Eely Point Recreation Reserve

Overview

About Eely Point Recreation Reserve

A locals’ favorite on the Wānaka waterfront, Eely Point Recreation Reserve is a sheltered, pebbly headland made for low‑key lake days—picnics under the trees, quick dips, and easy strolls with big views. It’s typically calmer and less hectic than the town lakefront, but still close enough to wander in for a coffee.

Why stop

Sheltered lakeside spot with swimming and a boat ramp
Easy 1 km lakeside track linking town and Bremner Bay
Free public gas BBQs and plenty of picnic nooks

Heads up

Overnight boat/trailer parking is not permitted
Pebbly shoreline rather than sand

Map

Where it is

Loading the Queenstown-Lakes District map

Full map

Picnic areaEely Point Recreation Reserve-44.68122, 169.12194

Keep this map with you offline in the Parkwolf app

Local know-how

Tips for visiting Eely Point Recreation Reserve

Park at Eely Point and walk about 15 minutes into town for coffee.
In summer, arrive before late morning to snag a shady picnic spot.
Bring your own BBQ supplies; the on‑site gas BBQs are free to use.
Link the short Eely Point Track with a swim at sheltered Bremner Bay.
If launching or leaving a boat, note no overnight parking and active enforcement.

Plan your stop

Before you go

Best time to visit

Open all hours, but mornings and evenings are the sweet spot for calm water, softer light, and fewer people. Midday to late afternoon—especially in summer—sees the biggest crowds, with Fridays spiking the most. Summer lupins add a splash of color around the reserve.

Facilities

You’ll find public toilets, multiple day‑use parking areas (including boat‑trailer spaces), a boat ramp, disc‑golf baskets, and grassy/treed picnic pockets with BBQs. Dogs are commonly seen, and the reserve is a go‑to summer hangout for locals.

1 active Queenstown-Lakes District alert

ClosureSkippers Bridge closed to all trafficSkippers Bridge is closed to all vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians; do not cross.Official details

Queenstown-Lakes District alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Queenstown-Lakes District Tour Guide

Your drive to Eely Point Recreation Reserve, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Queenstown-Lakes District, New Zealand. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

See the Queenstown-Lakes District audio tour

Recorded for this place

Eely Point and Bremner Bay Lakeside Reserves

Listen

“You're nearing Eely Point and Bremner Bay, a stretch of the Wānaka lakefront that's a real local hangout. It’s generally a lot more relaxed than the main town beach.”

Plays as you drive up to Eely Point Recreation Reserve in the Parkwolf Queenstown-Lakes District Tour Guide.

More about Eely Point Recreation Reserve

What You’ll DoStroll the Eely Point Track (about 1 km/20 minutes, easy and stroller‑friendly) along the lake…

Stroll the Eely Point Track (about 1 km/20 minutes, easy and stroller‑friendly) along the lake edge. Many people link it to Bremner Bay—an extra five minutes for a family‑friendly swim.
Swim, paddle, or launch a boat from the ramp when the lake is calm. The water here is typically sheltered, and the shoreline is pebbly.
Make it a relaxed afternoon: spread a picnic, fire up the free public gas BBQs, or try the 9‑basket disc‑golf course in the pines. There’s also a small skills/bike area that’s popular with young kids.

Getting There & ParkingSet on Lakeside Road, it’s an easy drive from central Wānaka.

Set on Lakeside Road, it’s an easy drive from central Wānaka. Many visitors park at Eely Point (often easier than town) and walk the lakeside path into the main lakefront precinct.

Good to KnowNo overnight boat/trailer parking—rules are enforced, and abandoned vessels have been an active…

No overnight boat/trailer parking—rules are enforced, and abandoned vessels have been an active focus for removal.
The council has a tree‑succession plan underway here, gradually replacing conifers with native and suitable exotic species to boost biodiversity.
Shoreline is pebbly; water shoes are handy if you’re sensitive underfoot.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Queenstown-Lakes District

All Queenstown-Lakes District wildlife maps

189 sightingsKeaMost seen around 5 PMSighting map

18 sightingsKākāMost seen around 6 PMSighting map

195 sightingsKererūMost seen around 10 AMSighting map

48 sightingsWekaMost seen around 6 PMSighting map

239 sightingsTūīMost seen around 8 AMSighting map

97 sightingsBellbirdMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Queenstown-Lakes District. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.