Roy's Peak Summit Hike
Climb the iconic Roy's Peak above Wānaka for the most celebrated viewpoint in the Southern Lakes — a ridge walk rewarding hikers with 360-degree Alpine vistas.
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Roy's Peak Trailhead
The trail begins on the western outskirts of Wānaka, climbing immediately through open farmland on a clearly marked track that ascends relentlessly for 5 hours.
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Sheep Station Pastures
The lower slopes cross working high-country sheep station land — the wide-open pastures give early views of Lake Wānaka and the Clutha Valley below.
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Ridge Traverse
The trail follows a narrow grassy ridge with steep drops on both sides — the exposure is thrilling and the panorama in both directions becomes ever more dramatic.
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Roy's Peak Summit (1578m)
The summit view is one of NZ's finest — Lake Wānaka glitters 1,500 metres below, the Matukituki Valley opens to the west, and the Main Divide fills the horizon.
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The Famous Photo Spot
A short spur trail leads to the signature viewpoint where the ridge appears to float above the lake — the most iconic photograph in the Southern Lakes region.
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Descent via Panorama Route
The same trail descends — the changing light on the return gives completely different views, with the afternoon sun gilding the lake and valley below.