Five flat walks around Glenorchy and Kinloch: Perfect for the family or a lazy Sunday

Despite being surrounded by a ring of jagged mountains and some of the best, toughest and most notorious day and overnight tramps in New Zealand...

...there are still plenty of shorter walking options, perfect for a lazy(ish) Sunday afternoon, to ease tired legs after a big hike or a day-out with the family.

Here's our pick of the five best in the area:

Kinloch Scenic Walk - 1hr return

The closest walk from Kinloch Lodge - it literally starts from outside the restaurant - but also one of the most picturesque. 

You stroll along the banks of the beautiful Lake Wakatipu to a family-owned lakeside batch a kilometre or so away. Follow a track through biodiverse bush or, in the summer, walk right along the foreshore.

The lakeside family batch where the Kinloch Scenic Walk leads to

If the lake water levels are low enough you start from Kinloch wharf and make your way along the foreshore - skimming stones and admiring the beautiful view as you go.

Once you reach the batch, you can carry on along the foreshore a little further or just sit and admire the view for a while.

Another route follows a well-marked track through the bush.

From the Kinloch restaurant walk along the road that leads to the Greenstone Track for about 500 m. You'll see a large orange triangle on the left, follow that and then follow the track.

This short walk offers a great introduction to the birdlife in the area.

The three-note call of the Korimako (Bell Bird) can be heard and curious Piwakawakas (Fantails) will often follow walkers.

If you stand still and slowly scratch at the ground with the toe of your boot a Toutouwai (South Island Robin) might just land on it.

On your return, come back via the path or walk up the bank and walk your way back via the road. 

The route starts from the Kinloch wharf and follows the foreshore or a lake-side track

Lake Sylvan - 1.5 to 2hrs

A great family-friendly which the kids will love - especially as it feels like a stroll through an enchanted forest.

Get the kids excited and tell them to keep an eye out for fairies, hobbits or centaurs as you make your way deep into the tall red beech forest.

The walk starts at the Lake Sylvan DOC campsite - on the way to the Routeburn Track - about a 20-minute drive from Kinloch Lodge.

The track meanders through forest before reaching the pretty Lake Sylvan; home to brown trout and small native fish.

You can return via the same track or make your way along the 1920s tramline loop.

The loop track takes you through regenerating beech forest and is an Operation Ark site where DOC are working to protect endangered Mohua (Yellowhead bird).

The track is also an entry point for overnight trips to Sugarloaf Pass and the Rockburn and Beasburn huts. 

Diamond Creek Track - 1hr 15min return

A 15-minute drive from Kinloch Lodge, the Diamond Creek Track follows the meandering Diamond Creek - popular with trout and salmon fishermen - right the way to Lake Reid.

The sometimes boggy track (wear good hiking boots or shoes you don't mind getting wet) gives excellent opportunities to spot waterfowl and block swans.

After periods of rain listen for the gushing waterfalls hidden amongst the trees and see if you can spot them through the lush green bush.

It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to reach Lake Reid, over which there are magnificent views up to Paradise and into the Dart Valley. 

Routeburn Nature Walk - 45min loop

Beginning from the start of one of New Zealand's - if not the world's - most popular multi-day tramps the, Routeburn Nature Walk is great after-lunch option.

The route offers a gentle wander on a well-made path - perfect for young children or tired legs - through a stand of majestic Red Beech trees.

There is ample parking at the start and public toilets. 

Begin walking on the main Routeburn track, after 5 to 10 minutes you will see signs for the Nature Walk. 

Greenstone/Caples Confluence - 1hr return

If you fancy a wild swim on a hot summer's day, this is the route to pick.

The Greenstone/Caples Confluence route takes walkers on the first part of the multi-day Greenstone/Caples trams and leads to several deep water holes - perfect for a summer swim.

Walkers should follow the Greenstone/Caples Track from the car park which is 12 km from Kinloch Lodge. 

After 2  to 3 minutes walking, a stock bridge gives access to Lake Rere Track (do not cross here but keep to the true left back looking downstream). 

The track continues past the confluence of the Caples and Greenstone Rivers.

Another swing bridge provides access to the Greenstone Track, go further up this track and it will lead to the swimming holes.

Follow the track back the way you came to get back to the car park.