West Wānaka and the Matukituki Outlet
West Wānaka sits at the edge of Lake Wānaka in the Otago region, around 10 km west of Wānaka township. Backed by the Buchanan Peaks and Mt Alta, and flanked by the braided Matukituki River, it’s a peaceful alternative to the busier eastern shore. This area, accessed on West Wanaka Road, draws walkers, cyclists, and families keen to explore quiet lakeside tracks and stony beaches.
Lakeshore Views and The Island
As you drive to West Wanaka, you cross a narrow historic bridge over the Matukuituki River. A bit further on, you will spot the expanse of polished river gravels around the Matukituki River mouth, known locally as "The Island". Here is the perfect place for casual picnics and stone-skimming. The gravel flats are also a superb place to survey the transition from lake to braided river, and from hills to surrounding peaks.
Parking Up and Lakeside Tracks
At the end of West Wanaka Road, there is a toilet and a shared lakeside hiking and cycling track that heads north around the lake. The hike starts as the Homestead Bay Track, then becomes the Minaret Burn Track after Colquhoun's Flat. Lesser known, it's a perfect place for a peaceful wander or a full-blown multiday adventure.
There is also a nearby curiosity to be discovered on the edge of the lake - an old, somewhat worn wharf that probably dates back to when boats were used for transport around the lake.
Exploring Roys Peninsula
A quiet drive off West Wānaka Road leads you along Buchanan Rise to Roys Peninsula. This headland separates Glendhu Bay from the Matukituki outlet, with rolling paddocks and elevated views. Although the road ends before the lake’s edge, it’s a rewarding detour for photographers and anyone keen to escape the crowds.
The area around this peninsula gives elevated views across to the flats of ‘The Island’, especially in early morning or evening light when the mountains turn golden behind the river braids.
How to Get There
From Wānaka township, drive west along Mount Aspiring Road past Glendhu Bay to the turnoff onto gravel West Wanaka Road. For Roys Peninsula, take the gravel Buchanan Rise from West Wānaka Road before you reach The Island. The drive from Wānaka is 27 minutes and 23 km.
Nearby places to visit include Roys Peak Track, Glendhu Bay Track, Diamond Lake, the Rocky Mountain Track and the Motatapu River Track.
