Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain walks
Walking track
Getting there
Diamond Lake Conservation Area is just past Hospital Flat, 12 km from Wanaka Town, on the Matukituki Valley Road,
Description
Diamond Lake, the first stage of
several walking options
Track times:
Diamond Lake return - 20 min
Diamond Lake viewpoint return - 1 hr
Lake Wanaka viewpoint return - 1.5 hr
Lower circuit return - 2 hr
Rocky Mountain circuit return - 3 hr
The Diamond Lake Conservation Area's landscape has been carved by Ice Age glaciers, with stands of native forest and shrubland nestling into bluff systems. The bluffs are very popular with rock or sport climbers, especially in summer when there is no ice on these southerly faces.
The track starts from the carpark and follows an old road to Diamond Lake. To this point only, mountain biking is permitted. For walkers the track climbs to a viewing platform above Diamond Lake. From here there are two options. The first is a lower level circuit that takes in the Lake Wanaka viewpoint, with great views of both the lake and its Islands.
Rocky Mountain Summit, Lake
Wanaka and its islands beyond
Warning: Sections of the lower circuit are steep and often slippery, requiring extreme care. Because of ice this track is not recommended during winter.
The second option from the Diamond Lake viewing platform (many walkers do them both) is the upper level circuit that winds its way to the top of 775-metre Rocky Mountain. The views from here include the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana and Mount Aspiring/Tititea.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required