Roys Peak Track

Image: Miles Holden | ©

Roys Peak Track

Located in Wanaka area in the Otago region

This place is part of

Introduction

Take in breathtaking views over Lake Wānaka, Mount Aspiring/Tititea and surrounding peaks after a steep climb through alpine meadows and tussock grasslands to the summit. This is a popular track and one of our best day hikes.

Highlights

 

Fitness required: High
Gradient: Steep

Video

Track overview

16 km return via same track

Walking and tramping

5-6 hr Easy: Walking track

Seasonal restrictions

  • The track is closed for lambing from the 1 October - 10 November each year.
  • In winter you will need to carry and be able to use alpine equipment such as ice axe and crampons. In addition, the top section of this track has challenging avalanche terrain above the 1000 m mark.

Dog access

No dogs

About this track

Description

With beautiful Wanaka as the backdrop, you’ll climb from lake level through farmland then up into the tussock tops to the 1578 m summit.

The sounds of grasshoppers and skylarks surround you as you climb 1,500 m on a well-formed track with the most spectacular views of Lake Wānaka, its islands, bays, and the mighty snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, including Mount Aspiring/Tititea.

This track crosses private land. Respect the landowner's livestock and property. Stay on the marked track, leave gates as you find them and use stiles where provide.

Getting there

The nearest towns are Wanaka (6 km), Queenstown (68km) and Haast (142 km) on the West Coast. 

The track starts at the Roys Peak Track car park on the Mount Aspiring Road near Wanaka.

At times of high use, during summer, consider walking or cycling to the car park (via the Waterfall Creek Track that links to the Roys Peak Track) as there is limited parking available. 

Public transport options are available. 

Know before you go

What to expect
  • Change in elevation: 1,228 m

Elevation profile of Roys Peak Track.

Hazards
  • The weather changes rapidly in this region. Hypothermia is a real risk even in summer.
  • In winter the top section of the track has challenging avalanche terrain above the 1000 m mark. Find out more about this on the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory website or check with the Tititea/Mt Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre.
Amenities
  • Toilets at beginning and end of the track.
Be prepared

Ensure you take:

  • plenty of food and drinking water
  • a water/windproof jacket, a hat and gloves, sunscreen and wear warm, layered clothing
  • sturdy footwear such as tramping boots
  • head torch
  • communication device.

Prevent wildfires: If using a gas camp cooker in the Stack Conservation area choose a site that is clear of combustible materials. Campfires are not permitted.

How to pack for a day walk

Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.

All drone use must be authorised by DOC

A concession is required to fly a drone on any public conservation land - see Recreational drone use and Commercial drone use for more information.

Contacts

Tititea / Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre
Phone:   +64 3 443 7660
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   mtaspiringvc@doc.govt.nz
Address:   Ardmore Street
Wanaka 9305
Postal Address:   PO Box 93
Wanaka 9343
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