On-leadModerate
Lake Ruataniwha Track
Twizel · Canterbury · Out & Back
↑ 41 m gain↓ 38 m descenthigh 481 msteepest 8 %
DISTANCE9.7 km
ASCENT41 m
DURATION2–2.5 hr
STEEPEST8 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · HIKERS 3.6 · 32
DOG EFFORT2.4 /5 paws
PARKING90 m away
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.
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.
About Lake Ruataniwha Track
Near Twizel in Canterbury, Lake Ruataniwha Track runs 9.7 km as an out-and-back.
Expect moderate going, with around 41 m of climb, pitching up to 8 % at its steepest, and takes about 2–2.5 hr to walk.
Walkers come for lakeside stretches, river frontage, and big views. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 3.6 / 5 across 32 reviews.