LAKE HAWEA RIVER TRAIL



Our Bike & Shuttle options make it easy for you to explore Wanaka’s picturesque trails at your own pace. With trips available for all ages and abilities, we provide bike hire and transport to the start of your adventure, as well as local knowledge on everything there is to discover along the way. You’ll love how easy we make it for you to relax and enjoy the ride!
The unguided Lake Hawea to Wanaka ride is the most bang for your buck of any bike trip in Wanaka, which is why it is our most popular ride!
We shuttle you from downtown Wanaka to the neighbouring lakeside town of Hawea. Grab a coffee before setting out on the Hawea River Track, an easy riverside amble set in mountainous surroundings. You’ll pass by Albert Town, where refreshments can be picked up before continuing along the mighty Clutha River towards its source at Lake Wanaka. A picturesque lakeside trail that will lead you back to Wanaka township, where ice cream and #thatwanakatree await.
Requires a MIN of 3 Passengers to proceed. Single bookings will be waitlisted.
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes, we are a dog friendly operation. So long as your dog is used to being alongside moving bicycles, is friendly with strangers and will not interfere with other riders, then we welcome dogs into the shuttle vehicles at no extra charge.
LAKE HAWEA PREMIUM RIVER TRAIL (New for 2023)
This package is idea for small groups (min. 2 and up to 8). We start your journey by picking you up from your local accommodation. On the drive we stop off to pick up complementary drinks and morning tea treats from the Pembrooke Patisserie. With this package you can start your ride at our normal Lake Hawea starting point or opt to add on the Gladstone track. When you return to Wanaka and drop off the bikes at the pre-determined drop off point, you can hop into the Speights Ale House where you will receive 10% discount off your drinks and food.
UPGRADE OPTION – GLADSTONE TRACK
With the recent completion of the Gladstone Track, we are offering a small 6.5km extension to the Lake Hawea River Trail for those wishing to ride a little further. After dropping off our guests for the start of their Lake Hawea ride, we will drive your group further on to Johns Creek, where you will start the Gladstone Track. This 6.5km extension will lead you into the Lake Hawea River Trail meaning your overall ride will be around 36.5km. The Gladstone Track is a fairly new flat graded track which follows the foreshore of Lake Hawea as well as open farmland. This extension can be booked under optional extra’s when you book your Lake Hawea River Trail ride.

WHAT WE PROVIDE
- Shuttle from Wanaka to Hawea, trips leave daily at 10.30am from outside the Wanaka iSite
- Latest-model mountain bike and helmet
- Thorough trial briefing with photos
- 30km ride / Grade 1-2 trail (Grade system 0 – 6)
- Visit the river wave, cafes and ‘The Hook’
- Ride across the swing bridge!
- See #thatwanakatree
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING
- Day bag
- 750ml bottled water (fits inside bike bottle cage)
- Shorts, T-shirt
- Sturdy footwear (closed-toe)
- Windbreaker jacket
- Sunglasses
- Camera

There is very little hill climbing to do on this ride. The first section from Hawea to Albert town is downstream.

The Hawea River Track is a gentle family-friendly ride. Starting off from Flora Dora on the lakeside in Hawea, you follow the Hawea river downstream until Albert Town, here you can choose to carry on to Wanaka via the beautiful Outlet track or have a break at the hook! Salmon farm or a coffee at the bakery.
YOU NEED TO KNOW
or send us an email info@wanakabiketours.co.nz