Hawea Flat to Lake Hawea
Once I was settled in Hawea Flat, Christl just couldn’t wait to show me around. Our first walk together, we started right from home partly along the Hawea River Track, following the Hawea River and enjoying a snack at the Hawea Flat Whitewater Park (The Wave).
We enjoyed the views and the overall flat riverside track. Arriving at Lake Hawea we went to “Hawea Store & Kitchen” better know as “Sails“. A gorgeous little place, offering great Cappuccino’s and we had some fish and chips here. For the way back we took a delicious brownie to go too.
Distance: approx. 20 km (return) Grade: easy walking track along the riverside
Time: 5 hrs walking (without stops)
Gladstone Track
This track starts from Hawea dam, but I did it several times starting from the Lake Hawea Hotel. It follows the foreshore in front of Lake Hawea township before reaching the open farmlands to Johns Creek. It is part of the Te Araroa trail.
It offers great views over the Lake. Make sure to bring your “toggs” (bikini/trunks) to have a dip! I loved seeing the locals enjoying all sorts of watersports on the lake, such as kayaking, SUP, water- and jetskiing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and of course swimming. There were a lot of baskets for playing frisbee along the track too.
I have done this track in several occasions, on foot as well as by bike.
Distance: 6,5 km (one way) Grade: easy walking or cycling track
Time: 1,5 – 2 hrs (on foot)
Breast Hill Track
This track starts right after Johns Creek beach at the Dingle Burn Road leading to Pakituhi Hut. It is part of the Te Araroa trail and goes further to Stodys Hut with possibilities to do the Timaru River Track as well.
I was lucky to be accompanied by the best buddy one can wish for, Carlos (9 years old). Christl dropped us off at Johns Creek from were we started walking along the road till we reached the first sign.
The first section to Pakituhi Hut (1268 m) is a steady climb rising 400 m on a formed zig-zag track to a small saddle. Followed by a prominent ridge with some very steep and hard parts with slippery sand and some rocks to “climb”.
The view over Lake Hawea and the Breast Hill is breath-taking. At some point you can see as far as to Lake Wanaka. There is NO Water on the track, so definitely bring enough, especially on a hot day. This track can be tricky for unexperienced hikers. This track is part of the Hawea Conservation Park, Otago region. Consult for up-to-date information the DOC Website: https://www.doc.govt.nz
—> Make sure to bring your “toggs” for a refreshing dip in Lake Hawea when returning to the start!
Distance: 8 km (return) Grade: advanced, experienced
Time: 4,5 hrs
