Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in excerpt

New Zealand

Lake Hawea Easy Short Walks and Picnic Locations - Where to Go in 2025

  • Walks & Hikes

Wanaka district - where to go outdoors for a family picnic

Wanaka and Hawea are natural crossroads in the journey to the West Coast. The rivers offer bountiful fly fishing opportunities while the mountains winter sports and active summer adventures. While there are a number of spectacular half day and multiple day tramps for many families hiking does not correlate with fitness levels or the ages of the family group.

Here is a selection of easy walks everyone can enjoy immersed in the stunning scenery of the foothills of the Southern Alps. LAKE HAWEA and hospitality is part and parcel of the holiday experience. Don’t give a thought about where to eat, you’re spoilt for choice. Perhaps a hamburger at the beach or fine dining in Queenstown, it’s up to you.

 

LAKE HAWEA

Late winter mist rising from Lake Hawea, Wanaka, Otago, New Zealand
Late winter mist rising from Lake Hawea

Families can choose to wander around the lake on the Lake Hawea loop. Kidds Bush is where native mountain beech forest reaches the lake shore. The scenery doesn’t come any better than dappled light, blue lake waters, and a place to go kayaking or laze away the day.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

 

Lake Hawea & Wanaka Tours and Activities – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER

blank
TIP

Lake Hawea has a rapid drop into deep sections of the lake. Check with the local visitor centre for designated safe swimming areas for families. Even on a warm summer day the lake water temperature can be cool.

 

WALKS

EELY POINT

One of the most popular walks for visitors short on time or family groups. The easy 15 minute walk is a great way to introduce everyone to the outdoors. The walk starts at the boat ramps and is well signposted.

Eely Point is not exposed to the chill of prevailing wind and offers picnic facilities. An additional five minutes walking walkers arrive at Bremner Bay, a shallow bay that is very popular with families for swimming.

Eely Point Track, Wanaka, Otago, New Zealand @Lake Wānaka Tourism
Eely Point Track @Lake Wānaka Tourism

BEACON POINT WALK

The track starts at Bremner Bay and follows the shoreline to Penrith Beach, approximately 30 minutes walk, providing great views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Following the road from Penrith Beach, you can join up with the Outlet Track.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

Cyclist on Beacon Point Walk, Wanaka, Otago, New Zealand @Lake Wānaka Tourism
Beacon Point Walk, Wanaka @Lake Wānaka Tourism

 

OUTLET TRACK

Outlet Track, Wanaka, Otago, New Zealand @karliekate
Outlet Track @karliekate

There is a formed track beside the Clutha River from the lake outlet to Albert Town. – 1 Hour. This track is suitable for walkers of all ages and it offers good scenic views.

It also provides access for fishers to this world renowned trout fishing area. Fly fishing only from approximately 1km downstream from the outlet.

 

 

Top Tours & Activities in WANAKA – BOOK NOW (cashback up 10%)

Lake Hawea loop to Johns Creek is popular with the scenery. The craggy mountains reflecting in the lake waters is a favourite for an impulsive family photo moment.

 

 

GLADSTONE TRACK, LAKE HAWEA

A flat easy shared walk (cyclists) for families follows the shoreline of the glorious Lake Hawea. From Hāwea dam the track follows the foreshore in front of Lake Hāwea township before travelling through open farmland to Johns Creek.

  • Length: 6.5km
  • Duration: 1-2 hours
  • Toilets: No

 

 

Activities, Bike Hire & More in Wanaka – BOOK NOW & SAVE up to 73%!

Gladstone Track, Lake Hawea, Wanaka, Otago, New Zealand @Lake Wānaka Tourism
Gladstone Track, Lake Hawea @Lake Wānaka Tourism

KIDDS BUSH

Kidds Bush, Lake Hawea, Wanaka, Otago, New Zealand @zach8lane
Kidds Bush, Lake Hawea @zach8lane

This is a popular family trip beginning at the Kidds Bush picnic and camping area on the road to the Hunter Valley Station, Lake Hawea. Toilet and barbecue facilities are available. There is a small charge for camping to cover costs of maintaining this area. The native forest reaches down to the lakeshore at this scenic spot and there is a short 30 minute walk through the mountain beech forest which starts opposite the picnic area.

The Sawyer Burn track also starts here, this is a moderate climb though the native forest as it opens onto a sub-alpine grass spur with superb views over Lake Hawea, the bush and nearby high country runs. The track then sidles up the valley to the Sawyer Burn Hut just on the bush line.

Time to the Sawyer Burn Hut – 3 Hours

Lake Hawea is a place of contrasts from the vivid blue lake to jagged mountain ranges. Lake Hawea is an outdoor adventurers’ heaven and a great place to boat, swim, kite surf, kayak, ride, walk or just laze about on the beach.

 

 

blank
TRAVEL PACK INFORMATION

The Department of Conservation has an excellent brochure on the outdoors with detailed explanations of short walks to multiple day hikes. Remember to always check with relevant authorities about weather conditions, track updates and inform your accommodation host or the visitor centre of your proposed route and departure. Lastly, do not forget to tell people you have safely returned.

See attached brochure for more information.

 

blank
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
Socials, sharing photos. We’re excited to share these photos with you. Thank you for your inspiring shots and remember to click like. For each shared social media image we label the photo with the original @ to facilitate ID.

If we have accidentally used your photograph without your permission, we are sorry and will remove the photograph as soon as possible. Any use without permission is an oversight… for more information regarding our Terms and Conditions check HERE.

blank
AFFILIATE PARTNER STATEMENT
Our editors independently visit tour operators, purchase tickets, pay for accommodation, and rate products and places. We are not paid to go on a tour or visit a place. We only make money if you decide to purchase a product through our website links. We promise to never accept free products from manufacturers in return for boosting their products. Read more about our affiliate programme in the terms and conditions HERE.

 

BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE

Best Bits travel guide is published by nzjane.com. Owned and managed by PacificJane Ltd.

Related Articles

Enquire

If you have a query about content, travel deals or anything else, our team is happy to answer all your questions 🙂



    Your information is secure, no third party involved.
    100% Safe, secure, privacy guaranteed. Privacy Policy.

    Subscribe
    blank