- 1DOC's Lower Wye Creek Track, in the Remarkables Conservation Area, is 6.66 km and 4 hours return on the same track, graded an advanced tramping track.
- 2It starts at Wye Creek on SH6, about 20 minutes' drive from Queenstown towards Kingston; parking is limited and the upper carpark needs a 4WD.
- 3DOC says it is a high altitude walk suitable for summer only, when snow may still be present, so check current track status with DOC.
- 4For an easier day, DOC's Moke Lake Loop Track is 6 km and 2 to 3 hours; our hidden gems guide covers it.
01 / Short answer
climb A steep summer track on the Remarkables, 20 minutes from Queenstown
Where is the Lower Wye Creek Track, and who is it for? Destination Queenstown places it on the west face of the Remarkables, reached from Wye Creek on SH6, about 20 minutes from Queenstown. DOC grades it an advanced tramping track: 6.66 km and 4 hours return by the same track, steep at first, then through beech forest to the Lower Wye Creek basin. It suits fit walkers in summer. For something gentler, compare it with Moke Lake and the lake walks below.
02 / Compare
Is Lower Wye Creek the right trail for my day?
| Trail | What DOC or Destination Queenstown says | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Wye Creek Track | 6.66 km and 4 hours return; advanced tramping track; summer only; no dogs. | This guide. |
| Moke Lake Loop Track | 6 km loop, 2 to 3 hours; easy to intermediate, Grade 3; a gravel road that can be 4WD only in winter. | Our hidden gems guide. |
| Queenstown Gardens Trail | 3.1 km return, about 1 hour; flat and wheelchair accessible. | Our short walks guide. |
03 / The route
How do I walk the Lower Wye Creek Track?
- 01Get to the start
Destination Queenstown says the start is 20 minutes by car on SH6 towards Kingston, and can also be reached by bike.
- 02Park with care
The main carpark is by the Wye Creek Bridge off SH6 and has limited space; 4WD vehicles are needed to reach the upper carpark. Destination Queenstown says the carpark is on private farm land through a gate on the left heading south, so close the gate behind you.
- 03Climb to the hydro dam
DOC gives 45 minutes up a steep zig zag track that follows the pipeline. If you reach a vertical ladder by the pipeline, you have taken a wrong turn: go back to the toilet at the start and follow DOC's orange triangles.
- 04Leave the dam behind
Do not cross the dam. Climb away from the creek, and the track leads to the foot of a rock bluff.
- 05Walk through the beech forest
Another hour on a marked, benched track through beech forest brings you to the bush line, beside the stream in the Lower Wye Creek basin.
- 06Return the same way
The track is 6.66 km return by the same route. Destination Queenstown says walking poles help on the steep descent.
04 / On the way
What will I see and do on the Lower Wye Creek Track?
- The pipeline and hydro dam
The first climb follows the pipeline up to the dam.
- Beech forest
A marked, benched track through beech forest leads to the bush line.
- A waterfall
Destination Queenstown describes a natural waterfall beside the climb.
- Lake views
Destination Queenstown points to views across Lake Whakatipu to Bayonet Peaks.
- Rock climbing
DOC says the track offers rock climbing for all abilities on both sides of the creek, with climbs up to 50 m.
05 / Season and rules
When can I walk Lower Wye Creek, and what are the rules?
- Summer only
DOC calls it a high altitude walk suitable for summer only, when snow may still be present. Check current track status with DOC before you go.
- Weather
DOC says to be prepared for sudden weather changes.
- Private land
The track crosses private land; close the carpark gate behind you.
- No dogs
DOC does not allow dogs on the track; other pets follow its rules for conservation land.
- The highway
Take care entering and leaving the carpark, which is off a busy highway.
06 / Going further
Can I walk on from Wye Creek to Lake Alta?
Only with a full day and a lift home. Destination Queenstown says the route beyond the basin climbs into the alpine area to Lake Alta, takes 6 to 8 hours one way, and ends at the Remarkables Ski Area carpark, so arrange a pick up there. That is far beyond the Lower Wye Creek Track itself, so check conditions with DOC first. A guided hike to Lake Alta is another way to see the lake.