Exploring Bullock Creek in Wānaka
In Wānaka, there is an attractive short walking trail along Bullock Creek between Ardmore Street and Brownston Street, a peaceful escape right in the town centre with native plantings and a distinctive outdoor sculpture. At Brownston Street, a rock channel and platforms have been constructed around the stream, with several pop-up food spots, making it a particularly attractive spot for an outdoor meal.
But there is more to this creek than immediately meets the eye.
The Start of Bullock Creek
The creek originates from the peaks southwest of Wānaka, where water flows into multiple creeks that converge around Stone Street and Sapphire Spring Rise on the town's west side. This stream then travels between houses below the Golf Club, eventually reaching the lake at the intersection of Ardmore Street and Lakeside Road.
Historically, the area where these creeks meet on the west side of the town housed a trout hatchery, which has been transformed into a wetlands walkway. Here, you can see the water bubbling from the ground and follow the stream as it winds its way to Stone Street.
The Path to the Lake
After the stream goes under Stone Street and McDougall Street, you can map out its path by exploring side streets south of Tenby Street, then follow it from Helwick Street to Brownston Street. From there, take the track to Ardmore Street, cross the road by the bridge and follow the walk through the children's playground around the lake edge to the stream mouth.
The stream's mouth is particularly appealing, featuring a boardwalk that extends along the lake's eastern edge from the stream to the marina.
How to Get There
To begin your walk along Bullock Creek, head to the west side of Wānaka. You can start at Stone Street, accessed from the end of Upton, Warren, or Tenby Streets, or at Sapphire Spring Rise, where the creeks converge.
Other short walks around Wānaka include the Lakefront Walk to the Wānaka Tree and Wānaka Station Park. For longer walks, there is the Mount Iron Track, the Beacon Point Walk, the Outlet Track and the Glendu Bay Track.
