Last Updated on: 9 May 2026
Quick Facts 
Distance3.93 km one way, 7.85 km return
Time45 minutes one way, 1 hour 35 minutes return
DifficultyEasy
Track surfaceWide gravel path, optional pebble beach route
DogsOn lead, you must take a poo bag
ToiletsYes, at Waterfall Creek car park
ParkingWanaka waterfront car park (town end) or Waterfall Creek car park
CostFree
Elevation gainNegligible

This is the flat lakeside walk from Wanaka town out to Waterfall Creek, following the edge of Lake Wanaka with views across the water to Mt Aspiring and the surrounding peaks the whole way. It’s wide, well-maintained, and easy underfoot. About five minutes from the town end you’ll pass the famous Wanaka Tree, the most photographed spot in the region.

The walk ends at the large Waterfall Creek car park. From there you can return the same way, or continue on to the Slaughterhouse Creek Walk if you want more distance and a harder track.

Note, my video below is only one way.

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The famous Wanaka Tree in winter at Wanaka
The famous Wanaka Tree in winter at Wanaka

The Wanaka tree was vandalised in 2020 and several limbs were sawn off overnight. It looks different from the classic photos you may have seen. It’s still worth a look but don’t expect the sweeping shape from older images. Above is how it used to look and below is Mayy 2026. 

The Wanaka Tree standing in Lake Wanaka in May 2026, showing the tree after vandalism removed several limbs
The Wanaka Tree as it looks today. Several limbs were sawn off by vandals a few years ago, so it looks quite different from the classic photos you'll have seen.

Getting There

Start from the Wanaka waterfront car park in town. If that’s full, there’s additional parking about 50 m back toward town.

Alternatively, drive to the Waterfall Creek car park at the far end and walk back toward town. This is a large free car park with toilets.

The Walk

From the waterfront car park, cross the bridge and head along the lake edge. About five minutes along you’ll reach the Wanaka Tree, a willow growing out of the lake that has become one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand. It gets crowded here, especially in summer. Keep moving once you’ve had a look.

From the tree, you have two options for the rest of the walk.

  • High track: stay on the main gravel path with the other walkers, runners and cyclists. This is the easier surface and the more sheltered option in cold weather.
  • Lake edge route: drop down to the pebble beach and follow the water’s edge all the way to Waterfall Creek. You’ll need to jump two small creeks along the way. Quieter than the main track and a different perspective on the lake.

Both routes end at the Waterfall Creek car park, which has a longdrop toilet. The waterfall itself is up the access road, visible from the road if you look up toward the main road. It’s not accessible as a separate walk but worth a glance.

Return the same way, or if you’ve arranged a car shuttle, finish here.

Good to Know

  • Wind. In winter the wind off the lake can be very cold. Bring a windproof layer even on a sunny day.
  • Sun and water. In summer it gets hot and exposed with limited shade. Bring sunscreen and water, there’s nothing to drink on the track beyond the Edgewater Hotel near the town end.
  • Edgewater Hotel. About 10 to 15 minutes from town, the Edgewater sits right on the lake edge. Good for a coffee stop before or after.
  • Bikes. The main track is popular with cyclists and e-bikers. Keep to the left and be aware, especially with kids.
  • Wanaka Tree crowds. In peak summer this section gets very busy with tourists. Early morning is quieter.
  • Extends to Slaughterhouse Creek. The Waterfall Creek car park is where the Slaughterhouse Creek Walk begins. That section is rockier and steeper, a noticeable step up from this walk.

Map Location

Waterfall Creek track photos

Start of the walk
Wanaka Tree
Eadgewater
Wanka Lake
Wanaka Lake
Wanaka Lake
Wanaka Lake
Wanaka Lake
Wanaka Lake
Wanaka Lake
Waterfall Creek Carpark

Other Walks Nearby

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