Lakeshore Hiking in Wanaka

Panorama Lake Wanaka

Wanaka Part 1  - click here

Wanaka Part 2

Take a walk with me………….

Hiking Signboard at Lake Wanaka

There are numerous hiking trails in Wanaka. The easiest is the lakeside trail following the lake. On the left side of the lake is the Lakeshore Walkway trail. As the signboard on the right shows, it takes about 1 hour walking to reach this point – Waterfall Creek Reserve.

I did this a few times – sometimes I follow the shoreline and other times I follow the trail. It is a popular route with many people jogging, hiking and cycling. Wanaka is simply gorgeous in Autumn – all that blaze of yellow, auburn and red colors serenading the lake.

Before reaching this point, these pictures show the views along the trail.

Ribbon Vineyard

Ribbon vineyard along Lake Wanaka

Edgewater Resort

Edgewater Resort

Trees

Trees along Lake Wanaka

Upon reaching Waterfall Creek Reserve, another hiking trail “Wanaka Millennium Walkway” starts here. I believe the track here is also called Damper Bay Track.

Wanaka Millennium Walkway

Came across this article on further development on this track.

Cross over the bridge and the next track begins.

Bridge along Lake Wanaka

After climbing a steep incline, this is the view of the landscape below.

Top view Wanaka Millennium Walkway

After all that hiking, at the end of the trail is a quiet bay. There are a few benches here for a picnic and to simply relax.

Quiet Bay at end of Wanaka Millennium Walkway

Wanaka – Right Side of Lake

The nearest picnic spot on the right side of Lake Wanaka is Eely Point. Before reaching there, a view of the marina.

Marina at Lake Wanaka

Eely Point Signboard

Hiking signboard at Lake Wanaka

Passing by Eely Point, the hiking trail diverse into three trails. I opted to walk forward to Bremner Bay.

There is also a bridge to cross on the right side of the lake.

While I was hiking there, a gail was blowing and the water looked very choppy. Wouldn’t want to be on the lake at the moment. The trail reaches all the way to Albert Town. It is a long way to walk, preferably done on a bicyle.

Ducks relaxing in Lake Wanaka

Hiking Trail along Lake Wanaka

These are the easy walking trails that follow the lake shore. If you are coming to Wanaka and aim to do some hiking, below are more information.

Other hiking trails in Wanaka

• Rob Roy Glacier walk
• The Outlet Track down the Clutha River
• Glendhu Bay to Damper Bay
• Clutha River Track from Albert Town to Luggate
• Hawea River Track from Albert Town to Hawea
• The Blue Pools near Makarora
• Gillespie Pass (Wilkin-Young) 3 day alpine tramp

Overall, it is a pleasant walking experience that can be done as a family. For more information on the walking tracks in Wanaka, click here and here.

There are more hiking options in Mt Aspiring National Park and Wanaka is the starting point. Visit  DOC – Mt Aspiring National Park for more information.

Till next time, have a great day ahead!

Chill Out at Wanaka

Red Sunset in Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

Getting into Wanaka

Wanaka – Part 1

Part 2 here

After the hustle and bustle of Queenstown, how about catching your breath in Wanaka? Lake and mountains – here is Wanaka. For peace and quiet, this is the place to be.

The above picture is a blood red sunset taken in winter. If you plan to photograph sunrise here, wake up early and turn to the left side of the lake. Sunset is on the right side of the lake.

I love coming to Wanaka because it is so laidback. I can simply chill out and not do anything. There is less commercialism here and I hope it remains so. Feel so lucky to see this place in various seasons and in all kinds of weather, good or bad.

Lake Wanaka - high water level

The water level in the lake varies from season to season. At times, the level recedes. At one visit, the water level was so high I couldn’t reach an old pier which did not stretch all the way to the shore line.

Getting Here

There are regular buses arriving here. The best place to check time schedule and cost is the I-site. Use the YHA card to get discounts.

I-Site at Wanaka

Everybody goes to the lake. The I-site is a classic log cabin – very unique among all the other I-sites. Kayaks are available for hire and there is also a lake cruise. It is always fun to hire bicycles and there are endless tracks here. Grab a map at the I-site for more information.

Take your children to the playground. They will love playing with the dinosaur. The playground overview the lake – great scenery!

In winter, test your skills skiing and snowboarding at the mountains - Cardrona Alpine Resort, Treble Cone, Snow Farm and Snow Park. Nearby are Coronet Peak and The Remarkables though these mountains are closer to Queenstown. For more information, click here.

Wanaka Playground

Winter in Wanaka

There are plenty of other fun attractions in Wanaka. If you are after thrills, go skydiving or white water sledghing here. How about a game of paintball? Want to play at the Adventure park? How about a movie at the Cinema Piradiso?

For more information, click on the following links for the various things to do in Wanaka.

Kayaks at Wanaka

Attractions and Things to do in Wanaka

Sky Dive Wanaka

White Water Sledghing

Puzzling World

Fighter Pilots Museum

Transport and Toy Museum

Basecamp Wanaka

Adventure Park

Wanaka Paintball

Cinema Paradiso

Have A Shot

For more information on the town, click on Lake Wanaka.

I come to Wanaka mostly to chill out, take in the sight and do some light hiking. There is a big New Market here so stock up before leaving for the next town.

Wanaka Part 2 is on next post. Stay tune!

Old pier at Lake Wanaka