Roys Peak view of Lake Wanaka

@joannehollings

New Zealand

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Wanaka

Roys Peak is where you'll find one of the most celebrated views in New Zealand's South Island. The panoramic sights from the summit are a rhapsody of nature's finest works—a symphony of jagged peaks, deep blue lakes, and golden tussock lands. The hike up Roys Peak is a pilgrimage for many, a journey that rewards each step with ever-more-stunning vistas, culminating in the breathtaking outlook from the top. As the dawn light spills over the horizon, it bathes Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains in a warm, ethereal glow, offering a moment of pure tranquility. This is a scene that ignites the wanderlust in all who see it, a place where photographers can capture the essence of New Zealand's wild heart.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Difficult

Accessbility

Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

Free

Pack

Telephoto lens (70-200mm)
Tripod for stability during long exposures, especially for sunrise or sunset shots
Graduated ND filters to balance the bright sky with the land
Weather-appropriate clothing, including layers for warmth
Good-quality hiking boots for the steep and sometimes slippery track
Sunscreen and a hat to protect against the strong New Zealand sun
Plenty of water and energy-rich food to sustain you during the hike
A headlamp if planning to hike in the dark to capture sunrise or sunset

How to get there

S44° 41' 22.4653"E169° 02' 59.1083"

Roys Peak is located just outside the town of Wanaka. To get there, drive along Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road for about 6 kilometers from Wanaka town center until you reach the Roys Peak Track car park. The trail is a 16-kilometer return hike that takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete. The path is a relentless incline, but it's well-trodden and straightforward to follow. It weaves through private farmland and alpine meadows, and as you ascend, the views become increasingly spectacular. Remember to close gates behind you as you go, as the track crosses sheep-grazing areas. When you get up to the lookout, you'll see a toilet to the left. Climb further up the hill, not too far, just enough to get a little more height. Have a subject run out to the end of the trail line up in front of you to create a beautiful sense of scale.