[2025 Glendhu Bay Attraction] Travel Guide for Roys Peak Track (Updated Jun)

Roys Peak, located near Wanaka is rated as one of the best hikes in New Zealand. It has one of the most Instagram worthy views at the peak and after I saw countless photos on Instagram, I knew I had to do this hike! The whole hike took me almost 8 hours to complete and I would rate it as quite a difficult hike. The journey up was long, monotonous and always at a constant incline. But I assure you when you reach the top, the stunning views will make everything worthwhile! I reached the peak in time for sunset and managed to capture an Instagram worthy photo of the golden sun rays shining on the peak. If you are planning to hike till night, be sure to bring along a flashlight as the road down will be in complete darkness. #momentssg #hiking #unforgettableexperiences #scenicspotguide

#国外游 It takes 6 hours to go up and down the mountain, which is very spectacular. Choose a good day to go up the mountain and you will get a surprise that you will never forget. It really is the World's End series. #Overseas Travel

One of the most iconic views on the South Island of New Zealand: Roy's Peak. Travel tip: Start hiking at 4am if you want to catch sunrise on top of the mountain AND beat the heat (I couldn't image doing this hike under the hot sun).

#summervacay Roy’s Peak is arguably the most photographed hiking destination in New Zealand, thanks to its iconic viewpoint overlooking Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. Summer is the ideal season to tackle this 16-kilometer return hike, with long daylight hours and mostly dry, clear conditions. The trail is steep but well-maintained, and the reward at the summit is nothing short of breathtaking. It can get hot, so an early morning start is best. For fitness-minded travelers or photography enthusiasts, Roy’s Peak is a summer bucket list item that’s absolutely worth the effort.

There is a parking lot available, so you can park your car and start your hike from there. Since this is a full-day activity, I stayed overnight in the nearby town of Wanaka and started the hike early the next morning. The trail is closed during the winter season, so it's best to check the timing before you go. (I visited in September, and it was open at that time.) The trekking itself isn't too strenuous. You'll be more captivated by the stunning scenery along the way, so don't worry too much! Even if it gets a bit tough, the incredible views make it absolutely worth the effort.

The Roy’s Peak Track near Wānaka is one of New Zealand’s most iconic hikes, known for its breathtaking panoramic views over Lake Wānaka and the surrounding Southern Alps. The track is a steady, challenging ascent of around 8 kilometers one way, with a total climb of 1,200 meters. The trail zigzags through farmland and alpine meadows, offering stunning scenery throughout the climb. While the hike can be physically demanding, especially on hot or windy days, the reward at the top is unforgettable: sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, the lake’s deep blue waters, and the famous ridgeline photo spot. The full return trip takes 5–7 hours, so good footwear, water, and weather awareness are essential. Roy’s Peak is a must-do for keen hikers seeking one of the South Island’s most picture-perfect vistas.

"If you want to experience the Middle-earth world from the movie 'The Lord of the Rings,' Wanaka in autumn will captivate you at first sight." Visiting Wanaka at the end of April, driving from Queenstown along winding mountain roads, you'll be surrounded by golden and orange hues, as if stepping into a painted masterpiece. Wanaka's autumn is gentle, clean, and comfortably cool without being cold. Every snapshot you take feels like a wallpaper-worthy image. 📌 Practical Travel Tips 🗓 Best Travel Season: Mid-April to early May is Wanaka's golden autumn season, with bald cypress, maple, and silver birch trees turning golden and orange, transforming the town into a fairytale. 🚗 Transportation: Drive from Queenstown (about 1.5 hours). The mountain roads are in good condition. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility and access to scenic spots along the way. 💰 Cost Reference: Fuel prices are high (NZ$2.8–3.2/L), but accommodation and meals are relatively affordable. Hostels or B&Bs cost around NZ$80–150 per night. 📷 Photography Tips: The best lighting is during sunrise and sunset! Morning is ideal for capturing the lone tree in the lake, while evening is perfect for photographing mountains and golden forest trails. Consider using a polarizing filter (CPL) and warm-tone filters. 📍 Must-Visit Attractions + My Experience 🌳 #ThatWanakaTree (Wanaka Lone Tree) This iconic tree is Wanaka's signature! Standing alone in the lake, its appearance changes with the water level. In autumn, its reflection in the water is especially dreamy. 📸 Tip: Arrive before 6:30 AM to avoid crowds and capture the mist, sunrise glow, and mirror-like lake surface. 📝 Insight: Many visitors leave quickly after seeing the tree. I recommend bringing a cup of coffee and sitting by the lake to watch the changing sky—it's incredibly soothing. 🥾 Roys Peak Track | A Must-Hike Instagram-Worthy Trail Known as "Wanaka's Pinnacle for Photos," this trail is about 8km one way with a 1,200-meter elevation gain. It's challenging but offers breathtaking views! 📍 Starting point is a 15-minute drive from Wanaka town. The hike to the summit takes 3–4 hours. 📸 Highlight: At the summit, you can capture classic views of Wanaka Lake and snow-capped mountains. Weather changes quickly, so bring a windproof jacket. 📝 Insight: I started at 3 PM and reached the summit at sunset. The golden light on the grassy slopes was so stunning it almost brought tears to my eyes. 🍁 Wanaka Station Park | A Local Favorite for Maple Viewing More romantic than the lone tree! This small park is surrounded by golden silver birch trees in autumn, offering a quiet and serene atmosphere. 📍 Less than a 10-minute drive from town, it's also suitable for families or leisurely strolls. 📝 Insight: Perfect for portrait photography with autumn leaves as foreground, backlighting, and warm-tone filters to enhance photo quality. 🛶 Lake Wanaka Kayaking Experience Highly recommend the "sunrise kayak" experience. The guides are professional, and the morning mist creates a magical atmosphere on the lake. 📍 Booking: GoJets or Paddle Wanaka are great options, costing around NZ$120 per person, including guide and equipment. 📝 Insight: It can be chilly, but watching the sunrise gradually illuminate the lake makes it worth every penny. 🍽 Must-Try Food Recommendations 🍕 Francesca’s Italian Kitchen: Handmade Italian pizza paired with local wine—authentic flavors. ☕ Relishes Cafe: Popular brunch spot with exquisite plating and great coffee (Flat White is a must-try). 🍦 Black Peak Gelato: Homemade ice cream with a unique autumn-exclusive pumpkin flavor. 🏨 Accommodation Suggestions Wanaka View Motel: Cozy wooden cabins with lake views, offering great value. The balcony faces the lone tree. Edgewater Hotel: Excellent location with lakeside trails leading directly to sunrise photo spots. Airbnb Recommendation: Look for properties with floor-to-ceiling windows and wooden balconies—perfect for autumn photography. 💬 Final Thoughts Wanaka's autumn is a gentle yet authentic beauty. It's not loud or showy; it quietly invites you to immerse yourself in its colors and atmosphere. There's no need to chase specific attractions here—simply wandering down a leaf-covered path or sitting by the lake for an hour can create the most genuine travel moments.

