Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain Walk
A classic Wānaka loop hike through native bush to the mirrored Diamond Lake, then up Rocky Mountain for sweeping views of the Matukituki Valley and Mount Aspiring.
- 1
Diamond Lake Trailhead
The trailhead is 20 km west of Wānaka on the road to Matukituki — a sign marks the start of this beloved half-day circuit in Mt Aspiring National Park.
- 2
Diamond Lake
The small alpine lake sits in a glacially carved hollow, its dark surface perfectly reflecting the surrounding beech forest and rocky peaks — truly diamond-clear.
- 3
Beech Forest Climb
The trail climbs steeply through red beech forest above the lake — fantails flit through the understorey and kea parrots call from the canopy above.
- 4
Rocky Mountain Summit (723m)
The modest summit of Rocky Mountain gives outsized views — the full sweep of the Matukituki Valley, the Buchanan Peaks, and on clear days, Mount Aspiring itself.
- 5
Mount Aspiring View
Mount Aspiring (Tititea) at 3,033 metres is New Zealand's 'Matterhorn' — its perfect pyramid peak is visible from Rocky Mountain on clear days, 25 km to the west.
- 6
Homestead Meadow Return
The descent loop passes through open meadows with grazing sheep, historic homestead ruins, and sweeping views back down the Matukituki Valley.
Walk this route with audio
Stories play automatically as you reach each stop — no tapping needed.
