Glendhu Bay Track (Te Araroa)

This walk can also be started from the waterfront in Wanaka, which is only a few km from the track start above.  From the car park, follow the track along the lake north. It is quite well marked and follows the coastline offering stunning views of the mountains on both sides of the lake. Depending on the weather, you can often see Roy's Peak to the west of the track.  Follow the track until you...

To begin this hike park in the lakeside lot on the west edge of town and begin walking counter-clockwise around Lake Wanaka. The first destination you will reach is the famed Wanaka Tree, which is easily recognized by the crowds of people around it taking photos. A few tips for maximizing your opportunity to photograph this surreal and fanciful tree:a) Sunrise is the time to be there, there are...

The Waterfall Creek Track is a well-formed track without any major undulations that can be enjoyed by foot or bike. It's family- and dog-friendly, and is perhaps the most heavily walked stretch of Wanaka's shoreline.Within the first few hundred meters along the Waterfall Creek track you'll come upon 'that Wanaka tree", which is one of the most photographed (and Instagrammed!) trees in the world...

The Roys Peak carpark is an accessible trailhead 10 minutes outside of Wanaka that rewards anyone willing to spend a few hours slogging their way uphill with EPIC views of Lake Wanaka, the surrounding mountain ranges, and Aspiring National Park in the distance. For those who are interested in something that is equally challenging but significantly more adventurous, there is the Skyline Track th...

This is a very strenuous uphill hike, with very few level stretches along the way, so make sure you have a good level of fitness, and wear sturdy shoes to avoid blisters, as the way back down will be hard on your knees and feet. The track begins on private land, which is grassy with lots of sheep (and their poo) lying around, following a dirt road that turns into gravel once you've crossed int...

The Upper Clutha River track and Newcastle track can be joined to form a great ~28km loop that I highly recommend as a long run or a fun mountain bike ride. I suggest parking at the Hawea River swing bridge in Albert Town and starting off by going over the swing bridge to pick up the signposted Newcastle Track that follows the true left of the river. It will be a righthand turn off the main tra...