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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: -44.72670, 169.27222. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 5 - 5 hr 30 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Wānaka area
- Dog access
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. 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
Walk or cycle along the banks of the Clutha River near Lake Wānaka.
This DOC directory entry covers Upper Clutha River 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 5 - 5 hr 30 min
- 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.
- Pawsons Bridge is closed; First published on 28 August 2026. Last reviewed on 6 October 2026.
Dog access
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This track, from Albert Town to Luggate, follows along the river bank offering views of the Clutha’s emerald-green water with the odd trout lurking in its shadows.
Joggers, cyclists and walkers will enjoy shade in summer and shelter from the elements in winter.
You can walk the whole length or sections of the track.
A loop option is possible when combined with the Newcastle Track, located on the true left of the river.
Times and distances from carparks
Albert Town to Cardrona River 1 hr, 2.5 km
Cardrona River to Stevensons Road 1 -1 hr 30 min, 5 km
Stevensons Road to Reko’s Point 1 hr, 4 km
Reko’s Point to Shortcut Road carpark 1 hr, 4 km
Shortcut Road carpark to Luggate 45 min, 3 km
Fishing
The Upper Clutha River is home to a large population of introduced brown and rainbow trout. Both spinning and fly fishing work well, with fly fishing being the most productive method during the warmer months. A current fishing licence from Fish & Game New Zealand is required.
Getting there
There are several carpark entrance points to begin or finish at: Albert Town, Cardrona River, Stevensons Road, Reko’s Point, Shortcut Road and Luggate.
Know before you go
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
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.
