Hiking Roy's Peak

Glendhu Bay, New Zealand

Description

Distance: 16 km (10 miles) roundtrip out-and-backDuration: 5-6 hoursAmazing views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountainsClearly marked trail

The track begins at a parking lot right off of Mt. Aspiring Road. The trail is wide and slowly begins to switchback up the mountain. The track runs through private farm land, so as you climb you will be surrounded by many sheep and cows.

The views continually get better as you gain altitude. Once you reach the ridge, you follow it for around an hour or so until you reach the summit at 1578 m (5,177 ft).

If you do this track in the winter, the path to the summit can be covered by snow. However if you follow right below the ridge, the summit will soon come into view.

It is extremely cold and windy at the summit, especially in winter, so it is advisable to bring several warm layers, gloves, and a hat.

While the hike up is strenuous, with few flat stretches, the views from the top are well worth it.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography

Hiking

Easy Parking

Lake

Scenic

Hiking Roy's Peak Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Skyline Track

The Roys Peak carpark is an accessible trailhead 10 minutes outside of Wanaka that rewards anyone willing to spend a few hours slogging their way uphill with EPIC views of Lake Wanaka, the surrounding mountain ranges, and Aspiring National Park in the distance. For those who are interested in something that is equally challenging but significantly more adventurous, there is the Skyline Track th...

Roys Peak Track

This is a very strenuous uphill hike, with very few level stretches along the way, so make sure you have a good level of fitness, and wear sturdy shoes to avoid blisters, as the way back down will be hard on your knees and feet. The track begins on private land, which is grassy with lots of sheep (and their poo) lying around, following a dirt road that turns into gravel once you've crossed int...

Hike or Bike the Glendhu Bay Track

This walk can also be started from the waterfront in Wanaka, which is only a few km from the track start above. From the car park, follow the track along the lake north. It is quite well marked and follows the coastline offering stunning views of the mountains on both sides of the lake. Depending on the weather, you can often see Roy's Peak to the west of the track. Follow the track until you...

Hike Lake Wanaka and Photograph the Famous Tree

To begin this hike park in the lakeside lot on the west edge of town and begin walking counter-clockwise around Lake Wanaka. The first destination you will reach is the famed Wanaka Tree, which is easily recognized by the crowds of people around it taking photos. A few tips for maximizing your opportunity to photograph this surreal and fanciful tree:a) Sunrise is the time to be there, there are...

Hike along Wanaka's Waterfall Creek Track

The Waterfall Creek Track is a well-formed track without any major undulations that can be enjoyed by foot or bike. It's family- and dog-friendly, and is perhaps the most heavily walked stretch of Wanaka's shoreline.Within the first few hundred meters along the Waterfall Creek track you'll come upon 'that Wanaka tree", which is one of the most photographed (and Instagrammed!) trees in the world...

Hike the Minaret Burn Track

The Minaret Burn Track starts at the end of West Wanaka Road at Homestead Bay, which many tourists (and locals!) unknowingly drive past on their way to Treble Cone, Diamond Lake and/or the Rob Roy glacier. The start of the track is signposted and trail times to Colquhouns Beach (2-3 hrs; 7km) and the Mount Alta Conservation Area (5-6 hrs) are listed.The trail to Colquhouns Beach follows a 4WD t...