Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain Walk
A classic Wānaka loop hike through native bush to the mirrored Diamond Lake, then up Rocky Mountain for sweeping views of the Matukituki Valley and Mount Aspiring.
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Diamond Lake Trailhead
The trailhead is 20 km west of Wānaka on the road to Matukituki — a sign marks the start of this beloved half-day circuit in Mt Aspiring National Park.
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Diamond Lake
The small alpine lake sits in a glacially carved hollow, its dark surface perfectly reflecting the surrounding beech forest and rocky peaks — truly diamond-clear.
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Beech Forest Climb
The trail climbs steeply through red beech forest above the lake — fantails flit through the understorey and kea parrots call from the canopy above.
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Rocky Mountain Summit (723m)
The modest summit of Rocky Mountain gives outsized views — the full sweep of the Matukituki Valley, the Buchanan Peaks, and on clear days, Mount Aspiring itself.
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Mount Aspiring View
Mount Aspiring (Tititea) at 3,033 metres is New Zealand's 'Matterhorn' — its perfect pyramid peak is visible from Rocky Mountain on clear days, 25 km to the west.
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Homestead Meadow Return
The descent loop passes through open meadows with grazing sheep, historic homestead ruins, and sweeping views back down the Matukituki Valley.