A Lakeside Reserve in Wānaka
Eely Point Reserve sits on the southeast shore of Lake Wānaka, about 1.5 kilometres from the town centre along Lakeside Road. It is one of the most popular spots in town for a reason: easy walking or cycling, a grassy reserve with sheltering mature exotic trees, and mountain views that stretch the length of the lake. The reserve takes its name from the long-finned tuna (native eels) that were once plentiful in the lake shallows here, a reminder that this entire area was important to Ngāi Tahu as both a travel corridor and a food-gathering ground.
The Reserve and its Facilities
The reserve includes a boat ramp, a disc golf course, a small bike track for young riders, a pebbly beach framed by rocky outcrops, picnic facilities, and toilets. When the lake level drops, those rocks create natural leading lines out across the water towards the mountains, a popular composition for photographers at golden hour.
The water is sheltered and calm, making it a good swimming spot in summer. On the north side of the point is Bremner Bay: a quieter, sandy-bottomed bay that is a favourite with families.
The Exotic Trees
About a quarter of the reserve, three hectares, is covered in exotic trees, mostly pine with some deciduous willows and poplars around the lake edge. These trees will be gradually removed and replaced with natives, and you will see examples of planting around the reserve. In the meantime, they provide shelter and contrast, especially in Autumn when the lakeside trees turn to gold.
Connected Tracks
The lakeside path connecting central Wānaka to Eely Point, the Beacon Point Walk, is flat, well-formed, and suitable for bikes, strollers, and dogs on leads. The walk from the town centre takes around 20 to 30 minutes each way.
From Eely Point, the track continues to Beacon Point, and then on to Albert Town as the Outlet Track. The full Wānaka to Albert Town track is popular with cyclists, covering the lake edge and then the Clutha / Mata-Au riverbank.
The walk west from the town centre along the lakefront leads to the Wānaka Tree and the start of the Glendhu Bay Track.
These connected trails are also sections of Te Araroa.
How to Get There
From Ardmore Street in the Wānaka town centre, take Lakeside Road north past the marina and continue for about 1.5 kilometres. There is plentiful parking at Eely Point Reserve, with additional parking at Bremner Bay. On-street parking in the surrounding streets is also available.
Nearby places to visit include Mount Iron, Wānaka Station Park, the Wānaka Tree, Glendhu Bay Track and a short town walk exploring sections of Bullock Creek.
