Being buffeted by the wind on the Gladstone Track next to Lake Hawea are (from left) backpackers Joyce Durjndam, of the Netherlands, and Marie Van Gool, of Belgium, and Gabriela Turner, of Ranfurly, who picked up the hitchhiking pair. The 6.5km... : Walking the short tracks of Wanaka

Crossing the swing bridge over the Hawea River at the Albert Town end of the Hawea River Track are (from front) Hollie (4), Bud and Sophie Law (18 months) and Harriet Walsh, all of Dunedin. Having a track which was accessible for young children was... : Walking the short tracks of Wanaka

Taking in the views of Lake Wanaka from the Glendhu Bay Track are (from left) Tessa Langeder and Marie-Luise Filip, both of Austria, and Mike Nelson, of Wanaka. Mr Nelson said he walked the track at least twice a week if the weather was all right.... : Walking the short tracks of Wanaka

Exiting the Wanaka Outlet Track near the start of the Clutha River are French tourists (from left) Marion, Anna (5), Alan and Soline (1) Morry. On a three-week holiday in New Zealand, the Morry family were camping at the Wanaka Outlet Motor Camp,... : Walking the short tracks of Wanaka

Heading up the Mt Iron Track near Wanaka are Alex Pimmer (16, left), of Wanaka, and Bede Prince (16), of Brisbane. The pair were making the most of their school holidays and said the walk to the 250m summit was not too daunting. At 4.5lm, it is one... : Walking the short tracks of Wanaka