Roys Peak Track is one of the best hikes to do on the South Island of New Zealand. Located in Wanaka, this trail takes you high into the mountains for breathtaking panoramic views over Wanaka and Lake Wanaka.
The hike itself is not all that exciting, but the main reason for hiking Roys Peak Track is for the views from the top. The landscape that unfolds as you climb higher are incredible…Wanaka Lake, the town of Wanaka, small islands, the dramatic clouds…it is stunning. When we pictured New Zealand in our heads, this is what we saw. For these views it was worth the two hour plus climb up the mountain.
About Our Experience
On the morning of our hike, which was in mid-April, thick, low level clouds hung over the town of Wanaka. We had just this one day for the hike so we were hoping conditions would clear as the day went on. With backpacks loaded with water, Subway subs, and snacks, we started on our way.
For the first third of the hike we were stuck in the fog. We were unable to see anymore than 5 meters in any direction, having no idea how high we had climbed or the beauty that surrounded us. Finally, once the clouds receded, the views were amazing, making the hike more enjoyable.
At the famous Roys Peak viewpoint, we took some photos, had a picnic lunch, and then started our walk back down the mountain. As the day went on, the skies cleared even more and we had fabulous views over Wanaka. These are some of my favorite views in New Zealand.
Roys Peak Track Hiking Stats
Distance: 16 km (10 miles) out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 1,228 meters (4,030 feet)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 5 to 7 hours
PRO TRAVEL TIP: The first part of this hike is on private land. The trail closes from October 1 to November 10 for lambing, reopening on November 11.
Hiking Roys Peak Track
A Journey in Photos
This hike follows a trail that switchbacks through sheep pastures to the summit of Roys Peak. There is nothing technical about this climb. It feels rather monotonous, as you zig zag your way up the mountain. Rather than writing a step by step trail guide, here is the hike in photos.
To get on the trail, you’ll climb over the fence using the stile. For the first part of the hike, you are on private land, and there’s a good chance you will see some sheep here. Once you cross over the second fence, you are back on private property.
This was our view for the first part of the hike, with low-lying clouds blocking the views of Wanaka.
The higher you climb, the more the views will open up. We were fortunate that the clouds lifted by this point.
Most of the trail is a wide, grassy trail.
Roys Peak Viewpoint
The Roys Peak viewpoint is where you get the iconic view. This is located about 30 minutes walking time below the summit. This was our stopping point. On the day we did this hike, the clouds lingered at the true summit, and hikers coming down reported that there was zero visibility, so we saw no point in continuing.
Here are photos from the famous Roys Peak viewpoint.
This has become a very popular hike in recent years. Expect to wait in line for your photos. Since our visit, I have also heard that toilets were added at the Roys Peak viewpoint.
From the viewpoint, you have the option to continue up to the official summit (about 30 minutes one way). Hopefully you will have clearer skies than we did!
Walking back to the car park is awesome. Now that the hard work is over, you get to enjoy the views of Wanaka and the lake as you make your way back to the car park.
Roy’s Peak Track Hiking Tips
The Roy’s Peak Track is accessed from a carpark located just ten minutes outside of Wanaka. Parking is free but a donation is kindly requested (but not mandatory) at the start of the hike. The staff at our hotel recommended that we should not leave valuables in our car as theft can sometimes be an issue. Parking fills early in the morning so try to get here by 9 am or keep your fingers crossed that a spot will open up if you get here later in the day.
The recommended time to complete the hike is 5 to 7 hours. It is a steady 1300 meter climb to the top, steep in some places, with very few flat or downhill sections. The higher you go the better the views get.
The entire length of the hike is 16 km. It took us four and half hours total to do the hike, including a stop for lunch and a stop for photos. We did not go all of the way to the peak. Higher than the point where we took our family photo the mountains were completely hidden in the clouds. Other hikers who went higher advised us that there was zero visibility higher up on the mountain.
The hike up to Roy’s Peak is a steady, monotonous uphill climb. I would describe it as strenuous, as the uphill gradient is unrelenting. Also, there is nothing technical about the climb. There are no rock scrambles, no steep, slippery pathways, no rope assisted climbs. Just a steady slog up the hill.
Conditions can change quite dramatically on the climb, so be prepared for all weather conditions. Also, bring more water than you think you will need. That steady climb will have you working up a sweat and even in April conditions were quite warm. Then, once at the top, things cooled down dramatically, and we were all happy we had our fleeces.
Tyler and Kara, who were aged 12 and 10, had no problems with the hike. They did great on the climb and descent. As I mentioned earlier, since it was not technically difficult, they found the hike to be boring and monotonous. Children younger than Tyler and Kara can easily complete the hike, just be prepared for occasional breaks.
Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.
After the Hike
Feel like chilling out the rest of the day? Go to Cinema Paradiso in Wanaka…relax on old sofas, watch a movie, drink wine, and eat freshly baked, warm cookies. It’s not to be missed! For more things to do, read our article Best Things to Do in Wanaka.
If you are looking for another great hike to do in Wanaka, don’t miss the Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track. This hike is shorter and easier than Roy’s Peak Track, and it also gets fewer hikers, but the views rival those on Roy’s Peak Track.
The Rocky Mountain Track in Wanaka
If you have any questions about how to hike Roys Peak Track, let us know in the comment section below.
More Information about New Zealand
WANAKA: 20 Wonderful Things to Do in Wanaka, New Zealand
ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRACK: Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain Track: Best Routes, Map & Trail Stats
QUEENSTOWN: Queenstown Itinerary: 3 Unique Ideas for Your Perfect Vacation
ROUTEBURN TRACK: Ultimate Guide to the Routeburn Track (& How to Hike It in One Day)
AORAKI/MOUNT COOK: 15 Wonderful Things to Do in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
BEST OF THE SOUTH ISLAND: 40 Epic Things to Do on the South Island of New Zealand
NEW ZEALAND ITINERARY: New Zealand Itinerary: 3 Week North & South Island Road Trip
Planning a trip to New Zealand? Read all of our articles in our New Zealand Travel Guide.
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