Last Updated: 1st Jul 2024
Isthmus Peak and Glen Dene Ridge
Submitted by Sierra
Last Updated: 1st Jul 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 51 ?
Gnarl Factor: 13 ?
36.7km
2270m
2265m
1400m
Last Updated: 1st Jul 2024
Submitted by Sierra
Last Updated: 1st Jul 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 51 ?
Gnarl Factor: 13 ?
36.7km
2270m
2265m
1400m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Very hilly
Lakeside
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.1%
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6:00
Slow
5:00
Moderate
4
Fast
Beyond the Isthmus Peak track lies the Glen Dene Ridge track which takes you to the Matatiaho Conservation Area.
When you get to the top of Isthmus Peak track just past the toilet, turn left to take the Glen Dene ridge instead of right to the Isthmus Peak summit.
The track is undulating ups and downs from there, taking you 12 km to the fenceline of Mt Burke station (just past point 1455). Then you have a tantalising view of Wānaka, so close, but due to private property, you need to descend the way you came.
Like the rest of the Isthmus Peak track, it's hilly but technically easy farm track terrain, and very exposed. Beautiful views over Wānaka and Hāwea.
You will likely meet many sheep and possibly some deer.
Please note: The Isthmus Peak Track is on private property and is closed annually from 20 Nov to 20 Dec. Please adhere to the regulations when visiting: Stay on the marked track, do not interact with the livestock, no dogs/drones/poaching/camping/paragliding/fires/graffiti/weapons permitted, and no littering rubbish. Thank you.
Two long drops: one near the Isthmus Peak trailhead, and one 90% of the way up to Isthmus Peak.
38 km
51 minutes
No
No
Easy.
There's an alternate way down via Long Valley Creek, but this is part of Glen Dene station and you need permission to descend this way.
Very patchy.
Windproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Virtually no water -- bring lots especially as you get full sun exposue on this track!
Very exposed track prone to hot summer sun exposure, wind, etc.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Isthmus Peak and Glen Dene Ridge
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This is a great trail and good training for the likes of Northburn., or if you want some good undulating ridge running. Cool to see a different view of Wanaka and Hawea - definitely worth adding in the extra to bag isthmus while you are there!
Also note that while this is public conversation land the station runs hunting safari’s through that area over summer!
I checked with the station owner and for 2023 hunting starts beginning of Feb - through until the end of summer. There are warning signs that say stick to the tracks, but I would suggest avoiding the area during this time.
February 5, 2023
I did this trail many years ago (2015), it was a very long hot day and the only thing I remember very well is there was no water. I could not find any creek marked on the map. Doing 15km with no water wasn't fun. I highly recommend taking enough water!!!!
April 25, 2022
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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