Minaret Burn Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This walk passes through native forest and bush, crossing burns (streams) and giving access to Lake Wānaka itself. This track is suitable for walking, mountain biking and horse riding.

This DOC directory entry covers Minaret Burn Track in Otago, within Wānaka area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 45 km return via same track
• Walking time: Not specified in the checked DOC directory
• DOC grade: Advanced

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

Starting from the carpark at Homestead Bay, the track follows Lake Wānaka to Minaret Burn.

From Homestead Bay, the walking track undulates gently above the Lake Wānaka shoreline until it meets a 4WD track. About 2 – 3 hours (7.5 km) from Homestead Bay a track leads off to the right to Colquhouns Beach, a pleasant place to swim and picnic.

After crossing Station Creek, you’re in the conservation area of the same name and now following the Minaret Burn tramping track. This incorporates remnant forest and shrublands and provides access to the lake foreshore.

On the main track, after about 10 minutes, it crosses the Rumbling Burn. Take care crossing this burn as it may be impassable during snowmelt or after heavy rain. By taking the track to cross the burn you’re in the Minaret Burn Mouth Conservation Area.

From here the track climbs steeply out of Rumbling Burn Valley before following a gentle terrace to the Minaret Burn. It is a relatively easy walk up the valley. The burn’s true left is on Minaret Station and permission is required for access. This track is suitable for walking, mountain biking and horse riding. There are no horse gates. Riders must get access details and a gate key from West Wānaka Station (+64 27 329 3315) for locked gates on public tracks.

Side trip

Rumbling Burn Track

Distance: 2.25 km one way from Minaret Burn junction

At the far north end of Colquhouns Beach, before the hill climb, the Rumbling Burn Track leads off to the left. This track gives access (foot only) to the Mount Alta Conservation Area. It's an easy uphill sidle. At the mouth of the Rumbling Burn you’ll find a delightful bush-clad beach.

Getting there

The track starts at Homestead Bay, at the end of West Wanaka Road.

Know before you go

• The Minaret Burn Track is by private land. Respect the landowner’s livestock and property by ensuring that gates are left as found and, where they’re provided, that stiles are used.

• Providing hunters have a current hunting permit for lands administered by DOC, unloaded firearms may be carried on tracks. Under no circumstances are firearms to be discharged prior to entering permitted hunting areas.

• Minaret Hut is a private hut and permission must be obtained from West Wanaka Station before using it.

Safety

• Your safety is your responsibility. Stay safe in the outdoors and follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.

• All trampers need to plan properly and be well equipped. This includes having appropriate maps. For this area the topographical map, topo50 CA12 Minaret Bay is recommended.

• In summer, very hot and dry conditions are common. Make sure you carry an adequate water supply and, as this is a typical Central Otago climate, have adequate protection against the sun.

• If venturing into the mountains, alpine conditions may be experienced at any time of year. Be prepared and ensure that you carry warm, windproof clothing and have the appropriate footwear. The higher country is under snow during the winter months.

Be avalanche alert

Avalanches can occur in any season. Any time that snow and steep slopes are combined there is potential for an avalanche. You need to understand the risks before you visit avalanche-prone country.

This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information and the terrain rating for this track.

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows

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.