Albert Town: Trails along the Clutha River and nature

In Albert Town, riverside trails, loop tracks and local attractions take centre stage. As you plan your trip, consider whether you’d prefer to walk along the river, take a loop on foot or by bike, or explore the area’s nature and history.

Riverside trails along the Clutha River

The Upper Clutha River Track follows the riverbank from Albert Town to Luggate. Along the way, you’ll find views of the Clutha River’s emerald-green waters. In summer, the track offers shade; in winter, it provides shelter from the elements. Check current conditions before setting out.

The Outlet Track is a scenic riverside trail along the Clutha River/Mata-Au and forms part of the Te Araroa Trail. In Albert Town, you can access it via the car park at the end of Gunn Road. As parking conditions may change, take this into account when planning your journey. Fly fishing is the only type of fishing permitted on the Clutha River section near the Outlet Track; spinning is not allowed. Check fishing rules and licence requirements before your trip.

Loop tracks on foot and by bike

The Deans Bank Track is a loop for hiking and mountain biking on the upper slopes of the Clutha River. It lies on public conservation land between Albert Town and Dublin Bay and offers impressive views of the surrounding peaks and Otago landscape. The Hikuwai Loop offers a different experience: this 9 km hiking and mountain biking track passes through native mānuka stands near the Clutha River. Both routes combine exercise with a landscape shaped by the river and its slopes.

The Hāwea River Track is an easy, family-friendly walking and cycling trail from Wānaka to Lake Hāwea that passes through Albert Town. Its southern end is in the Albert Town Recreational Reserve, making it another way to include Albert Town in a longer route. Check the current track status before setting out.

Bike park and birdlife

The Gunn Rd Bike Park in Albert Town is a small network of pump tracks and flow trails for children. For a different aspect of nature, visit the lower lagoon on Allison Avenue: this wetland in Albert Town’s Riverside Park is home to at least ten native bird species, including white-faced herons and pūkeko.

Fishing, refreshments and patisserie

At Hook, visitors can catch their own Chinook salmon in spring-fed fishing lakes and have it prepared to eat on site or take away. Conditions of participation may change. Hook also serves as a rest stop for cyclists and hikers, offering hot and cold drinks as well as a selection of local wines and beers. These visitor details may also change with operator agreements.

Pembroke Pâtisserie in Albert Town specialises in classic French patisserie with a modern Kiwi influence. Examples include custard squares, doughnuts, pies and almond croissants. The selection and opening arrangements may change.

A piece of transport history

The James Horn Bridge in Albert Town replaced ferry pontoons that had been operating there since around 1862. The former river crossing is part of the area’s history, adding a historical perspective to today’s trails along the Clutha River.

Discover more destinations: Cardrona, Glenorchy, Moonlight, Hawea Flat, Arthurs Point, Gibbston, Dingle Burn, Wanaka

For the main travel overview: Queenstown Lakes District.