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Roy's Peak
Wanaka, New Zealand
The three of us have been talking with trepidation about Roy’s Peak months before our trip to New Zealand.
The 3-hour 1,300 metres climb was certainly playing on our minds, but it was one of those “must do” hikes, what with the epic panoramic views at the top over Lake Wanaka and across to snow capped peaks in the distance.
We joked about only going half way and just sitting and enjoying NZ cheese and wine in the company of the sheep that graze the farmland that we would pass on the way up. But we each knew we had the quiet ambition of getting to the top no matter what.
We were of somewhat different levels of fitness. But that proved to be no obstacle as we had the attitude of looking out for each other and being determined to just put one foot in front of the other. The scenery kept getting more stunning with every hairpin switchback. We would not recommend rising at 3am to ascend in time for sunrise as you would be climbing in the dark for 3 hours, making the strenuous task seem unrewarding with no views.
There were a couple of moments when our legs were telling our minds to turn around, but with some mutual motivation, all three of us made it to the top together!
Roy's Peak located just outside Wanaka is one of the most popular hikes in New Zealand and offers breathtaking views of Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring and distant snow capped alpine peaks. The hike takes you through farmland, alpine meadows and grassland to the summit.
Trip Tips
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Best season to do this hike is from mid November to through May. In the Winter and early Spring, expect snow and ice at higher elevation, so carrying crampons is advisable.
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Note that the trail is close from early October to early November for lambing. Check here for actual dates. www.lakewanaka.co.nz/explore/roys-peak-track/
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The trail head parking is just a few minutes drive from the town centre of Wanaka.
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Parking can get very full during the Summer Season.
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Many hikers start the hike at 3am to catch the sunrise at the top. Others go in the afternoon after the early groups have descended and left to avoid the crowds.
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At the trail head there is a free will donation box to support the farmers whose land you are hiking on - do bring some NZD notes for that.
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Do plan to stay in Wanaka for several days as there are many awesome hikes in the area, and reserve the best weather day (clear skies) for this hike.
Hiking Tips
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We decided not to do the 3am start to catch the sunrise as you would be walking in the dark for at least 3 hours without any view. We started mid morning on a blue skies day and were rewarded with amazing views in all directions that kept getting better as we ascended. Very glad with this plan.
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Good hiking boots will help you handle the gravel and hiking poles will come in handy for the long descent. Carry plenty of water according to the weather.
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Go in a small group to keep each other motivated. Staying together and having a chat or taking some photo stops along the way helps distract from the continuous climb.
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People were mostly polite at the Instagram point, waiting their turn to go out for the photo op, and not dwelling unduly long there to allow the next group their turn without too long a wait.
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Do not keep looking up at how much more climb to go - just keep putting one foot in front of the other and enjoy the hike!
Hooker Valley Trail
Mt Cook, New Zealand
This was my second time walking this trail but I enjoyed the first time so much I was more than delighted to do it again with my two friends. It was a warm Spring day but a steady strong wind kept things cool enough that we did not feel the heat. There was still a good amount of snow melt streaking down on the mountain faces, feeding the river into one majestic roaring torrent which was fascinating to watch.
From the beautiful drive up Lake Pukaki to progressing through the hike, the iconic peak of Mt Cook gets ever closer until it stands imposingly right in front of you when you get to Hooker Lake.
The Hooker Valley Track is one of most iconic hikes at Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park in the South Island of New Zealand.
The track starts at Mt Cook Village or you could start at the White Horse Hill camping ground car park. The out and back hike is about 11km in distance and mostly flat on way maintain tracks or board walk.
The hike includes crossing 3 swing bridges and takes you past Mueller Lake and Hooker Lake.
The track is open year round but in winter, expect ice and snow, so hiking boots with add-on micro spikes and hiking poles are recommended.
Trip Tips
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The 40km drive towards Mt Cook Village is one of the most beautiful drives in the world as you are driving alongside the beautiful Lake Pukaki, with Mt Cook becoming visible in the distance. There are several lookout points along this drive for photo opps.
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There are 5 accommodation options at Mt Cook Village ranging from Haka House hostel to the 5-star Hermitage Hotel. Alternative, you could camp at the White Horse camp grounds. Dining options are limited - mainly at the Hermitage.
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Alternatively, Twizel is a good location to stay in if you plan to only make a day trip or day hike at Mt Cook, and also plan day trip / hike at Lake Tekapo.
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If you have time, it is worthwhile to drive around to the Tasman Glacier for an amazing view of the glacier and the other face of Mt Cook, which sadly is now mostly melted into a lake.
