Last Updated: 4th Jul 2024

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Butterfields Wetlands Loop

Wanaka, Otago

Submitted by Sierra Alef-Defoe

Last Updated: 4th Jul 2024

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 6 ?

Gnarl Factor: 9 ?

6.5km

75m

75m

314m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Combo

Undulating, small hills only

Dog Friendly

Riverside

Other

Run Makeup

25%
75%

Gravel Road

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +2.3%

Average Downhill Gradient: -2.3%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

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.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

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

Yes

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

Petra Schreuder

Petra Schreuder

has completed Butterfields Wetlands Loop twice in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

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Trail Reviews

A nice walk from Albert Town, the swing bridge across the river was great. Lovely views above the wetlands after a small easy climb. DOC toilets at the campsite were a bonus.

Janette Gwilliam

October 16, 2023

Super pleasant early morning stretch while camping at Albert Town

Tony Sharpe

January 18, 2023

Nice and easy loop with some cool scenery

Adam Clifford

May 15, 2022

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Overlapping Trails

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.

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