Roys Peak Track is one of the most iconic hiking trails on New Zealand's South Island, located near Wanaka. It is renowned for its stunning lake and mountain views. This trail is particularly popular among photographers and hikers, offering breathtaking views of Lake Wanaka and the distant Southern Alps. Trail Information Length: Approximately 16 km (round trip) Walking Time: 5-7 hours (3-4 hours up, 2-3 hours down) Elevation: 1,578 meters Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (mainly steep uphill sections) - a true test of willpower Open Season: October 1 to May 14 (closed during breeding season, please check official announcements) Hiking Highlights 1. Spectacular Panoramas: From the summit, you can overlook Lake Wanaka, the Matukituki Valley, and Mount Aspiring National Park, with breathtaking scenery. 2. Iconic Photo Spot: The viewpoint about 30 minutes from the summit is the best place to capture classic views of Lake Wanaka. 3. Challenging Slopes: The trail is mostly steep uphill, challenging your stamina, but the unfolding scenery along the way makes it worthwhile. Recommended Gear and Precautions Hiking Boots: The trail is mostly dirt and gravel, so sturdy hiking boots are recommended. Sun Protection: There is little shade along the trail, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Water and Food: There are no supply points along the trail, so bring at least 2-3 liters of water and some snacks. Weather Changes: New Zealand's weather is unpredictable, so bring a windproof and waterproof jacket. Hiking Time Planning: The best time to start is early morning to avoid the intense midday sun and to ensure you descend before sunset. Respect the Environment: Follow the 'Leave No Trace' principles, take all your trash with you, and protect the natural environment. How to Get There? It takes about 10 minutes by car from downtown Wanaka to reach the Roys Peak Car Park on Mount Aspiring Road. Parking is limited, so it's advisable to arrive early during peak season. Who is it Suitable For? Those with good physical fitness and hiking experience Those who enjoy challenging steep hikes Travelers who love photography and stunning landscapes This trail is one of New Zealand's classic hiking routes. If you're planning a trip to Wanaka, Roys Peak is definitely a must-visit spot that will challenge you to the core!

Embarking on a midnight hike to Roy's Peak on December 31, 2023, was a unique way to usher in the New Year. Starting at 12:00 AM, I navigated the challenging 8 km ascent, which typically takes around 4 hours to reach the summit. The trail, known for its steep inclines and alpine meadows, was illuminated only by my headlamp, adding an element of adventure to the journey. Reaching the summit just before sunrise, I was greeted by a breathtaking panorama of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding Southern Alps. The first light of 2024 casting hues over the landscape was a serene and memorable experience. This early morning trek not only offered a physical challenge but also provided a tranquil moment to reflect and embrace the new year amidst nature's beauty. #celebrateit #naturalwonders #newzealand #travel #couplestrip

