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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: -44.64353, 168.96580. 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
- 4 km loop
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 min - 2 hr from carpark
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Diamond Lake and Hospital Flat 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
This track has outstanding views over Lake Wānaka. Sections of track are often slippery.
This DOC directory entry covers Lower Circuit Track in Otago, within Diamond Lake and Hospital Flat 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: 4 km loop
- Walking time: 1 hr 30 min - 2 hr from carpark
- 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.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Follow the old dirt road from the car park to Diamond Lake, where a steep climb up the bluffs leads to a viewing platform overlooking the small lake.
From there, the Lower Circuit's eastern and western sides form a loop culminating at 640 m above sea level, with good views over Glendhu Bay.
Mountain biking
Mountain biking is permitted to Diamond Lake only.
Other activities
The surrounding bluffs are very popular with rock or sport climbers, especially in summer when there is no ice on these southerly faces.
Getting there
From Wanaka, drive west along the Wanaka – Mt Aspiring Road for 18.5 km to the Diamond Lake Conservation Area carpark where the track starts.
The road to the Diamond Lake carpark is sealed. During winter the road maybe icey so drive to the condition.
Know before you go
Extreme care is required on these walks during winter. Because of ice, the Diamond Lake Track may not be suitable to walk.
Nature and conservation
The Diamond Lake Conservation Area's landscape has been carved by Ice Age glaciers, with stands of native forest and shrubland nestling into bluff systems.
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.
