Urban fringe
Combo
Undulating, small hills only
Riverside
Other
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +2.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -2.3%
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40:00
Slow
32:00
Moderate
25
Fast
Starting from Albert Town Centre, cross the bridge over the Clutha river to the Albert Town campsites, then cross the road to head towards the Hāwea Swing Bridge.
Just after crossing the Hāwea River, the trail splits off into either the Hāwea river track to the left or the Newcastle track to the right. Take your pick of which way you want to do the loop, and once you're on either trail keep your eyes out for DOC signs for the Butterfields Wetlands walk.
The wetlands are a unique wildlife management area amongst the otherwise desert-like Central Otago landscape. Be aware that cyclists also use these trails.
Wetlands wildlife management area.
Parking is possible on nearby side streets or in the carpark at the shops if it's not busy. If parking is an issue, it may be easier to park on the other side of the Alber Town bridge at the campsite.
5 km
6 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
The track is well formed and signposted.
Generally good.
Cellphone.
While it's possible to get water from the Albert Town campsite, the river, or a steam, this run is short enough that it's best to hydrate before or bring your own small water bottle.
This loop should be do-able all year if the weather's alright.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Butterfields Wetlands Loop
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These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.