Seeing the Sunrise on Roy's Peak

The Roy's Peak carpark is signposted on Mt Aspiring Road 6km past downtown Wanaka. It can take anywhere between 2-3 hours to reach the first lookout of Roy's Peak, depending on weather conditions, physical ability, and the amount of weight you're carrying. You will first walk through private pastoral land until reaching the DOC conservation area. The hike is almost entirely uphill, with dozens of switchbacks through tussock grasses on a well defined and wide set path. The hike is 11km in total (return). The summit is 1,578m and offers 360 views of almost all of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks, including Mount Aspiring. To see the sunrise, most people hike up in the morning, 3 hours before the sun rises (2:30-4am depending on the season). If you're into breaking a few rules, but not necessarily the law (?), you may choose to hike up at night (like we did) and camp in the flat area at the first lookout on Roy's Peak. I wouldn't recommend camping in the winter months unless you are experienced with winter camping and have a good quality winter tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat. In the spring months, once the snow melts on Roy's Peak, you will be able to stake your tent down if you arrive before it gets too cold (we arrived at around 8:40pm). This Track is closed for Lambing Season from 1 October- 10 November.