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Wanaka
1.5 km
18 minutes
10 metres
Wānaka is often celebrated for its high-altitude adventures and rugged mountain peaks. If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram, you’ve likely seen the iconic views from Roys Peak or the challenging ridgelines of the Isthmus Track. But ask any local, and they’ll tell you that the true heart of the town isn’t found on a vertical climb—it’s found right at lake level in the expansive, sun-drenched green space known as Pembroke Park.
The Pembroke Park Loop is the ultimate "slow-paced" Wānaka experience. At just 1.5 kilometres, this easy-going circuit is less about testing your cardio and more about soaking in the world-class scenery that makes this region so special. Whether you are a visitor looking to get your bearings, a family with little ones on scooters, or a local taking the dog for their daily "sniffari," this loop offers a refreshing dose of nature without ever having to leave the town boundaries.
Stepping onto the Pembroke Park Loop feels like stepping into the town’s communal backyard. The terrain is exceptionally flat and well-maintained, consisting of wide gravel and paved paths that meander through 10 hectares of lush recreational reserve. Because the park sits on an ancient beach terrace, the ground is incredibly level, making it one of the most accessible "hikes" in the Southern Lakes district.
As you begin your stroll, the first thing you’ll notice is the sense of space. Unlike the dense beech forests found further into the Mount Aspiring National Park, Pembroke Park is wide open. This means you have an uninterrupted 360-degree theatre of mountains surrounding you at all times. To the north, the deep blue waters of Lake Wānaka glisten, while the jagged silhouettes of the Southern Alps provide a dramatic backdrop that changes character with every shift in the light.
The loop is a popular spot for multi-modal transport. Don’t be surprised to see toddlers mastering their balance bikes, parents pushing prams, or joggers squeezing in a quick lunchtime lap. The vibe is quintessentially "Wānaka"—relaxed, active, and friendly. One of the most charming sights you’ll encounter along the way is the paragliders. On days with a bit of breeze, local pilots often use the wide-open grassy spaces of the park to practice their "ground handling." Watching the colourful canopies dance in the wind as you walk adds a vibrant, whimsical energy to the trail.
Ample parking is available in the sealed carpark off Dungarvon Street, providing 136 spaces. Additional all-day parking options can be found along Ardmore Street adjacent to the park.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
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Experience classic English pub hospitality with a diverse selection of ales and hearty, comforting grub. It offers stunning views across to the lake and mountains.
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Loop
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Aythya novaeseelandiae
New Zealand's only diving duck, known for its dark plumage and ability to dive for up to a minute to find aquatic plants and invertebrates.
Best time: Year-round
Podiceps cristatus australis
One of New Zealand's rarest native birds, these elegant diving birds are known for their elaborate courtship displays and the way chicks ride on their parents' backs.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
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.
200m away
A popular eatery known for its delicious Middle-Eastern style slow food, served fast, with options for both meat lovers and vegetarians. It's a great spot for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.
200m away
An iconic lakeside cafe offering a relaxed atmosphere, stunning lake views, and modern Kiwi-inspired cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They roast their own organic, fair-trade coffee.
300m away
A family-owned lakefront pub offering hearty Kiwi food, a wide selection of beers, cocktails, and mountain views, with indoor and outdoor seating.