Walking Tracks In Wanaka
Take a walk in paradise. Browse through the trails on offer in and around Wanaka.
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Mount Iron
This very popular, close to Wanaka loop walk suits all ages and abilities and offers great views of the surrounding area from the top, including Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.
Symbols: no bikes, dogs allowed, toilet (at car park)
Time: 1.5 hour loop
Grade: easy/moderate
Start / Finish: Car park on SH84 as you enter town, or off Allenby Place.
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Millennium Track/Waterfall Creek
Starting from the centre of town, this track meanders around the lake towards Waterfall Creek. Once it reaches Waterfall Creek car park, it takes you through undulating rural fields and awards great views over Wanaka.
Symbols:
Time: 1.5 hours one way
Grade: easy to Waterfall Creek, then easy/medium past this point.
Start / Finish: Wanaka CBD or Waterfall Creek car park on Ruby Island Road
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Mount Roy
Offering magnificent views over Wanaka and the Alps, this track is well worth the climb to the top. Pack a picnic and don’t forget your camera.
Note: Due to snow and ice, this track may not be suitable for use in winter
Symbols:
Time: 5-6 hours return, depending on level a fitness
Grade: medium fitness required
Start / Finish: car park at base of Mt Roy, on Mt Aspiring Road
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Eely Point/ Bremner Bay/ Outlet Track
Winding its way along the lake edge, this track is great for all ages and abilities. Once you reach the Outlet track section, you join alongside the Clutha River, and the track extends along here to end at Albert Town.
Symbols: bikes allowed, dogs allowed
Time: 1-2hours one way
Grade: easy
Start / Finish: Many entries along from Wanaka CBD to Penrith Beach, or from Albert Town end.
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Mount Aspiring National Park/ Matukituki Valley
The East and West Matukituki Valleys and Mount Aspiring National Park offer a number of enjoyable day walks across farmland and beech forest flats, as well as access to a number of demanding tramping and climbing routes. It is a walker’s paradise and a must for mountaineers.
Walking Tracks:
Pearl Flat to head of the Valley: 2 hour from Mt Aspiring Hut
Rob Roy Track: 3-4 hour return IMPORTANT NOTE: There is avalanche danger during winter and spring (June – November) on Rob Roy Track
Minaret Burn Track – This track is also suitable for horse riding, however to get gate access for horses please phone West Wanaka Station on 03 443 7144
Mt Aspiring Hut: 3-4hour return
Tramping Tracks:
Albert Burn Hut Track: 3-4hour
Aspiring Hut to Cascade Saddle: 4-5hour
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Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain Walks
Diamond Lake Conservation Area provides several walking options, which take in native forest, bluffs and beautiful Diamond Lake, or continue up to Rocky Mountain Summit for views over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding Alps.
Warning: Sections of the lower circuit are steep and often slippery. Because of ice this track is not recommended during winter.
Time:
Diamond Lake return: 20 min
Diamond lake viewpoint return: 1 hour
Lake Wanaka viewpoint return: 1.5 hours
Rocky Mountain circuit return: 3 hours
Grade: easy for Diamond Lake, medium/high for Rocky Mountain
Start/Finish: Diamond Lake Conservation Area, 12km from Wanaka on Matukituki Valley Road.
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Blue Pools
The short stroll to the Blue Pools is well worth a look if you are in the Makarora region. It winds down through native forest and across a swing bridge to the beautiful clear blue pools. Pack a picnic and take your togs in the summer.
Symbols:
Time: 40mins return
Grade: easy
Start / Finish: Car park is on Makarora/Haast Road, 45mins from Wanaka
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Reko’s Point Track
From the Stevensons Road car park the track starts on a terrace above the river and then leads down alongside the Clutha River, past old goal tailings a reaches a sheltered picnic spot. About an hour from the car park is the entrance to Reko’s Conservation area, where walkers can ramble at will or continue on to come out at Shortcut Road, near SH6.
Symbols:
Time: 1 hour
Grade: easy
Start / Finish: Car park at end of Stevensons Road, 9km from Wanaka on SH6
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