Regional Short Walks

Here is a selection of short walks that are within a reasonable driving distance of Lake Wanaka.

If you’re driving to Wanaka from the West Coast, you’ll be passing by some of these walks, so take a few minutes to stretch your legs and enjoy the beauty of this region. Most of the walks are signposted although the some of these signs can be difficult to see, so keep an eye out for them if you’re in a vehicle.

If you’re already in Wanaka, these walks are approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes drive away. The walks themselves will take anywhere between 10 minutes and 1 hour.

Thunder Creek Falls

Thunder Creek Falls

A 2-minute walk (wheelchair access) through silver beech-podocarp rainforest just below the Gates of Haast bridge, for a view of a 28 metre waterfall.

Cameron Creek

A 10-minute walk one way through mountain silver beech forest to a lookout and views of Makarora Valley.

Blue Pools

A 15-minute walk one way through silver beech forest to crystal-clear pools in the Blue River. Swing bridge over the Makarora River

Bridle Track

A well graded walk (1.5 hours one way) through beech forest following an old packhorse track between Haast Pass and Davis Flat.

Haast Pass / Tioripatea Lookout

From the carpark at the Haast Pass, a short though steady track leads to a view point near the bushline that provides a stunning vista over the Makarora Valley. 1 hour return.

For more details on these walks and further information contact:

Department of Conservation, Lake Wanaka Area Office,

PO Box 93, Lake Wanaka, New Zealand.

Ph 64 3 443 7660 Fax 64 3 443 8777 Email: mtaspiringvc@doc.govt.nz