The Upper Clutha River Track was officially opened on Saturday 27th March at Pawson’s Crossing, the new bridge over the Cardrona River near Albert Town.

The track follows the mighty Clutha River from Albert Town to Short Cut Road near Luggate, and provides great views of the river and surrounding mountains, and good access for fishermen.

The track is a combined walking and cyclying track built to a lower standand than the nearby Hawea River Track, and providing a slightly more challenging ride.

The track starts at a new car park located off Kennibeg St in Albert Town, and leads a short distance upstream to Pawsons Crossing – a new bridge over the Cardrona River, before heading back down the Cardrona River to Haliday Bluff.

There is a link track that continues up the true right of the Cardrona River and then connecting to Haliday Road.

The track climb to cross the face of Haliday Bluff and this section provides great views but requires care especially for cyclists, before dropping back towards the river edge.

After about 40 minutes walking you reach Stevensons Road which provides vehicle access to and from SH6 near Wanaka Airport.

The track continues downstream along a river terrace passing the remains of a historic miners cottage as it descends to poplar Beach.

The track continues on