Image: Crystal Brindle. | ©
View over Wanaka from Roys Peak.
Roys Peak Track

Located in Wānaka area in the Otago region

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.

Fitness required: High
Gradient: Steep

With beautiful Wānaka 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.

During the lambing closure, a good alternative track of similar length and difficulty that offers an equally spectacular view is the Isthmus Peak Track.

The nearest towns are Wānaka (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 Wānaka.

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. 

Transport providers are availables, contact the Mt Aspiring National Park Wanaka Visitor Centre for options.

What to expect

  • Change in elevation: 1,228 m

Elevation profile of Roys Peak Track.

Hazards

There is no shade or water on this track.

The weather changes rapidly in this region. Hypothermia is a real risk even in summer.

Winter

Snow and ice maybe present, crampons, good hiking boots and walking poles maybe required. 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.

Weather forecast

Roys Peak weather forecast – NIWA website

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.

Amenities

  • Toilets at beginning and end of the track.

What to take

Day hikes gear list

How to pack for a day walk

All drone use must be authorised by DOC

You must have a permit to fly a drone on public conservation land.

Visit our Drone use on conservation land page for more information.