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When anyone talks about hiking in Wānaka, it’s the usual suspects that get most of the glory. But just 15 minutes up the road, Hāwea is serving up some of the best views in the region with the same vibes – turquoise glacial lake and alpine peaks – sans the crowds and instagrammers.
Whether you’re eager for a stroll between activities or a full-day mission, we’ve collated six of the best Hāwea hikes to get you started. There’s a track here for every fitness level – from gentle bush walks for the whole family, to leg-burning climbs with the best views in the region.
Gladstone Track is the perfect option for an easy, mostly flat lakeside walk that runs from the Hāwea dam along the foreshore to Johns Creek. Stop wherever you like, turn around whenever you like, and take in these stunning lake views along the way – you’ll find yourself repeating “how is this view real”. We recommend a little detour to the Hawea Store & Kitchen to fuel up on ice cream or coffee.
Hāwea River Track is a gentle track that follows the Hāwea River from the lake dam down to Albert Town. With a slight change of scenery, through farmland and open plains, it’s a nice way to mix up your adventures. It’s an easy out-and-back or one-way trip if you can arrange a pickup, with a swing bridge for the kids to enjoy at the end and Pembroke Patisserie just one bribe further..
Starting from Kidds Bush, the Sawyerburn hike climbs through beech forest and opens to unobstructed views over Lake Hāwea. The forest cover makes for a good walk on a hot day, and a swim in the lake post walk won’t go amiss! This is a bit longer, taking approximately 2-hours return from the treeline lookout. There’s also a 20-minute loop at the bottom, with plenty of bridges and fauna, perfect for little legs.
Timaru Creek track is a hike with just enough river-crossings and length to scratch that adventure itch without it taking up the full day. It follows along the creek towards the trailhead of Breast Hill, so there’s always the option to add-on if you’re feeling fit.
Grandview Ridge Track, high above the Upper Clutha Basin, gaining just under 1,000m elevation by the time you reach the peak. There are options to add on, making it a mult-day adventure, or allow 4–6 hours for the 18km return climb. Sections of the track close for lambing, so be sure to check DOC for up-to-date info before you start your hike.
Breast Hill track is a big one, and the most intense hike on this list. Part of the Te Araroa track, it starts with a lung-burning zigzag for the first kilometre, before carrying on up ridgelines until it reaches views of Lake Hāwea with Mount Aspiring Tititea in the distance. This is an experienced hiker’s tramp, with steep, exposed sections and can take 5–7 hours.
Isthmus Peak is the Lake Hāwea alternative to the famously busy Roys Peak, and just as spectacular (if not even more so). At 16km return, be prepared for a steep climb up 1,000m of elevation along a farm track. There is no shelter, so make sure you pick a clear day and pack accordingly. At the top you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over both lakes, and we highly recommend experiencing it at sunrise, both for bragging rights and beauty. The track is closed from 20 November to 20 December for fawning.
As with all alpine locations, conditions can change quickly. Make sure you check DOC’s website for the current track status, and ask local trail store, Kinisi, for trail-specific advice. Also make sure to double check dates, as lambing and fawning means some of the tracks crossing farmland get closed during spring.
Packing your bag is equally important. Always include layers, carry plenty of water, sunblock, and snacks. Tell someone your plan and when you expect to be home.
Fuel up before or after your hike at Hāwea Store & Kitchen, the local spot for everything including a café, grocer, takeaway spot and eatery upstairs. For something outdoors, Mo’s coffee caravan is the go-to for an early-morning coffee, or grab a decent baked good or toastie.
If you’re staying over, The Camp is Hāwea’s classic camping and glamping spot right on the lakeshore, with everything from powered sites to bell tents. They have an on-site cart slinging Good Joe coffee, wood-fired pizza and burgers with a lake view that’s hard to beat. It’s also home to the first Secret Sauna, the lake-front sauna ready to help you recover.
And of course, you can’t go past a dip in the lake. A brisk way to help your legs shake off the day’s hard work.
Check out our full Walking & Hiking page for more trails across the region, dig into Things to Do in Wānaka in Spring, or head to our Lake Hāwea page to start planning the rest of your visit.
