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Roys Peak New Zealand – Complete Wanaka Hiking Guide
The Complete Guide to Hiking Roys Peak in New Zealand; one of the most popular hikes in Wanaka and the entire South Island. If you google “best hikes in New Zealand” or something similar, you’ll probably get Roy’s Peak as the number one answer. The obvious truth is that Roys Peak New Zealand is an incredibly popular hike. The truth is that Roys Peak has become something of a Wanaka icon. With breathtaking views over Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring/Tititea and the surrounding ice-capped peaks, combined with a super accessible hiking trail to the summit, the reason for its popularity is no secret. In this guide you will answer...
Roys Peak New Zealand – Complete Wanaka Hiking Guide
The Complete Guide to Hiking Roys Peak in New Zealand; one of the most popular hikes in Wanaka and the entire South Island.
If you google “best hikes in New Zealand” or something similar, you’ll probably get Roy’s Peak as the number one answer. The obvious truth is that Roys Peak New Zealand is an incredibly popular hike.
The truth is that Roys Peak has become something of a Wanaka icon. With breathtaking views over Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring/Tititea and the surrounding ice-capped peaks, combined with a super accessible hiking trail to the summit, the reason for its popularity is no secret.
In this guide I answer all your questions about hiking the Roys Peak Track, including valuable tips and what to expect.
Everything you need to know about hiking Roys Peak
For most active people, the Roys Peak hike is considered fairly moderately difficult. However, it is important to remember that there is quite a climb involved, as the path climbs a respectable 1230m from the car park to the summit (1578m).
Nevertheless, the path is very well maintained. It is so wide that you would expect a car to be able to drive almost to the top. The climb also extends over a distance of 12 km, which means the climb is not too steep either.
Anyone considering climbing Roys Peak in New Zealand should be prepared for a constant climb. Allow between 4 and 6 hours to complete the hike with occasional breaks.
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Where is Roys Peak New Zealand?
Roys Peak New Zealand is just a short 6km drive from the Wanaka foreshore. The trail is easily accessible from a large parking lot on the side of Mount Aspiring Road.
How to get to Roys Peak Track
Roys Peak's popularity is largely due to how easy the trail is to access from Wanaka. The drive is less than 10 minutes from the city.
If you don't have a car or RV, you can hitchhike onto the trail from Wanaka. Many people set out on this hike every day, often before sunrise. Stick a thumb out anywhere on Mount Aspiring Road towards the track and you're almost guaranteed a ride.
Shuttle to Roys Peak
Unfortunately there is no direct public transport or shuttle buses that stop at the Roys Peak track car park.
However, there are taxis and Ubers that operate in Wanaka. If you really don't want to clamp then this is a good option.
alt=“ROYS PEAK PARKING”>Preparing for an early start on the Roys Peak route.
When is the best time to climb Roys Peak?
By far the best time of day to climb Roys Peak is before sunrise. Depending on the time of year, aim to arrive in time for sunrise at Roys Peak.
Of course, this means that the majority of the climb will take place in the dark. However, this also has its advantages, especially if you hike in summer; as the New Zealand sun can be quite harsh.
Roys Peak can be climbed all year round depending on the season. In my opinion, the best time to climb Roys Peak is in spring, between September and November. During these months there will most likely still be ice on the most distant mountains, with blooming flowers lining the path.
alt="ROYS PEAK-TRACK">Hiking Roys Peak in summer
Is the Roys Peak hike worth it?
I'm sure we've all seen those iconic Roys Peak view photos on Instagram. Yes, the views from Roys Peak are incredible and definitely worth the hike.
There are a few caveats, however. Perhaps due to the irresistible Instagram-fueled “travellust” photo ops from the overlook, the trail is very busy.
I'm sure the last thing you want is a line of other tired hikers wandering off into the distance in your photos.
Still, I find that even the most crowded trails are pretty empty before sunrise. In the case of the Roys Peak Track, we met a few other keen hikers and even a few campers along the way. But it was far from the crowded parking lot you'd expect at lunchtime.
Essentially, hiking Roys Peak New Zealand is a must-do in Wanaka – just make sure you get there early to beat the crowds!
Quick tips
Below I have also put together some quick tips to help you plan a day of hiking at Roys Peak New Zealand.
Roy's Peak packing list
Here are some essentials for hiking Roys Peak.
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Roys Peak GPX file
Here is a GPX file created with my recording of the track with my Garmin GPS watch. If you would like to download the track, you can do so by clicking on the link below.
Remember that you should never use GPX maps as your primary means of navigation. Trails change quickly and certain sections or routes may not be suitable in varying conditions.
Regarding the hike to Roys Peak in New Zealand, you don't need to navigate much as the path up to the peak is very wide and obvious.
GPX file: Download
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What to Expect on the Roys Peak Track
After arriving at the trail parking lot, you will see a point where you can walk over a fence that marks the start of the trail. There is a donation box here which is optional but a great way to thank the private landowners who opened the trail to everyone.
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The start of the track gives you a good basis for expectations of what's to come. Most of the hike continues on this wide, winding climb up the side of the mountain to the summit of Roys Peak.
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Although the actual route tends to become monotonous, the views are a worthwhile motivator. It stretches far across Wanaka, the lake and far out to the distant peak of Mount Aspiring.
alt="WANAKA SUNRISE">View of Wanaka from Roys Peak Track
As the route climbs, you'll notice the green grass gives way to duller, native alpine grass. In winter there is usually snow and ice on the path, especially as you approach the summit.
alt=“HIKING THE ROYS PEAK TRACK IN WANAKA”>
You may notice that there are sheep and cows sharing the route. This is a reminder that you are hiking on private property. Personally, I think it's great that Kiwis are helping to open their country to everyone!
alt=“SHEEP ON THE ROYS PEAK TRACK”>Sheep enjoy the view of Wanaka
Roys Peak Viewpoint
After approximately 6km of walking at an altitude of approximately 1300m you will have reached the famous Roys Peak viewpoint.
At a small junction there is a signpost to the viewpoint and even a toilet behind it. The overlook is a small ridge that continues to the right, which makes for a great shot if you get a buddy to photograph it from the slope just near the fork.
The famous viewpoint is arguably more impressive than the peak itself, which leads many people to not go any further.
alt=“ROYS PEAK VIEW AT SUNRISE”>The famous Roys Peak viewpoint in New Zealand
However, having made it this far, it would be a crime to turn back now!
The “true” summit
Come on, with just another 1.5km and less than 300m more elevation gain, you better be ready to pull up your bootstraps and keep going!
The push from the lookout to the summit of Roys Peak is very similar to the rest of the hike.
The final section has an optional shortcut that follows the steep ridgeline. I followed this route on the way up as it was a bit faster. I could imagine that this section is very dangerous and difficult in winter.
After finally reaching the 1578m summit of Roys Peak, it was time for us to relax and enjoy the view. We were just unlucky that there was persistent, heavy cloud cover at the summit. So there was no view for us.
Luckily the clouds cleared later in the morning, giving us a great view from the lookout just below the summit.
Klook.com
More photos
Here are a few more photos from our hike at Roys Peak New Zealand.
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MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT
- Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
- Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
- Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
- Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
- Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
- Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
- Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
- Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
- Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip
For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.
If you would like to use any of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs deductions of images on We Seek Travel.
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I hope you enjoyed this guide to hiking the Roys Peak Track in Wanaka, New Zealand. If you're still planning your trip or want to have spontaneous adventures, check out some of my other travel guides in the list below.
If you have track updates or questions, help fellow hikers by leaving a comment below.
A great starting point for hiking is this guide to the 31 best hikes in New Zealand's South Island.
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