Beacon Point is a pretty location at the end of Beacon Point Road in Wānaka. There are two small bays; the first is west-facing with a pretty sandy beach and a public toilet. The second is a little further along the road and is northwest-facing. In summer, it is a nice place for a swim, but all year round, it has spectacular views across the lake and the lake outlet to the Clutha River / Mata-Au. A blue sky day with storms forming over the mountains the the northwest is especially dramatic.
There is no formed track around the point but walk along the lakeside instead of following the road. It is easy, about 1 km, starting from the first small bay, and photogenic. Native bush, mostly kānuka and mānuka, covers much of the point, with a mix of deciduous exotic trees and bushes. In addition to the sandy beaches, there are rocky and grassed sections, some with pools that reflect the surrounding mountains.
On the return, look for a track to the left of the road that takes you into a small restored wetland. Quite a surprise!
Beacon Point is also the conjunction between the Outlet Track (which follows the Clutha River / Mata-Au) and the Beacon Point Track (south along the lake to the town centre). These tracks are also part of Te Araroa.
