Discover Glendhu Bay on Lake Wānaka
Glendhu Bay is located on Lake Wānaka, just a short drive northwest from the Roys Peak Track car park along Mt Aspiring Road. This scenic spot has an expansive campground and stunning viewpoints. On a calm day, the bay provides exceptional mountain reflections, making it a must-visit for photographers.
The east side of the bay is also one of the few places from which you can see Tititea / Mt Aspiring, which is generally hidden by the mountains around the lake.
Scenic Views and Hiking Opportunities
As you approach Glendhu Bay from Wānaka, you'll encounter a signposted reserve before reaching the campground. This area marks one end of the Glendhu Bay Track, a shared trail for hiking and cycling that connects to Wānaka.
The view of Mt Aspiring is highlighted by a signpost, and the best position is from the track at the northeast end of the bay. The Harris Mountains and Buchanan Peaks dominate the landscape, with Mt Aspiring visible between them.
You can stroll along the lake's edge to enjoy various angles and perspectives or follow the Glendhu Bay Track through native shrubbery and open spaces with panoramic views. For a different perspective, walk along the bay's edge toward the campground and visit the reserve on the west side of the bay.
Glendhu Bluff: A Reflective Haven
Another excellent spot for reflections is Glendhu Bluff, located a short distance northwest along the road from Glendhu Bay. This area is an alternative perspective on the surroundings, with reflections of the golden slopes of Roys Peak a dominant feature.
How to Get to Glendhu Bay
To reach Glendhu Bay, drive northwest from Wānaka along Mt Aspiring Road. The bay is a few minutes past the Roys Peak Track car park. Look for the signposted reserve before the campground, which marks the start of the Glendhu Bay Track. The drive takes 14 minutes and is 13 km.
Nearby places to visit include West Wānaka, Motatapu Gorge and Motatapu River Track, Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain.
