The Homestead Bay Track, then Minaret Burn Track, takes you around the west side of Lake Wānaka, crossing through native forest and streams and winding past the edge of the Lake. It is not as popular as most of the other Wānaka hikes, so it is a great choice if you want to escape the crowds.
Start at Homestead Bay in West Wānaka, where there is a small DOC camping ground. From there, Homestead Bay Track takes about two and a half hours to get to Colquhouns Beach. A good day option with a picnic by the lake.
After Colquhouns Beach, it becomes Minaret Burn Track and continues on to Minaret Burn. This is a substantial hike at 45 km return, with an overnight stay at a pretty campsite next to a beach where the burn (stream) enters the lake. This track is also rated level 5 for mountain bikers.
