach Track does not connect to any other tracks.