Last Updated: 9th Apr 2024
Millennium Track: Glendhu Bay to Wānaka Tree
Last Updated: 9th Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 17 ?
Gnarl Factor: 33 ?
13.2km
275m
275m
318m
Last Updated: 9th Apr 2024
Last Updated: 9th Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 17 ?
Gnarl Factor: 33 ?
13.2km
275m
275m
318m
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Lakeside
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +4.0%
Average Downhill Gradient: -4.0%
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1:30
Slow
1:10
Moderate
50
Fast
One of Wānaka's most stunning tracks, the millennium track from Glendhu Bay back to town along Lake Wānaka is reminiscent of the French riviera along the Mediterranean. The track follows the lake through a surprisingly scenic route -- so close to town you can find secluded beaches and dramatic cliffsides. This route also provides views of Tititea/Mt Aspiring (visible from Glendhu Bay), Ruby Island, and of course the Wānaka tree.
Starting at Glendhu Bay motor camp, follow the lakefront track back towards town. About 1 km in, you will pass a DOC parking lot and toilet -- this will be the last toilet opportunity or road access for about 10 km! Tititea / Mt Aspiring is also visible from here. From there the track really starts to get scenic as you round Damper Bay, lots of undulating terrain over the cliffsides, with views of Black Peak and Fog Peak.
As you round the corner after Damper Bay, views of Ruby Island, Roy's Bay, and the rest of the main Wānaka basin will come into view. When you pass Ruby Island Rd, there is another DOC toilet, and you're about 3 km from being finished! The Wānaka tree marks the near end of your run, which terminates at the Wānaka watersports facility where parking and toilets are available.
Throughout the track, be mindful that it's shared use with mountain bikes. Also keep in mind the track is quite exposed and there are no potable water sources along the way, so on a summer day it's essential to protect against the sun and bring all the water you'll need. This is a point-to-point track, so it will be necessary to organise some logistics -- it's about 10 mins drive between the start & finish.
Views of Tititea / Mt Aspiring, Ruby Island, Wānaka Tree.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Parking available both at Glendhu Bay holiday park and at Wānaka watersports facility. Unfortunately no public transport options in Wānaka. To get from end-to-end, it's straightforward to hitchhike, or have someone pick you up or key swap. It's about 10 mins drive from end to end.
0 km
0 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Very well-marked trail - if in doubt, remember you're following the lakefront!
Generally good.
Cellphone
No good potable water enroute - it's a short enough run that it's best to bring all the water you'll need.
This track is generally suitable all year, could get muddy in places after a big rain, and is very exposed to sun in summer.
Shared use trail with mountain bikes.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Millennium Track: Glendhu Bay to Wānaka Tree
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Fantastic trail for continuous running. The views are spectacular especially if you run it in the opposite direction towards Glendhu Bay. Nice swimming spots at either end of the trail to cool down during summer months.
April 6, 2024
No shade, track feels a bit unchanging/monotonous so don't hope for variation. There is water at Glendhu so you can fill up before you run back to Wanaka.
October 27, 2023
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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