Glendhu Bay Track

Point to point

Highlights & Must-See Features

The real star of the show is, unsurprisingly, the view. As you traverse the shoreline, the Southern Alps loom large on the horizon. On a clear day, you can see the distinctive triangular peak of Mount Aspiring / Tititea poking its head above the surrounding ranges. It is one of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine vistas.

Ruby Island is another constant companion for the first half of the walk. This small, bush-clad island sits just offshore and has a fascinating history, having once hosted a popular (and somewhat rowdy) cabaret dance hall back in the 1920s. Today, it’s a peaceful bird sanctuary and a great focal point for photographers.

For those who love a bit of "hidden gem" hunting, keep an eye out for the small, rocky outcrops near Damper Bay. These spots offer the perfect "ledge" for a picnic with a front-row seat to the lake. The contrast between the golden dry grasses of the hills and the deep turquoise of the water creates a colour palette that is uniquely Central Otago.

Getting There

Logistically, the Glendhu Bay Track requires a tiny bit of forward-thinking.

Wānaka End: Most hikers start at the Ruby Island Road Car Park (about a 5-minute drive from the town centre) or the Waterfall Creek car park. If you want to shave a few kilometres off the distance, Waterfall Creek is the better bet.

Glendhu Bay End: The track officially ends near the Glendhu Bay Campground / Lakeside Holiday Park. There is also parking available at the Mt Aspiring Lookout Car Park, which offers a slightly elevated view of the bay.

Transport Tips: Since it’s a point-to-point trail, many locals opt for a "two-car shuffle," leaving one vehicle at each end. If you’re solo or travelling light, you can book a local shuttle service or even a boat taxi to drop you at one end and walk back to your car. Some adventurous souls even choose to bike one way and walk the other!

Wildlife Spotting

While the scenery is grand, don't forget to look at the smaller details. Lake Wānaka is a stronghold for the Australasian Crested Grebe (known in Māori as kāmana). These elegant water birds, with their distinctive head plumes, can often be seen diving for fish near the shoreline or nesting on floating platforms. They were once quite rare, but thanks to local conservation efforts, they are now a common sight.

In the more sheltered, bushy sections of the track, you’ll likely be greeted by the inquisitive Fantail (Pīwakawaka). These tiny birds love to follow hikers, catching the insects stirred up by your footsteps. Listen out for the melodic chime of the Bellbird (Korimako) and the occasional boisterous call of the Tūī. Near the farmlands, you’ll almost certainly see Paradise Shelducks (Pūtakitaki)—usually in pairs—honking loudly as they fly overhead.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Glendhu Bay Track is truly a year-round destination, but each season brings a different flavour:

• Summer: The best time for swimming at Damper Bay. However, Central Otago gets hot—often exceeding 30°C. There is very little shade on the exposed terraces, so a high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of water are non-negotiable.
• Autumn: Arguably the most beautiful time to visit. The air is crisp, the lake is often dead calm (perfect for reflections), and the poplar and willow trees around the shoreline turn a brilliant, fiery gold.
• Winter: The track remains accessible, though it can be frosty in the mornings. The views of the snow-covered Southern Alps are at their most dramatic during these months.
• Spring: Expect "four seasons in one day." The hills are at their greenest, and the lake level is often high from snowmelt.

Time of Day: If you can, start early in the morning. Not only will you beat the heat in summer, but you’ll also avoid the strongest nor'west winds that can whip up across the lake in the afternoons.

Gear: Wear sturdy walking shoes or trail runners. While it’s not a technical mountain climb, the gravel can be loose on the steeper sections. Bring a windbreaker, as the breeze off the lake can be surprisingly chilly even on sunny days.

Local & Regional Context

The land you are walking across holds deep significance. For Ngāi Tahu, the local Māori iwi, Lake Wānaka was a traditional seasonal home where they gathered food (mahika kai) and resources. The name Wānaka is a South Island variant of Wānanga, which means "a place of learning" or "lore." You can feel that sense of history as you look out over the ancient glacial landscape.

The region's colonial history is also visible in the surrounding high-country stations. Much of the track borders private farmland, a reminder of the hardy pioneers who established sheep runs in this rugged terrain in the mid-19th century. Today, the area is a hub for conservation, with locals working hard to protect the lake's water quality and the native species that call the shoreline home.

After the Walk

After four hours on the trail, you’ll have worked up a significant appetite. If you finish at the Glendhu Bay end, you are in luck. Just a 500-metre wander from the track end is Velo Café & Beer Garden, located at the base of the Bike Glendhu park.

It’s the ultimate "post-hike" spot. They offer fantastic coffee, hearty locally-sourced food, and a selection of craft beers that taste particularly good after a 16-kilometre mission. The vibe is incredibly relaxed, with a big dog-friendly lawn where you can stretch out and soak up the last of the sun. It’s a great place to swap stories with mountain bikers and fellow hikers while looking back at the hills you’ve just conquered.

The Glendhu Bay Track isn't just a walk; it’s a quintessential Wānaka experience that reminds you exactly why we love the great New Zealand outdoors.