We’ve walked the Millennium Track in all seasons: in the scorching heat of high summer, in autumn when the leaves turn to fire, under a mantle of silver ice in winter, and in spring when the famous Wanaka tree comes back to life.

The track from Wanaka township to Glendhu Bay is an absolute stunner at any time of year. All seasons have beautiful, unique faces. Also known as the Glendhu Bay Track, the pathway weaves its way up and down along the lake edge past a string of sheltered pebbled coves, each more beautiful than the one before.

In spring, the famous Wanaka tree comes back to life

The track can be walked in either direction but you will need to find an obliging friend or shuttle to provide a drop-off or pick-up service. Option one is to be dropped off 15 minutes along the Wanaka–Mt Aspiring Road at Glendhu Bay and collected at Waterfall Creek carpark on Ruby Island Road, where there is road access down to the lake edge.

That’s a 12.5km walk and takes a good three hours, depending on the number of times you stop to take photos or whether you have a picnic and a swim along the way. Option two is to start from Wanaka township and arrange a pick up at Glendhu Bay. Either way, you are rewarded with glorious, heart-soaring views of the lake and mountains.

There are several headlands and bluffs where the track has been blasted into the bedrock

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