Pembroke Park Loop

Loop

Highlights & Must-See Features

While the entire loop is a scenic treat, there are a few standout features that make this walk a must-do:

* The Lakeside Vista: The northern edge of the loop runs parallel to the lakefront. This is the prime spot for photos. You get the perfect framing of the lake with the mountains behind it, often reflected in the still morning water. * The Paraglider "Dance": As mentioned, the park is a hub for paragliding enthusiasts. Seeing them manipulate their wings on the ground is a fascinating sight and a great opportunity to learn about the local wind patterns. * The Old Beach Terrace: Geologically, the park is fascinating. It sits on a flat plain that was actually the lakebed thousands of years ago when the water level was much higher. You can still see the distinct "step" in the landscape where the town rises up away from the park. * Community Spirit: If you time your walk for a Sunday morning, the park transforms. It hosts the popular weekly farmers' markets, where the air is filled with the smell of fresh coffee and local produce. It’s the perfect way to turn a 20-minute walk into a two-hour community experience.

Getting There

Finding the Pembroke Park Loop couldn't be easier, as it is located right in the centre of Wānaka township.

Parking: There is ample parking available, which is a rarity in busy tourist towns! The main sealed carpark is located off Dungarvon Street, offering 136 dedicated spaces. If that happens to be full (usually only during major events), you can find additional all-day parking along Ardmore Street, which runs directly adjacent to the park.

If you are staying in a central Wānaka hotel or Airbnb, you won’t even need the car. The park is just a two-minute walk from the main shopping strip, making it the perfect "spur of the moment" outing.

Wildlife Spotting

For a park so close to the town centre, the birdlife is surprisingly varied. The mix of established trees within the park and the proximity to the lake edge creates a fantastic habitat for both forest and water birds.

Keep your eyes peeled for the cheeky Fantail (Pīwakawaka). These tiny birds are incredibly friendly and will often fly quite close to walkers, darting around to catch the insects stirred up by your footsteps. You’ll also likely hear the melodic, bell-like song of the Bellbird (Korimako) and the distinctive "tui-tui" calls of the Tūī, both of which are common year-round residents in the park’s trees.

Near the lake edge, look out for the Southern Crested Grebe (Pūteketeke). These elegant water birds were once critically endangered but have made a massive comeback in Wānaka thanks to local conservation efforts and floating nesting platforms. They are famous for their elaborate mating dances and for carrying their chicks on their backs. You might also spot the New Zealand Scaup (Pāpango), a small dark diving duck, or the graceful White-faced Heron (Matuku Moana) stalking the shallows.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Pembroke Park Loop is truly a track for all seasons, with each time of year offering a different aesthetic:

* Spring: The park comes alive with fresh green growth and the blossoms in nearby gardens are spectacular. This is also when the lake levels are often high from snowmelt. * Summer: This is the peak of the vibrant Wānaka atmosphere. The park is a sea of picnic blankets, and the long twilight hours mean you can enjoy a walk as late as 9:00 PM. * Autumn: Wānaka is world-famous for its autumn colours. The trees surrounding Pembroke Park turn brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red, making it a photographer’s dream. * Winter: After a fresh dusting of snow, the park looks like a winter wonderland. The Southern Alps are capped in white, providing a stunning contrast against the blue sky.

• What to bring: Since it’s a short walk, you don’t need heavy hiking boots—sneakers or even jandals (flip-flops) are perfectly fine. However, the Otago sun is notoriously fierce, so always wear sunblock and a hat, even on cloudy days.
• Timing: The best time to start is early morning when the lake is often "glassy" and the light on the mountains is soft. Alternatively, an evening stroll allows you to catch the sunset over the peaks.
• Weather: Wānaka can get a biting "nor'west" wind. While the park is relatively sheltered by the town, a light windbreaker is always a good idea in your bag.

Local & Regional Context

To walk through Pembroke Park is to walk through the history of Wānaka. Long before it was a recreational reserve, this area was significant to Māori. The name Wānaka is a South Island variant of Wānanga, meaning "place of learning." The lake and its surrounds were seasonal homes for Waitaha, Ngāti Māmoe, and Ngāi Tahu, who came here to hunt and gather resources like mahinga kai (traditional foods).

In the colonial era, as the township grew, the park was set aside as a public reserve, ensuring that the prime lakefront land would always belong to the people rather than being entirely built over with shops and houses. This foresight has allowed Wānaka to maintain its "village" feel even as it grows into a world-class destination. The park’s flat terrain is a gift from the last ice age; as the glaciers retreated, they left behind these terraces, creating the perfect natural stage for the community activities we enjoy today.

After the Walk

One of the best things about the Pembroke Park Loop is its proximity to Wānaka’s thriving culinary scene. You are literally steps away from some of the best coffee and food in the South Island.

If you’ve finished your walk in the morning, head over to Big Fig Wanaka (only 188m away). They specialise in "slow food served fast"—think Middle Eastern-inspired salads, slow-roasted meats, and incredible cakes. It’s a local favourite for a reason. For those who want to keep the lake views going, Relishes Cafe is an iconic choice. It’s been a staple of the Wānaka lakefront for years and offers a fantastic Kiwi-inspired menu.

If your walk was more of an afternoon stroll, you might be looking for something a bit heartier. The Paddle & Pint is just a stone’s throw from the park and offers a classic English pub vibe with great mountain views. Alternatively, Kai Whakapai (which means "food made good") is the ultimate spot to sit outside, enjoy a local craft beer, and watch the world go by. Finally, if you want that classic Otago hospitality, Speight's Ale House Wanaka provides a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with generous portions that are perfect after any outdoor activity.

Whether you’re using it as a warm-up for a big mountain mission or as a peaceful escape between coffee stops, the Pembroke Park Loop is a small walk that offers a massive slice of the Wānaka lifestyle.

100m away

Translating to 'food made good', this popular spot offers delicious food and a laid-back atmosphere overlooking Lake Wānaka, serving meals from morning until night and turning into a bar in the evening.