Albert Town: River Trails, Nature and Local Flavours

Albert Town reveals several sides of itself along the Clutha River: riverside trails wind through the river landscape, loop tracks explore hillsides and stands of mānuka, and native birds live in a lagoon. There are also special opportunities for fishing and local specialities. When choosing your holiday rental, you can consider which experiences are of particular interest to you on your trip.

Walking along the Clutha River

The Upper Clutha River Track runs from Albert Town to Luggate along the riverbank. Along the way, there are views of the Clutha River’s emerald-green water. The trail provides shade in summer and shelter from the elements in winter—two different features of the same riverside route that may appeal in different seasons.

Another riverside trail is the Outlet Track on the Clutha River/Mata-Au. Access is from the car park at the end of Gunn Road in Albert Town. The trail forms part of the Te Araroa Trail. If you are also interested in fishing, be aware of the rules for the river section at the Outlet Track: only fly fishing is permitted there; spin fishing is not allowed.

Loops and cycling routes

The Deans Bank Track is a loop for walking 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 the Otago landscape. Walking and mountain biking are both explicitly listed as activities on this loop.

The Hikuwai Loop is 9 km long and passes through native mānuka stands near the Clutha River. The route is suitable for walking and mountain biking.

Another option is the Hāwea River Track, which passes through Albert Town: this easy, family-friendly walking and cycling trail runs from Wānaka to Lake Hāwea. Its southern end is in the Albert Town Recreational Reserve. If you are travelling with children and looking for a route specifically described as family-friendly, you could consider this trail.

There is also the Gunn Rd Bike Park in Albert Town for children, with a small network of pump tracks and flow lines. This caters to different cycling interests: a longer route such as the Hāwea River Track, or a small dedicated network for rides in the bike park.

Birdlife and local refreshments

The lower lagoon on Allison Avenue is a wetland in Riverside Park. At least ten native bird species live there, including white-faced herons and pūkeko. If you would like to include nature watching in your stay, this is a specific place with a diverse range of birdlife.

Hook in Albert Town serves as a rest stop for cyclists and walkers. It offers hot and cold drinks, as well as a selection of regional wines and beers. Visitors can also catch their own Chinook salmon in the spring-fed fishing lakes there and have it prepared for them—to eat on site or take away. This combines a fishing trip with a meal afterwards, without you having to prepare the fish yourself.

Pembroke Pâtisserie specialises in classic French patisserie with a modern Kiwi influence. Examples mentioned include custard squares, doughnuts, pies and almond croissants. If you are interested in pastries, this offers a different culinary side of Albert Town from the regional drinks and freshly caught salmon.

A bridge with a backstory

James Horn Bridge is also part of the area’s history: it replaced ferry pontoons that had been in operation there since around 1862. The approximate date refers to when the pontoons were in operation and provides a historical reference point for the former river crossing.

More places to explore: Glenorchy, Gibbston, Dingle Burn, Closeburn, Mount Nicholas, Arthurs Point, Queenstown and Hawea Flat.

For the wider trip overview: Queenstown Lakes District.