Otago
Gladstone to Wanaka - OPEN
(North to South)
Gladstone Track - 6.8km / 1.5-2hr
The Upper Clutha Tracks Trust opened this lakeside track in 2011 and, in doing so, finished Te Araroa through the Upper Clutha region. The track links reserves at Gladstone and Lake Hawea Village and is mainly on the terrace above the lakeshore.
From the Gladstone Reserve the track starts on compacted gravel and heads west around the lakeshore. The track soon crosses Johns Creek (usually dry) and then rises towards Denniston Rd. It runs alongside the road briefly and then continues straight ahead onto the terrace above the lake.
After half an hour the track veers inland and descends gently to cross a creek bed. It and then returns to the terrace along the lake fringe. A second creek bed is crossed with a similarly benign descent and climb about 1.5km further along.
The track continues along the terrace and crosses a cattle stop at the town boundary. The track enters the Lake Hawea Reserve here where it remains for the final half hour or so.The formed track ends on Capell Rd about 100m from the Domain Rd intersection, which is adjacent to the Hawea River control gates.
Hawea River Track - 12km / 2.5-3.5hr
The Hawea River Track was another Upper Clutha Tracks Trust project.
It is a high spec track that’s suitable for both walking and biking. Bikes and prams can cross the swingbridge but need to be carried down the steps at the southern end.
The initial 800m, from Lake Hawea to a carpark, is road margin but from there it is easy and pleasant walking along the Hawea River through to the Albert Town Recreation Reserve, a short distance from Albert Town.
The Albert Town Reserve campground is located immediately over Hawea River Bridge ($7.00 per night – toilet, water and parking only).
The track beyond the bridge to Albert Town is unmarked. The way, however, is straightforward and initially on vehicle tracks to SH6 Lake Hawea-Albert Town Rd. Turn left onto the road shoulder. The foot path on the right hand side crosses the Clutha River Bridge. Te Araroa's Hawea River Track ends here. (The Albert Town shops are straight ahead and a short distance away.)
Outlet Track - 12km / 3-4hr
This track comprises 3 popular local tracks: the Outlet; Beacon Point and Bremner Bay Tracks. It takes walkers from Albert Town through to the Wanaka CBD lake frontage.
From the Albert Town (true right) side of the Clutha River Bridge Te Araroa heads upstream on the riverside trail. There is a toilet and interpretation panels a little over a kilometre further along. Continue riverside towards the Lake Wanaka's outlet.
The track ends at the Visitors' Centre on the lakeshore.
- Vehicles on road or track in some places
- Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
- Take care on shared cycle/walkways
(North to South)
Gladstone Track - 6.8km / 1.5-2hr
The Upper Clutha Tracks Trust opened this lakeside track in 2011 and, in doing so, finished Te Araroa through the Upper Clutha region. The track links reserves at Gladstone and Lake Hawea Village and is mainly on the terrace above the lakeshore.
From the Gladstone Reserve the track starts on compacted gravel and heads west around the lakeshore. The track soon crosses Johns Creek (usually dry) and then rises towards Denniston Rd. It runs alongside the road briefly and then continues straight ahead onto the terrace above the lake.
After half an hour the track veers inland and descends gently to cross a creek bed. It and then returns to the terrace along the lake fringe. A second creek bed is crossed with a similarly benign descent and climb about 1.5km further along.
The track continues along the terrace and crosses a cattle stop at the town boundary. The track enters the Lake Hawea Reserve here where it remains for the final half hour or so.The formed track ends on Capell Rd about 100m from the Domain Rd intersection, which is adjacent to the Hawea River control gates.
Hawea River Track - 12km / 2.5-3.5hr
The Hawea River Track was another Upper Clutha Tracks Trust project.
It is a high spec track that’s suitable for both walking and biking. Bikes and prams can cross the swingbridge but need to be carried down the steps at the southern end.
The initial 800m, from Lake Hawea to a carpark, is road margin but from there it is easy and pleasant walking along the Hawea River through to the Albert Town Recreation Reserve, a short distance from Albert Town.
The Albert Town Reserve campground is located immediately over Hawea River Bridge ($7.00 per night – toilet, water and parking only).
The track beyond the bridge to Albert Town is unmarked. The way, however, is straightforward and initially on vehicle tracks to SH6 Lake Hawea-Albert Town Rd. Turn left onto the road shoulder. The foot path on the right hand side crosses the Clutha River Bridge. Te Araroa's Hawea River Track ends here. (The Albert Town shops are straight ahead and a short distance away.)
Outlet Track - 12km / 3-4hr
This track comprises 3 popular local tracks: the Outlet; Beacon Point and Bremner Bay Tracks. It takes walkers from Albert Town through to the Wanaka CBD lake frontage.
From the Albert Town (true right) side of the Clutha River Bridge Te Araroa heads upstream on the riverside trail. There is a toilet and interpretation panels a little over a kilometre further along. Continue riverside towards the Lake Wanaka's outlet.
The track ends at the Visitors' Centre on the lakeshore.
Lake Hawea Village
Lake Hawea Motor Inn - Capell Ave, Lake Hawea - E: info@lakehawea.co.nz - P: 0800 429 324 or 03 443 1224 - Motel and hostel accommodation, restaurant and bar
Resupply
Sailz Lake Hawea - 33 Capell Ave, Lake Hawea - P: 03 443 1696 - General store, post office, café and Bar / Restaurant
Transport
Alpine ConneXions - 460 Aubrey Rd, Wanaka - P: 03 443 9120 - E: info@alpineconnexions.co.nz - Wanaka Pickup/Drop off point outside Sports Wanaka 17/23 Dunmore St, Wanaka
Albert Town
Accommodation
Zula Lodge (Formerly known as Albert Town Lodge) - 8 Wexford St, Albert Town - P: 03 443 9487 - E: stay@zulalodge.co.nz - Backpacker accommodation
Resupply
Albert Town Store - 20 Alison Ave, Albert Town - P: 03 443 2411 - Dairy and tavern
Wanaka
Lake Wanaka i-Site Visitors Centre - 103 Ardmore St, Wanaka - P: 03 443 1233
Regular shuttle services link Wanaka with Queenstown, Christchurch and Dunedin.
InterCity - P: 03 365 1113
Atomic Shuttles - P: 03 349 0697
Southern Link - P: 0508 458 835 - Queenstown and Christchurch only.
Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park - 212 Brownston St, Wanaka - P: 03 443 7883 - E: info@wanakalakeview.co.nz - cabins, campsites and backpacker accommodation.
There are also many other options available at all levels in Wanaka.
New World Supermarket - 20 Dunmore St, Wanaka - P: 03 443 7966
4 Four Square Supermarket - 70 Ardmore St, Wanaka - P: 03 443 7173
- Keep to the track
- Respect private land
- Take all rubbish with you
- Use toilets provided
(Start)
- Full range of amenities (limited) in Lake Hawea
- Car park
- Picnic area
- Accommodation in Lake Hawea
(On Route)
- No amenities - minimal resupply options
- Toilets
- Accommodation as noted in Trail Notes
(End)
- Full range of amenities in Wanaka
- Carpark
- Picnic area
- Toilets
- Shop
- Accommodation
