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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -44.95273, 168.33475. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 14 km loop
- Walking time
- 4–6 hr loop
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Greenstone and Caples Conservation Areas
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
A steep climb through red beech eases before reaching picturesque Lake Rere, a popular tourist destination in the late 19th century.
This DOC directory entry covers Lake Rere Walk in Otago, within Greenstone and Caples Conservation Areas. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 14 km loop
- Walking time: 4–6 hr loop
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
- Dangerous slip on Lake Rere Walk; First published on 5 October 2026. Last reviewed on 5 October 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Taking the loop clockwise, cross the bridge and follow the marked route across Greenstone Station's open paddocks for an hour to Elfin Bay.
An initially steep climb through red beech eases before reaching picturesque Lake Rere (running water). This was a popular tourist destination in the late 19th century.
Pockets of mountain beech and grassland lead you to a second bridge and a brief climb to join the Greenstone Track. To finish this loop continue on Greenstone Track back to the start of the Lake Rere Walk.
Getting there
Park at the Greenstone carpark which is 1 hour from Glenorchy.
Know before you go
Beware of unbridged stream crossings in heavy rain. The track can be muddy and passes through farmland sometimes occupied by cattle.
Large active slip
There is a large active slip on the western end of track near stock bridge. Expect windfall and track damage. The track is only suitable for experienced visitors and extreme caution is required.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
