Hiking Roy’s Peak was one of my favorite days I’ve had in New Zealand so far. It’s a challenging climb, and not one to be underestimated: this is a hike up a real mountain, and you need to be prepared. It’s also a very popular route, with the crowds to match (especially for sunrise). Here’s everything you need to know about hiking Roy’s Peak in Wanaka!
Overview: Roy’s Peak Hike
Distance: 17.4km (10.8 miles)
Time: 6-8 hours
Elevation: 1259 meters (4132 ft)
Where is Roy’s Peak?
Roy’s Peak is located 6km outside Wanaka. The peak is easy to spot on a clear day from most places in town, as the mountain towers over the lake and surroundings. Wanaka is located approximately 1 hour from Queenstown on the South Island of New Zealand. It’s best to check the weather forecast in advance to choose when you’ll do the hike. Aim for a dry day, when the visibility will hopefully be clear so you can soak up the views! I’d avoid this hike on days with heavy rain or storms – the best part is getting to see the beautiful scenery, so you’ll want good visibility.
How to Get to Roy’s Peak
The starting point for Roy’s Peak is 6km from Wanaka, a short 7-minute drive. There is a car park with free parking at the trailhead – although this does fill up, especially in the early morning as hikers head up to see the sunrise at the summit. There is no public transport that runs from town to the trailhead – it’s best to have your own vehicle. Although I didn’t hitchhike here, I’d imagine with how much traffic the walk receives it wouldn’t be too difficult to hitch here and back to Wanaka. There are surprisingly few shuttle options, considering how popular this hike is. Wanaka Bike Tours may be able to run a shuttle service for $30 – you must book in advance.
What to Pack for Hiking Roy’s Peak
Roy’s Peak is a challenging full-day hike, with 1259 meters of elevation gain. This is a proper mountain hike, so you’ll want to be prepared! I strongly recommend sturdy hiking boots with good grip on this walk – I saw a lot of questionable footwear when I went, and I can’t imagine they were very comfortable/safe. I love my Scarpa Mistral hiking boots! The trail goes up the side of the mountain, and there is absolutely no shelter from the elements. Bring waterproof layers, along with a hat and sunscreen. If you’re hiking for sunrise, it’ll likely be much cooler in the morning on the way up, so pack warm layers. I also highly recommend hiking poles for Roy’s Peak – your knees will thank me later! You should also bring plenty of water, as well as all the snacks and food you’ll need for the hike.
Starting the Hike: Endless Switchbacks
The beginning of the hike up Roy’s Peak will get your heart racing and your lungs pumping. It’s a steady uphill climb on endless switchbacks. Thankfully, the views are incredible as you go higher and higher, which make up for a relatively boring trail. The route is on a wide gravel track, which is extremely easy to follow – you won’t get lost here. Be aware of cows and sheep around the path as you hike up!
Roy’s Peak Lookout
The main lookout at Roy’s Peak – what you will have seen on a thousand Instagram photos – is at approximately 1100 meters high. The view of the surrounding landscape, the lakes and mountain peaks, is one of the most beautiful in the entire world. However, this isn’t the true summit of Roy’s Peak – that’s another few hundred meters higher. There is a drop toilet here, and there will likely be people around taking photos. If you’ve got what it takes, definitely keep going up to the actual summit!
Summiting Roy’s Peak
It was tough for me to keep hiking up to the summit of Roy’s Peak, but I’m so glad I did – the views were even better up here! The summit of Roy’s Peak is at 1578 meters high, with a concrete platform under a signal tower at the top. It was great to have a rest, eat lunch, rehydrate, and admire the views up here! So many people just hike to the Lookout to take their Instagram pics, but those who make it to the summit won’t regret it.
The return is back down the same way you came. Retrace your steps down to the Lookout, then back down the never-ending switchbacks to the trailhead and car park. I was so glad I had my hiking poles on the way down, to give my knees a break on the decline! The triumph of getting back to the car and completing the hike was the best feeling.
Afterwards, I drove straight to Lake Wanaka and jumped in the refreshingly cool water! Then treated myself to a massive two-scoop ice cream cone at Patagonia Chocolates on the lakefront, which was the best reward. It was the perfect day.
Planning Your Trip to Wanaka
Wanaka is a beautiful place to visit in New Zealand. There are daily Intercity bus services to and from Wanaka from other major destinations on the South Island. It’s definitely easiest if you have your own vehicle to get around though, as there’s extremely limited public transportation in town. To get to the trailhead for Roy’s Peak, you’ll need to have a car or hitchhike, as there is no public transport to get you there. While Wanaka does have its own airport, the nearest major airport is Queenstown airport. I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Interested in tours around Wanaka? Check out some of the best activities and tours in the area below!
Where to Stay in Wanaka
Wanaka has a variety of accommodation options. If you’re camping, I recommend Luggate Cricket Club campground, which is where I stayed when I visited Wanaka. They have some shared kitchen facilities (a fridge), a power strip for charging a device, and clean bathrooms. Hot showers cost $2 for five minutes, and they also have a washing machine which costs $2 per load. The site costs $10 per person, per night, paid by cash on arrival.
If you’re camping in a self-contained vehicle, there’s a freedom campsite just outside of Wanaka: Red Bridge Campground. It’s very popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Another budget-friendly campground choice is Albert Town Campground, which costs $10 per person, per night. This is slightly closer to Wanaka than Luggate.
For accommodation in Wanaka, here are a few options!
- Budget: Haka House – clean and comfy hostel accommodation from the well-known Haka chain
- Budget: Mountain View Backapackers – clean and cozy rooms with super-friendly staff
- Budget: Hawea Hotel – a pretty property just outside Wanaka featuring comfortable rooms (some with lake views), and an on-site restaurant and bar
- Mid-range: Edgewater Hotel – a beautiful lakefront property, with a stunning on-site restaurant and cafe
- Mid-range: The Moorings Motel and Apartments – a great location in Wanaka, with rooms ranging from suites to three-bedroom apartments
- Mid-range: Clearbrook Motel & Serviced Apartments – well-equipped modern studios and apartments, which come with a washer/dryer
- Luxury: Whare Kea Lodge & Chalet – a truly luxurious holiday home, which can sleep between 6 to 12 guests, with phenomenal views
- Luxury: Lakeside Apartments – luxe apartments with a private balcony, and an outdoor pool and hot tub on site
You can find more accommodation options using the map below!
Hiking Roy’s Peak was a major highlight of my entire time in New Zealand – I’m so glad I got to do it on such a beautiful day! The views from the lookout and the summit are magnificent. While it’s a challenging, full-day hike, it’s absolutely worth it. Don’t miss it on a trip to Wanaka! I hope this post helps planning a hike up Roy’s Peak in Wanaka.
Have you hiked Roy’s Peak? What was your experience like?
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