On-leadModerate
Hawea River Track
Wanaka · Otago · Out & Back
↑ 57 m gain↓ 57 m descenthigh 340 msteepest 6 %
DISTANCE20.4 km
ASCENT57 m
DURATION5–5.5 hr
STEEPEST6 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · HIKERS 4.5 · 127
DOG EFFORT3.3 /5 paws
Nearest emergency vetRemarkable Vets (Queenstown) - 24hr emergency, Queenstown
03 442 1411
The route
Good to know
On the lead here. Keep it to two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds, as on most NZ tracks.
Lake swimRiver swim spotsForest shadeA popular track, busy on weekendsCattle grid on routeStile on route
Check the water before the dog swims. Toxic algae blooms in NZ rivers and lakes can kill a dog within hours. Scan the LAWA water quality map in warm months and keep dogs away from dark slime on rocks.
A multi-day expedition, not an afternoon walk. Plan for huts, weather and full backcountry gear.
About Hawea River Track
Hawea River Track covers 20.4 km, near Wanaka in Otago, walked as an out-and-back.
It sits at the moderate end and gains roughly 57 m, pitching up to 6 % at its steepest, and takes about 5–5.5 hr to walk.
Walkers come for native forest, lakeside stretches, river frontage, and big views. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.5 / 5 across 127 reviews.