You've arrived at The Camp, set up your tent, parked up your caravan or camper, checked into the Denver Village, tossed your bag into the Tiny House / cabin / cottage / Lakeside Cabin - however you're staying, you're HERE! Hurrah!
While many of our guests are super excited just to kick back in their accommodation, whatever style it is (and we have many!) some of our guests want to get out and about and explore - stat! And regardless of where in The Camp you are staying, from our lavish Cross Hill Geodomes to an unpowered tent site, we know that our guests love the inside info on the best things to do in the region while they're here.
So, we've put together a few lists of Top 5 Things to Do in the Lake Hāwea region this summer - this is the first one! Stayed tuned for more!
1. Take a hike - or two, or three...
There are so many incredible walks and hikes around the Lake Hāwea region! Depending on your level of fitness, there's a walk or hike suitable for everyone. From the easy, undulating Gladstone Track on the Lake Hāwea lakefront, to the dramatic challenge of Corner Peak at 1683metres at the far end of Timaru Creek Road, there's no shortage of epic views to be enjoyed.
Gladstone Track:
Located along the lakefront, Gladstone Track is a fairly easy walk or bike ride that winds it's way from the start of the Lake Hāwea township all the way to Johns Creek in the righthand corner of the lakefront. 12.4kms long, the walk can be started and ended at different areas along the way as there are numerous access points including Scotts Beach, Kite Surfers Beach, The Esplanade car park, Flora Dora Parade entrance, and Johns Creek. Amazing views and the opportunity to stop and skip some stones, this is the perfect walk or bike ride for nearly every fitness level and age.
Dingle Burn Peninsula Track:
Located down Timaru Creek Road, the Dingle Burn is a pretty popular fishing spot for those keen on a bit of fishing. A 3-4 hour walk, it is rated as an easy walk for most levels of fitness. On a clear day, Mt Aspiring/Tititea can be seen from the track.
Isthmus Peak:
Corner Peak:
This is hike not for the faint-hearted. At a whopping 1638m high, it is one of the more challenging hikes in the area. It does however, offer some of the most spectacular views available in a region that is jaw-droppingly full of them. Adventurous, challenging, a little confusing in terms of route indicators, Corner Peak is one to tick off if you're an experienced tramper or hiker.
Grandview Mountain Track:
An 18 kilometre, 4-6 hour, 1398m elevation hike, you will be well-rewarded with the views over Lakes Hāwea and Wānaka and the magnificent mountains beyond. Starting at the Grandview Creek car park, hikers are given a variety of terrains on this trail. From pockets of kānuka shrubland to farmland on the lower sections to the small remnant of Beech forest on up to the alpine tussockland that dominates the tops, then on to rocky terrain and trails if you choose to combine this track with the Breast Hill trail.
TO NOTE:
With all tracks and trails there can be a certain amount of risk. Make sure you have enough water, sunscreen, bug spray, good walking or hiking shoes, the right clothing and extras for warmth if the weather turns quickly - even in summer! Check the Department of Conservation information on any track before heading off.