Roys Peak Track: Wānaka's Famous Viewpoint Hike
Photo: “Roys Peak view s” by Faztastic, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Trail at a glance
- Type
- Day walk
- Region
- Otago
- Distance
- 16 km return
- Time
- 5–6 hr return
- Grade
- High fitness needed
- Bookings
- Not required (closed 1 Oct – 10 Nov)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
Overview
Roys Peak Track is a challenging full-day hike near Wānaka. DOC calls it one of New Zealand's most popular day hikes because of its panoramic views over Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps. It's 16 km return (5–6 hours), with more than 1,200 m of climbing to the summit at 1,578 m. You need high fitness.
The famous photo viewpoint, the ridge shot seen all over social media, is about 30 minutes before the summit.
Annual closure
Roys Peak Track closes for lambing every year from 1 October to 10 November, reopening on 11 November. During the closure, DOC recommends the Isthmus Peak Track, which is a similar length and difficulty, less busy, and has equally spectacular views.
The track
- It starts at the Roys Peak car park on the Wānaka–Mount Aspiring Road.
- It zig-zags steeply up through farmland and tussock. Most of the track crosses private land, so stay on the marked track.
- Return the same way. Experienced trampers can continue onto the Skyline Track.
There are toilets at the car park and near the photo viewpoint. No mountain bikes, no drones and no campfires.
Getting there and parking
Drive about 6 km west of Wānaka on the Wānaka–Mount Aspiring Road. Parking is free, but the car park gets very busy and fills up. Don't park on the road edge. You can also walk or cycle out from Wānaka via the Waterfall Creek and Glendhu Bay tracks, or use a shuttle. Guided hikes are available too.
When to go
- Summer: Very hot, with no shade or water. Avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Autumn: Variable, from hot to snow.
- Winter and early spring: Snow, ice, mud and short days. You may need micro-spikes and poles. There's avalanche terrain above 1,000 m.
Hike in daylight. If you start or finish in the dark (for sunrise, say), bring head torches, spare batteries and very warm clothes. Don't rely on a phone torch.
What to bring
- Plenty of water, as there's none on the track
- Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), warm layers and a windproof raincoat
- Sturdy footwear with good grip, food, a torch and a charged phone
Good to know
No dogs. The upper track is alpine, so weather can change suddenly to rain, snow or cold at any time of year.
Check before you go
Closures, slips, snow and booking changes happen often. Department of Conservation posts current alerts and bookings for the Roys Peak Track on its official page.
Current alerts and bookings