#newzealandtrip 📍 Location: 6 km west of Wanaka town. 📍 Navigation: Roys Peak Track Car Park. 📍 Distance: 16 km round trip (13 km if you only go to the viewpoint). ⏰ Official Time: 5-6 hours. ⭐ Elevation Gain: From 350 meters to 1578 meters (viewpoint around 1320 meters). Tips: ⭐Closed from October 1st to November 10th. ⭐Climbing in winter (June-August) is much more challenging, requiring crampons and proper gear. Be prepared for strong winds at the summit. Enjoy the breathtaking views and the challenge! 🏞️🌟🚶♂️

Did a sunrise hike to Roy’s peak in summer Jan24. Started the ascent at 2am. This was my very first sunrise hike and my longest hike yet at 16km. It may sound tiring or crazy to those who haven’t attempted a 16km return sunrise hike before but I’m telling you that it’s totally worth it. Ascending in the dark, I got to see the sky full of stars. I saw a shooting star for the first time in my life too. The hike up is steep and long but just keep on going. Looking at the mesmerising stars helped me march on. Weather is cooling too - bring layers and gloves, you’ll need them especially at the peak lookout before the sun comes out. Slowly, midway through the hike, the sky gradually turns blue and you can see the sun creeping up and the orange rays peeking thru. Starting the hike at wee hours, I couldn’t see anything in the darkness. So when the daylight started and I got to see the magical mountainous view in front of me, I was in awe. The sunrise was the cherry on top. At the peak/lookout, I was tired but the view and totally worth it! Words can’t describe The descent was hot and sweating as the summer sun was out and shining bright. I will highly recommend a sunrise hike (starting 2-3am) instead of mid-day if hiking in summer. I love New Zealand 🇳🇿

From Queenstown to Wanaka 🚗 First stop: Roy's Peak. We didn't go all the way to the summit, just a 30-minute hike🥾. We saw adorable sheep and enjoyed the view from above. If you have the time and energy, you can go to the summit 🏃 for an even more spectacular view! It takes about 5-6 hours, so we skipped it this time to save time. Once we descended, Lake Wanaka was right there. We parked the car and decided to explore the town. The area around Lake Wanaka is bustling with tourists. If you're visiting Lake Wanaka, Roy's Peak is also recommended!

#100WaysOfTravel #RoysPeak #newzealand #wanaka #hiking

The Roy's Peak hike, as announced by the New Zealand Tourism Bureau, is a total of 16 kilometers round trip, which normally takes about 6 hours. The mountain road is a zigzagging uphill dirt and gravel path, constantly ascending. From the top of the mountain, you can overlook the panoramic view of Lake Wanaka and the magnificent scenery of the Aspiring Mountain Range in the distance, which is famous worldwide. There are two scenic viewpoints at the summit, the first of which is a popular photo spot with a path extending outward. Standing on the outermost rock, the mountains and lake scenery are breathtaking, with epic views that will leave you in awe. After 10 am, there are more people and you may have to queue up just to take that unforgettable photo. To reach the highest peak, it takes about an hour round trip from the second viewpoint. However, the view from the top is not as good as the second viewpoint, so many people just take photos at the second viewpoint and then head back down. The Filipino girl's English name is Joy, she is 26 years old, young, lively, and loves traveling, taking photos, and playing with drones. We spent a little over 3 hours hiking up the mountain, and because Joy had to return the car at 1 pm, we hurried down and only took a little over an hour and a half. Including the time we spent taking photos and lingering, we arrived at the parking lot at the foot of the mountain around 12:30 pm.

11th Dec 2022 (30 y/o Couples) We arrived at the spacious parking lot at 6:30am. It was pretty easy to get from if via Google Maps. The climb took us about 2.5hours up and another 2.5hours down. The trail are pretty obvious so you do not need to worry getting lost out there. There are also steeper shortcuts “craved out” by previous climbers. As there are lots of sheep out there, you will likely be blessed by stepping on their biscuits. So do bring water or wipes to wash them off later. We brought about 3l of water and some food/chocolate which were great to keep hydrated and for that extra sugar rush. In all, the view was amazing and worth every sweat to get up there. 9/10!

One of the most famous Instagram locations in New Zealand is Roys Peak overlooking Lake Wanaka with awe-inspiring views of Mount Aspiring and other peaks of the central South Island. Getting to the peak is a picturesque hike through alpine meadows and tussocks grasslands The Roys Peak Track is one of the many hiking trails of Wanaka that one shouldn't miss while in New Zealand. Wanaka is also one of the chief skiing locations of the Southern Hemisphere (and a chance to escape the heat of summer of the Northern Hemisphere).#2023travelwish #awesomepic

One of the most famous Instagrammable places in South Island, New Zealand. The paths are pretty well maintained and the view on the way up is stunning. Great challenging but rewarding hike, magnificent 360 panorama views from the summit! Would recommend trying this peak if you are reasonably fit. #spooktaculartrip #tripblazers #awesomepic #fallingforfall #couplestrip #urbanexplorer #bucketlistreboot #newzealand #newzealandtravel #mountain