Lake Rere Track

A beautiful day walk on a dramatic loop track, taking in the glorious Greenstone River, the lovely mountain Lake Rere, and Elfin Bay on Lake Wakatipu.

Distance: 14.3 km loop

Duration: 4 – 6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Best time of year to go: October – April. 

Start / finish point: Take the Glenorchy-Routeburn road and turn off at Kinloch onto the Greenstone Station Road. This is a narrow gravel road with four fords, so make sure your car is up to the task. Park at the Greenstone river carpark.

Insider’s tip: You must cross fords to reach the start of the walk, and there are stream crossings on the track, so avoid after heavy rain. 

The Lake Rere Track experience

Start your walk following the trail through native beech forest beside the stunning turquoise waters of the Greenstone River as it flows through a gorge.  After about 2km you begin to get views of the Caples Valley.

Pass the Caples Track junction, cross the Greenstone River on a footbridge, and continue to follow the river for another 4km. After another bridge crossing, you’ll begin your climb to Lake Rere, 200m above the Greenstone Valley.

The clear waters of the lake are perfect for a swim on a hot day, or simply stop for lunch and enjoy the views of Tooth Peak. Don’t forget to pack your insect repellent, as sandflies are partial to the beauties of Lake Rere too.

Take the track to the north of the lake, passing dramatic boulders, before descending to Lake Wakatipu's Elfin Bay. Cross Greenstone Station farmland, enjoying spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, before crossing the Greenstone River one final time, and returning to the car park.