Roy's Peak Summit Hike
Climb the iconic Roy's Peak above Wānaka for the most celebrated viewpoint in the Southern Lakes — a ridge walk rewarding hikers with 360-degree Alpine vistas.
- 1
Roy's Peak Trailhead
The trail begins on the western outskirts of Wānaka, climbing immediately through open farmland on a clearly marked track that ascends relentlessly for 5 hours.
- 2
Sheep Station Pastures
The lower slopes cross working high-country sheep station land — the wide-open pastures give early views of Lake Wānaka and the Clutha Valley below.
- 3
Ridge Traverse
The trail follows a narrow grassy ridge with steep drops on both sides — the exposure is thrilling and the panorama in both directions becomes ever more dramatic.
- 4
Roy's Peak Summit (1578m)
The summit view is one of NZ's finest — Lake Wānaka glitters 1,500 metres below, the Matukituki Valley opens to the west, and the Main Divide fills the horizon.
- 5
The Famous Photo Spot
A short spur trail leads to the signature viewpoint where the ridge appears to float above the lake — the most iconic photograph in the Southern Lakes region.
- 6
Descent via Panorama Route
The same trail descends — the changing light on the return gives completely different views, with the afternoon sun gilding the lake and valley below.
Walk this route with audio
Stories play automatically as you reach each stop — no tapping needed.
