Wanaka Walks

Around and close to Lake Wanaka township we have some stunning walking opportunities including the Outlet Track Walk and the Diamond Lake Trek

Outlet Track Walk

Outlet Track is an easy walking track near Wanaka township. The track is suitable for walkers of all ages, and offers good scenic views along the way. It also accesses some of the world’s best trout fishing available around 1km downstream from the outlet. After pick ups from Wanaka hotels, we proceed to Albert Town where the trekking begins. The walk is essentially along the banks of the Clutha River, we can see Brown and Rainbow Trout in the crystal clear drinkable water. In Autumn and Spring in particular there is an array of beautiful colours beside the river. Impressive views can be taken of Mt Iron, and the Southern Alps, in particular the permant ice of the Fog Peak Glacier. We finish at Lake Wanaka, with panoramic views of New Zealands fourth largest lake meeting the south islands longest river.

Views on the Outlet track walk

click on any image for an enlarged view and slide show

Typical Flora & Fauna found Trip

Flora: A mixture of native and exotic plant species co-existing in a moist sheltered environment to produce an attractive site all year, but highlighted by Magnificent Autumn Colours. Manuka, Kanuka, Lombardy Poplar, Willow, Pine, Flax, Cabbage Tree, Tutu, Briar Rose, Bracken Fern, Bush Lawyer, Thyme, Tussock, Lupin, Woolley Mullen. Seasonal Flowers, Manuka, Kanuka, Lupin, Flax, Native Broom, Thyme, Briar Rose, Cabbage Tree, Woolley Mullen, St Johns Wort and numerous wildflowers.

Fauna: Paradise Duck, Scaup Duck, Grey Duck, Black Stag, White Heron, Oyster Catcher, Harrier Hawk, Fantail, Tom Tit, Wax Eye, Bell-Bird, Common Pigeon, Chat Finch, Black Bird, Thrush, Brown & Rainbow Trout, Opossums, Rabbits.
(Due to weather and seasonal variability EWA cannot always guarantee clients will see the above flora and fauna).

Trip Information:

Costs

Ex-Wanaka: Adult $105, Child (under 15) $70
Minimum 2 people. Prices are valid to 31 March 2011

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Diamond Lake Trek

This is a 2.5 hour return trek to the top of Rocky Mountain adjacent to Diamond Lake near Lake Wanaka, and includes some very beautiful scenery along the way. In places, the track is quite steep but easy enough if you take your time. After all, why hurry in paradise! Departure times are upon request. From Wanaka, we take a 25-minute drive around Lake Wanaka to Diamond Lake. From the carpark, we walk around the small lake and then steadily climb up a good track. Soon we enter the Weeping Forest where the trees grow straight up for two metres, and then take a right-angled turn in search of the light. We then come to the Wailing Wall where during the wetter months of the year rain drops fall from the over-hanging cliff like tears. Enjoy an overview of the lake. From there we walk to the Lake Wanaka Viewpoint, and capture some magnificent views over Lake Wanaka. We then take a short but steep zigzag track then on a few minutes more to a distinctive rock we call Piggyback Rock. From Piggyback Rock, we move to the top of Rocky Mountain, where wonderful panoramic views over Lake Wanaka, the Matukituki River, Mt Aspiring, and the Mt Aspiring National Park, can be enjoyed. After relaxing there for a while, we head back down the mountain to the starting point, and back to Wanaka.

Typical Flora & Fauna found Trip

Flora: Flowering Ribbonwood, Wineberry, Flowering Willow, Bracken Fern, Liverworts, Bush lawyer

Fauna: Bellbirds, NZ Falcon, Harrier Hawk, Fantail, Tom Tit, Chaffinch, Sparrow, sheep, cattle.

(Due to weather and seasonal variability EWA cannot always guarantee clients will see the above Flora and Fauna).

Trip Information

Costs

Ex-Wanaka: Adult $205, Child (under 15) $135
Minimum 2 people
Lunch is included in the price
Prices are valid to 31 March 2011

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