Discover the Scenic Glendhu Bay Track
Located on the southwest side of Lake Wānaka, the Glendhu Bay Track is a rewarding 15 km track along the lake's edge, shared between hikers and cyclists. This track is part of Te Araroa and a 3 to 4-hour one-way walk from Wānaka township to Glendhu Bay. Along the way, you can experience fabulous views across the lake, a cliff-edge trail, small beaches and coves and a side hike to a high point.
Track Highlights and Features
The track begins at the Wānaka Tree near the start of Mt Aspiring Road and is officially the Waterfall Track for 3 km, before becoming the Glendhu Bay Track. Although there is no waterfall on the track itself, you can glimpse it behind private property while driving along Mt Aspiring Road. A large pebble beach with Ruby Island to the north offers a scenic spot to start your walk if you wish to save 3 km by accessing the track via Ruby Island Road from Mt Aspiring Road.
As you continue north, the track mostly stays 20 to 40 metres above the lake, reaching a height of 50 metres at its highest point. Damper Bay, located halfway between Waterfall Creek and Glendhu Bay, has the best water access and a beautiful beach.
Exploring Side Tracks
Along the way, you'll encounter a 1.5 km side track leading to Mt Aspiring Road, and from there to the Roys Peak Track and car park. Further north and near Damper Bay, an informal track also leads to the top of a steep, unnamed hill 140 metres above the lake. This hill is easily identifiable by a single redwood tree at its summit. Walking up the grassed section to the top provides superb views and a unique perspective of the lake, and only adds about 10 to 15 minutes to the walk.
Scenic Descent into Glendhu Bay
From Damper Bay, the track winds around the side of the unnamed high point, up to 50 metres above the lake, with a sheer drop and a guardrail for safety.
The track then descends towards the lake's edge. This area is adorned with flowering native shrubs and trees such as mānuka, kānuka, and kōwhai. On clear days, you can enjoy views of Mt Aspiring to the northwest, with the possibility of seeing stunning mountain reflections in the bay's still waters as you go around the point into Glendhu Bay. The track concludes at the car park near Mt Aspiring Road in Glendu Bay, or you can continue a bit further to the Glendhu Bay campground.
How to Get There
To reach the start of the Glendhu Bay Track, head to the Wānaka Tree, either walking/cycling along the lakefront or driving along Ardmore Road, which becomes Mt Aspiring Road, to the car park next to the Wānka Watersports Facility. Cross the Stony Creek Bridge to the start of the track.
If you prefer to shorten your walk, you can access the track at Waterfall Creek via Ruby Island Road from Mt Aspiring Road. Note that there are a couple of spots where some cyclists will prefer to walk their bikes.
Other trails around Wānaka include the Beacon Point Walk and the Outlet Track, both part of Te Araroa on the southeast side of the lake, and the Mount Iron Track. For a combination of boat ride and walking, take a water taxi to Mou Waho, a true gem in the middle of the lake.
