Lower Wye Creek Track
Alerts
Avalanche NZ
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This steep track follows the pipeline from the dam and leads you to the foot of a rock bluff. A further walk through beech forest takes you to the stream in the Lower Wye Creek basin.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
From the carpark by the Wye Creek Bridge, it’s a 45-min climb to the hydro dam. This steep, zig zag track follows the pipeline from the dam. Don’t cross the dam, climb away from the creek – the track leads to the foot of a rock bluff.
To reach the bush line and the Lower Wye Creek basin from the dam means another hour following a marked, benched track through beech forest. It then emerges beside the stream in the Lower Wye Creek basin.
Crosses private land.
The track offers rock climbing for all abilities on both sides of the creek, with climbs up to 50 m.
Getting there
Start/Finish: Wye Creek, SH6, 20 min drive from Queenstown
Know before you go
This is a high altitude walk and suitable for summer only, when snow may still be present. Be prepared for sudden weather changes.
Take care entering and leaving the carpark at Wye Creek, as it is off a busy highway.
Note: there is limited space at the main carpark for this track, and 4WD vehicles are needed to reach the upper carpark.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track