Lake Mackenzie Swim

The guys LOVE a challenge and as much as this one wasn't exactly planned years in advance, it could not have gone better!

Nestled deep within Fiordland National Park in New Zealand’s Southland region, Lake Mackenzie is a glacially carved alpine lake surrounded by rugged, rainforest-clad mountains.

Getting there is no small feat. Unless you happen to have access to a helicopter and permission to land, the only way in is a full day’s hike along the iconic Routeburn Track.

Trading Comfort for Challenge

For this mission, Aaron Davis and Ben Davies made a bold gear decision. Out went the usual hiking luxuries. Bourbon, gin, and happy hour essentials were replaced with wetsuits and hoodies.

A questionable trade at the best of times. Even more so when you consider that Lake Mackenzie is fed by fresh alpine snowmelt. There was a very real chance this could rank as one of the worst decisions ever made.

Into the Unknown

Pre swim research turned up very little. Searches across Strava, tramping forums, and Google revealed no evidence of anyone attempting a full swim of the lake. Plenty had taken a quick dip after the hike, but a 2 kilometre swim in sub alpine conditions appeared to sit firmly in the category of either brave or foolish.

The Journey In

The day began early with a three hour bus trip from Queenstown to Te Anau, followed by the hike to the lake.Weather conditions looked ominous at first, but the skies cleared, delivering a stunning five hour trek. Pace setter Lana kept things honest, pushing the team along with little sympathy for what she may have considered two ageing rhinos.

Decision Time

The window between finishing the hike and the start of happy hour, courtesy of Ultimate Hikes, was short. Just short enough to prevent any second guessing.

Despite the wetsuits feeling suspiciously tighter than remembered, a reminder to store them out of the sun, Aaron and Ben joined a group of fellow hikers, the self named “Paradise Ducks”, for the slow walk down to the lake.

The Reality Check

The setting was breathtaking.

Snow covered peaks reflected off crystal clear water. The scene was as stunning as it was intimidating.Estimated water temperature sat at around 10 degrees Celsius.

A few minutes were spent acclimating, along with some quiet reflection on life choices. The first 200 metres resembled more of a water polo scramble than a swim. Even with a wetsuit hood, the cold made it nearly impossible to keep faces in the water for long.

Eventually, the body adapted. Hands, feet, and face numbed enough to settle into rhythm.

The swim was on.

The Crossing

Aaron took the lead, setting the pace, while keeping a close eye on his wingman.

The lake stretches just under one kilometre in length. At the halfway point, there was a brief but very real discussion about whether to push on or turn back. A conversation that had never surfaced in previous challenges. That alone says everything about the conditions.

Turning back was considered. Continuing was chosen.

Into the Depths

The push to the far end of the lake brought a surreal contrast.

Near the shoreline, crystal clear water revealed massive granite slabs left behind by glaciers thousands of years ago. Just metres beyond that, the lake dropped away into a deep green abyss. It was equal parts beauty and intimidation.

Mission Complete

After 40 minutes, the swim was complete.

Two swimmers emerged onto the far shore, greeted by a mix of curiosity and disbelief from hikers and tourists from around the world. Until proven otherwise, Aaron and Ben are claiming it  - The first to swim Lake Mackenzie.

Final Thoughts

Some challenges are planned. Others are questioned. And a few sit somewhere between brilliant and completely irrational. This one definitely leans toward the latter.

But that is exactly what makes it worth doing.

Bring on Alcatraz - August 2026!!