Lower Circuit Track
Alerts
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
This track has outstanding views over Lake Wānaka. Sections of track are often slippery.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Sampled from the national 8m elevation model. No LiDAR survey covers this route yet.
Description
Follow the old dirt road from the car park to Diamond Lake, where a steep climb up the bluffs leads to a viewing platform overlooking the small lake.
From there, the Lower Circuit's eastern and western sides form a loop culminating at 640 m above sea level, with good views over Glendhu Bay.
Mountain biking
Mountain biking is permitted to Diamond Lake only.
Other activities
The surrounding bluffs are very popular with rock or sport climbers, especially in summer when there is no ice on these southerly faces.
Getting there
From Wanaka, drive west along the Wanaka – Mt Aspiring Road for 18.5 km to the Diamond Lake Conservation Area carpark where the track starts.
The road to the Diamond Lake carpark is sealed. During winter the road maybe icey so drive to the condition.
Know before you go
Extreme care is required on these walks during winter. Because of ice, the Diamond Lake Track may not be suitable to walk.
Nature and conservation
The Diamond Lake Conservation Area's landscape has been carved by Ice Age glaciers, with stands of native forest and shrubland nestling into bluff systems.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track