Roys Peak Track
Roys Peak
Wanaka's most famous Instagram hike, with a ridge lookout over Lake Wanaka and its winding peninsulas. It is one of the most photographed trails in New Zealand.
The Roys Peak Track starts about 6 km west of Wanaka, along the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road. The round trip is about 16 km and takes 5-6 hours, with roughly 1,250 m of elevation gain. The whole route is a zigzagging dirt track with no shade. Most people stop at the ridge lookout (about 3 hours in) for the classic photo of the lake bay and peninsula, then continue for about 30 minutes to the 1,578 m summit. The track closes every year from early October to early November during the lambing season on the surrounding farmland. The car park charges a fee and fills up quickly during sunrise hours. In summer, bring at least 2 litres of water and sunscreen.
Opening hours
All day (closed during lambing season)
Nearby sights
- That Wanaka Tree
- Wānaka Township & Lakefront
- Puzzling World
- Cardrona Bra Fence
- Cardrona Hotel
- Cardrona Alpine Resort
- Crown Range Road Summit Lookout
- Arrowtown