Wanaka Walks and Hiking

Wanaka sits at 300 metres above sea level at the southern end of Lake Wanaka, one of New Zealand’s largest lakes at 45 km long. The town is surrounded by mountains on three sides, which means most walks here come with big views from the moment you start.

I’ve been walking in Wanaka for years. The lakeside tracks are my regular go-to, but there’s everything here from an easy 45-minute stroll to a full-day summit climb. All the walks listed below are free.

Short and easy walks in Wanaka

• The Waterfall Creek Track is the classic easy walk from town. It follows the lake edge for 3.93 km one way, passing the famous Wanaka Tree about five minutes in. The tree was vandalised in 2020 and looks quite different from older photos, but it’s still worth a look. Flat, wide, and good underfoot the whole way.
• The Slaughterhouse Creek Walk picks up where Waterfall Creek ends. Rockier and steeper, with two proper climbs and the best views on this stretch of the lake, including down onto Ruby Island. A noticeable step up from the Waterfall Creek section.
• The Lake Wanaka Lookout is a 5 km, 2 hour 30 minute medium walk with panoramic views over the lake and ranges.
• The Diamond Lake Walk is 2.5 km, about an hour, medium difficulty. Go early morning for the best reflections on the lake.

The Wanaka Tree

The Wanaka Tree is a willow growing out of the lake about five minutes along the Waterfall Creek Track from the town car park. It’s the most photographed spot in Wanaka and you’ll usually find a crowd around it, especially in summer.

It looks quite different from the classic photos you may have seen. Several limbs were sawn off by vandals in 2020 and the tree hasn’t fully recovered. It’s still worth a look, just don’t expect the sweeping shape from older images.

No separate walk needed, it’s just a stop on the Waterfall Creek Track.

Longer walks and hikes

• The Glendhu Bay Track runs 10 km along the lake from Wanaka to Glendhu Bay. Easy to medium, about 3 hours. Also popular with cyclists and e-bikers.
• The Rocky Mountain Summit Track is 8 km, 3 hours, hard. Fantastic views from the summit over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.
• The Mount Iron Loop Track is 6.5 km, 2 hours, medium. A loop right on the edge of town with 360-degree views at the top.
• Roys Peak Track is the big one. 16 km return, 5 to 7 hours, hard. The views from the top are the best in the region. Garry has done it and says the slog to the summit is well worth it on a clear day. I haven’t made it up there yet.
• The Blue Pools Walk is about 45 minutes from Wanaka toward Haast. Short and easy, with some of the clearest water you’ll see anywhere.
• The Wishbone Falls Walk is a quick, easy walk to a waterfall, good for families.

Dog friendly walks Wanaka

Most of the lakeside walks allow dogs on a lead, including the Waterfall Creek Track and the Slaughterhouse Creek Walk. The Glendhu Bay Track is also dog friendly on lead. Roys Peak and the Rocky Mountain Summit Track are on conservation land where dog restrictions may apply, so check before you go.

Biking in Wanaka

The lakeside track from town to Waterfall Creek is wide and easy, popular with cyclists. From Waterfall Creek the trail turns into the Slaughterhouse Creek section, which gets rocky and steep on a bike. For a longer bike ride, the Glendhu Bay Track is excellent and well suited to e-bikes. You can hire an e-bike from Wanaka town.

Mou Waho Island

Mou Waho Island sits in Lake Wanaka and is a DOC reserve with native birds including weka. There’s a short 30-minute walk to Tyrwhitt Peak at 380 metres, with panoramic views over the lake and ranges. The island also contains a hidden lake. You can get a water taxi from Wanaka town and spend 1.5 hours exploring and walking on the island.

Getting to Wanaka

Wanaka is about 45 minutes from Queenstown and just over 3 hours from Christchurch. There is no public transport to Wanaka so you’ll need your own vehicle or a rental car.