Lake Gunn Lake
Alpine lake in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
In Southland, Lake Gunn lies among tussock and beech country; trampers and anglers use it as a base for nearby walking tracks and backcountry camps.
Lake Gunn at a Glance#
Address: Lake Gunn, near Eglinton Valley / Milford Road (State Highway 94), Fiordland, Southland Region, New Zealand
Website: https://www.doc.govt.nz
Hours: Open 24 hours (natural area)
Admission: Free (natural area); DOC campground fees may apply nearby
How to Get to Lake Gunn#
Accessible directly from State Highway 94 (Milford Road) between Te Anau and Milford Sound. The main car park and short loop walk are a short pull-off from the highway; allow extra travel time in winter when road conditions can change.
Tips for Visiting Lake Gunn#
- Stop at the small DOC car park on SH94 if approaching from Te Anau-there is a short nature walk through beech forest to lakeside viewpoints.
- The lake sits close to the Milford Road (SH94); weather can change quickly-carry waterproof layers.
- Dawn and dusk are best for reflections and quiet photography; avoid the busiest midday tourist coach hours.
Best Time to Visit Lake Gunn#
Summer for accessibility and light; shoulder seasons bring quieter conditions and more dramatic weather.
Weather & Climate near Lake Gunn#
Lake Gunn's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -2°C to 18°C. Heavy rainfall (2858 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 7° - 17° | 12° | 340 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 7° - 18° | 12° | 162 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 6° - 16° | 11° | 237 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 4° - 12° | 5° | 216 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 1° - 8° | 1° | 301 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -2° - 5° | -2° | 190 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -2° - 5° | -2° | 121 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | -1° - 7° | -2° | 148 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 0° - 9° | 0° | 209 mm | - | - | 6.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 3° - 11° | 3° | 359 mm | - | - | 6.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 4° - 14° | 6° | 187 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 6° - 16° | 11° | 388 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
