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Wanaka
18 km
5 hours
958 metres
If you’ve ever stood on the shores of Lake Hāwea and looked up at the towering, golden-hued ridges to the east, you’ve been looking at the Grandview Range. While the crowds in Wānaka are usually busy jostling for a selfie on Roys Peak or trekking up Isthmus Peak, the Grandview Mountain Track remains one of the region’s best-kept secrets. It is a rugged, honest, and utterly spectacular climb that lives up to its name in every sense.
This is a trail for those who like a bit of breathing room. It’s a challenging 18km out-and-back journey that takes you from the fragrant kānuka groves of the valley floor to a 1398-metre summit with 360-degree vistas that will leave you speechless. Whether you’re a local looking to escape the tourist hum or a visitor wanting a true "high country" experience, Grandview offers a sense of solitude and scale that is increasingly hard to find.
The journey begins at the Nook Road car park, tucked away at the end of a gravel road about 6 kilometres from the Lake Hāwea township. From the moment you step onto the trail, you’ll feel the character of the Otago landscape. The track starts by winding through pockets of lush, fragrant kānuka shrubland. On a warm day, the scent of the kānuka is incredible—sweet and earthy—providing a gentle introduction before the real work begins.
The trail follows what was historically known as the Grandview Creek Track, and as the name suggests, you’ll spend the first portion of the walk criss-crossing the creek in the lower valley. Under normal conditions, well-placed stepping stones make these crossings a breeze, keeping your boots dry while the sound of running water provides a peaceful soundtrack.
As you leave the creek behind, the terrain opens up into classic Otago pastoral land. You’ll be walking on a well-formed 4WD farm track, which makes the footing reliable but doesn't make the incline any less demanding. This is a "hard" rated track for a reason; you’ll be gaining nearly 1000 metres of elevation over the course of the day.
As you climb higher, the kānuka gives way to the iconic golden tussock and sharp speargrass (taramea) of the high country. The gradient becomes noticeably steeper as you approach the upper reaches of the range. There are a few sections closer to the summit that involve some rougher ground and easy scrambling, but for the most part, it’s a steady, lung-busting grind. The higher you go, the more the landscape peels back to reveal the true scale of the Southern Alps. When you finally reach the station boundary at 1260 metres, you might think you’ve seen it all—but keep pushing to the trig point at 1398 metres for the full reward.
Parking is available at the Nook Road car park, located at the end of Nook Road, approximately 6 km east of Lake Hāwea township. The car park offers ample safe space and includes a public toilet. Note that the Nook Road gate to the car park is locked annually during lambing season, typically from mid-September to mid-November.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Circus approximans
This is New Zealand's largest native bird of prey, commonly seen soaring over open tussock lands.
Best time: Year-round
Falco novaeseelandiae
Also known as Kārearea. Fast and agile raptor found in both forest and open country.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
6.7km away
A community hub functioning as a grocer, liquor store, post office, cafe, and restaurant, known for its local produce, world-class dishes, and great pies, welcoming hikers and locals alike.
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Out and back
The absolute standout of this hike is the unrivalled 360-degree panorama from the summit. To the west, the deep, glacial blue of Lake Hāwea stretches out beneath you, framed by the jagged peaks of the Hunter Valley. Looking south, you can trace the pastoral flats all the way to Lake Wānaka. On a clear day, the crowning jewel is the sight of Mount Aspiring/Tititea, its distinctive white pyramid peak piercing the skyline to the west.
Another highlight is the sheer serenity of the trail. Because it is slightly off the beaten path, you won't find the queues of hikers common on other Wānaka trails. It’s a shared track, so you might spot a mountain biker or two tackling the descent, but generally, it’s just you, the wind in the tussock, and the mountains.
For the photographers, the "golden hour" on the Grandview Range is legendary. The way the late afternoon light hits the dry, tawny hills creates a glow that is quintessentially Central Otago.
To reach the trailhead, drive toward the Lake Hāwea township from Wānaka. Pass through the township and continue east for about 6 kilometres until you reach Nook Road. Follow this to the very end, where you’ll find the Nook Road car park.
The car park is spacious and safe, and there is a public toilet available at the start of the track—make sure to use it, as there are no facilities once you begin the climb!
Important Access Note: Because this track crosses working farm land, the Nook Road gate is locked annually for the lambing season, typically from mid-September to mid-November. Always check the Department of Conservation (DOC) website before you head out during the spring months to ensure access is open.
Keep your eyes on the sky and the scrub as you walk. The Grandview Range is a fantastic place to spot some of New Zealand’s hardiest birds.
The Grandview Mountain Track is best tackled in Spring, Summer, and Autumn.
Please note that this track is not dog friendly and, due to the 18km distance and nearly 1000m of climbing, it is generally not kid friendly unless your children are very experienced hikers.
The land you are walking on is part of the vast Central Otago high country, a landscape shaped by both ancient geological forces and a rich human history. For centuries, Māori used the trails through the Hāwea and Wānaka regions as part of the ara tawhito (traditional travel routes) to access pounamu (greenstone) on the West Coast and to gather food.
Later, the area became the heart of New Zealand’s fine wool industry. As you walk the 4WD tracks, you’re following in the footsteps of generations of high-country musterers. The "Grandview" name itself is a nod to the colonial surveyors and farmers who were struck by the immense scale of the vista from the range. Today, the track represents a successful balance between working agriculture and public conservation land, allowing us to enjoy the majestic "backyard" of the Hāwea basin.
After five hours on the trail, your legs will likely be feeling the 958-metre ascent. Luckily, Lake Hāwea has some fantastic spots to refuel.
The Grandview Mountain Track isn't just a walk; it’s a challenge that pays off in spades. If you have the fitness and the preparation, it will likely become one of your favourite New Zealand hiking memories.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Alauda arvensis
An introduced species, the skylark is renowned for its beautiful, sustained song delivered while hovering high in the air.
Best time: Year-round
6.8km away
A traditional Kiwi pub and restaurant offering a seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients, craft beers, and stunning lake views, perfect for a post-hike meal or drink.