Lake Marian Falls and Lake Marian Track are about 30km from Milford Sound on the lower Hollyford Road off State Highway 94.
Lake Marian Falls’ new platform will be semi-circular and positioned to allow visitors to enjoy the dramatic waterfalls and water-sculpted rocks, away from the river’s edge.
The platform will also mark the start of the Lake Marian Track, which continues past the falls up to Lake Marian.
Lake Marian Track (which is for advanced tramping) is closed until about the end of May while the platform is built.
The timing of construction should be less disruptive to visitors as the track is busiest in summer.
Access along the Lake Marian Falls Track, which is easier to walk, will also be limited over the construction period.
It would not be possible to view the upper falls, but visitors can still access viewing spots over the lower rapids.
Doc Te Anau operations manager John Lucas said barriers would protect people while the new platform was built.
"Climbing over or around barriers to have a closer look could result in serious injury or death. For your own safety, respect the advice on signage and stay behind barriers."
Signage is in place at both the starting footbridge of the Lake Marian Falls Track and the point at Marian Falls, where the track was closed.
Doc said all visitors to the Lake Marian Track should avoid walking near the creek. The rocks are slippery, and Marian Creek’s current is strong.
Doc said while construction was under way at Lake Marian, visitors may like to explore stunning alternative tracks in the Fiordland National Park such as Key Summit Track or Hollyford Track. — APL
