Roys Peak is the walk that put Wānaka on the world’s photo feeds. The track climbs steadily from the western side of Lake Wānaka up a long series of switchbacks across open sheep country, gaining well over a thousand metres to the summit at about 1,578 metres. Partway up, a grassy shoulder offers the lookout where visitors queue for their picture of the lake and the mountains beyond, but the best views come higher, along the ridge and at the summit, where the whole Wānaka basin, Lake Hawea, the Matukituki valley and Tititea / Mount Aspiring spread out below. There is no shade, no water and no shelter on the route, and the weather changes quickly, so this is a serious day walk rather than a casual stroll. Start early, carry plenty of water, and treat the viewpoint as a bonus rather than a finishing line.
How to visit
The track starts at a car park on the Wānaka–Mount Aspiring Road, around ten minutes by car from the town centre, and there is no public transport to the gate, so plan on driving, cycling, or sharing a ride. The walk is about 16 kilometres return and most people allow five to six hours, with the first half a relentless uphill grind and the second half a knee-testing descent. The track is on working farmland, which means it closes during the spring lambing period, typically from early October to early November, so check the Department of Conservation page for current status before you set out.
What to expect
The gradient is steady rather than technical, but it is constant, and the exposed hillside can be hot and dry in summer and icy or snow-covered in winter and early spring. Wear sturdy shoes, bring layers, a wind jacket, a hat, sunscreen and more water than you think you need, since there are no taps on the route.
The photo spot sits at roughly the halfway point of the climb, and on fine summer mornings and evenings there can be a queue, so go at an off-peak time or continue to the summit for a quieter reward. Respect the farmland by keeping to the track, closing gates and leaving dogs at home, since they are not allowed on the route.
Making the most of it
Sunrise and sunset walks are popular, but they require a head torch, a good weather forecast and a descent in fading light, so be honest about your pace. If a full ascent feels like too much, walking to the first lookout and back still rewards you with a large view in two to three hours.
Pair the walk with a swim at Roys Bay or a coffee on Ardmore Street afterwards, and consider Isthmus Peak or Mount Iron on another day for a different perspective. In bad weather or high wind, choose a lower track instead, since the ridge is fully exposed.
Good to know
Weather on the ridge is often very different from the weather in town, so look at the mountain from the lakefront before you commit. If cloud sits on the summit or the wind is strong, switch to Mount Iron or the lower sections of the track and save the full climb for a clearer day.
Sunburn and dehydration catch out more walkers here than cold does, so a hat and electrolytes are worth packing. Take any rubbish home, and avoid straying onto the fenced paddocks beside the track, where stock and fragile tussock are easily disturbed.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided, full-day uphill walk of about 16 kilometres return on a farm track, with a mid-way photo lookout and a higher summit.
Best time
Early morning on a clear summer day, or late afternoon in autumn; avoid high wind, storms and the spring lambing closure.
How long
Five to six hours return, plus time for photos and a rest at the top.
Tips
Start early, carry two litres of water or more, pack warm layers, leave dogs at home, and have a lower-level plan if cloud sits on the ridge.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Fit walkers who want the classic view over Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps.
- Families
- Only for older children who are used to long hikes; younger ones can enjoy the lower slopes.
- Couples
- A sunrise or golden-hour climb makes a memorable shared effort, with a flask and snacks at the lookout.
- Pair with
- A post-walk swim or coffee on the Wānaka lakefront, or That Wānaka Tree the next morning.
- Time needed
- A full day, or half a day if you only walk to the first lookout.
Good questions
How long does the Roys Peak Track take?+
Allow around five to six hours for the full 16-kilometre return walk to the summit, plus time for photos. Fit walkers may be quicker, while a rest stop at the lookout adds time.
Is Roys Peak free to walk?+
Yes. The track is public and free to use, though it crosses farmland and is closed seasonally for lambing. Check the Department of Conservation page for current access before you set off.
Is the Roys Peak walk hard?+
It is a long, steady climb with no technical sections but a large height gain and no shade or water on the route. Most reasonably fit walkers can manage it with a good pace and plenty of rests.
When is Roys Peak closed?+
The track closes in spring for lambing, usually from early October to early November. It can also be unsafe in snow, ice or high wind, so check conditions on the day.
Are dogs allowed on Roys Peak?+
No. Dogs are not permitted on the track because it crosses working farmland with livestock.