Hiking Tips
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As this is a very popular track for both tourists and avid hikers, it gets very busy Spring to Autumn. Parking fills up quickly, so an early start is recommended.
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The track is generally safe year round but in this alpine area, there can be risks of avalanche or other severe weather. Check the Niwa weather forecast before going.
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Be prepared for changing weather conditions and it could get quite windy even on sunny days.
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The hike takes about 3 to 4 hours return including spending some time at the trail end at Hooker Lake where you could soak in the spectacular view of the lake up close and Mt Cook at the far end of the lake.
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This is a "must do' track in New Zealand and will leave you with great memories.
Rocky Mountain Track
Wanaka, New Zealand
We were going to hike at Mt Inspiring that day but had to turn around as the access road was closed. As it turned out it was really fortunate that we ended up doing 'Plan B' instead, as the pictures will reveal what an amazing hike it was for us to scale up Rocky Mountain.
If you are not keen to take on Roy's Peak for its 1,300 metres elevation gain, Rocky Mountain near Wanaka is a great alternative. At the top, there is a very large comfortable dome shaped resting area where you get 360 degree vistas of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks, including Roy's Peak. Although it's not as high, the views are still awe inspiring.
The trail starts at the Diamond Lake Conservation Area. There is a smallish car park at the trail head.
The loop around Diamond Lake is relatively easy as its not a big lake. The loop getting up and down Rocky Mountain is much steeper and in some sections a bit technical, requiring some steep scrambling over narrow rocky trails.
The total distance of the double loop is only 7 km, but with a respectable elevation gain of 489 metres.
Even though we did climb Roy's Peak, we still found the hike up to Rocky Mountain totally enjoyable and the views at the top very rewarding.
Trip Tips
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The trail head for the Dove Lake / Rocky Mountain hike is just 20 minutes' drive from the town of Wanaka.
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We strongly recommend to stay several days in Wanaka to have the opportunities to do some of the most enjoyable hikes in the area, including Rocky Mountain, Roy's Peak, Lake Hawea. Sadly we could not do our intended hikes at Mt Inspiring as the road was closed for maintenance when we were there - a great reason for us to go back to Wanaka soon!
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Wanaka is a beautiful town situation right on Lake Wanaka with a variety of restaurants and cafes and a big grocery store.
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It is necessary to have a rental vehicle when on a hiking trip to New Zealand to get to the various hikes. Many visitors to New Zealand rent campervans - there are pros and cons vs renting a car.
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Visitors from Europe and North America please remember to drive on the left hand side of the road!
Hiking Tips
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The total hike distance is only just over 7km, but be aware that the track up to Rocky Mountain that has a short section that involves a narrow, steep & rocky scramble. The last section is a steepish climb on a series of switch backs. Coming down, there is one section that require a scramble down a rocky canyon which is also not very well marked.
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We recommend going up the Easter Track and down the Western Track.
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If your group is not prepared for this scramble up and down, it is still a great experience to do the easy loop around Dove Lake, plus the short walk up to the Lake Wanaka Viewpoint and come back the same way.
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After each hike in the area, we always made a stop at Patagonia Chocolates in Wanaka for an ice cream! Highly recommended!.
Mt John & Lake Tekapo Loop
Tekapo, New Zealand
I have been to Lake Tekapo a couple of times, but never had the time to scale up one of the surrounding peaks for an aerial view. As it turned out, this 9 km loop trail up Mount John and back around the edge of the lake exceeded all of our high expectations.
All the climb of 400 metres was at the start as you ascend from Tekapo Springs Car Park up to the Mount John Observatory. From there you have a beautiful view across Lake Tekapo to the town of Tekapo, and on the other side, a view across a meadow to the Southern Alps in the distance.
Non-hiking tourists could drive up to the Observatory for the view. The cafe up here is a lovely spot for a short break after the initial climb but it does get busy.
Trip Tips
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The beautiful small town of Tekapo is worthy of staying a few days to include this hike, and spending a night at guided star gazing in one of the craters or at the observatory.
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If you are short of time and can only make a day trip to do this hike and need to include Mt Cook in your itenarary, staying at Twizel is a good intermediate location to more easily make day trips to both.
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A visit to the Church of the Good Shepard is a must. Its a small chapel in Tekapo located right on the shores of Lake, and is a well known instagram spot!
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If you are there in November and December, don't miss the Lupin Field right next to the church.
Hiking Tips
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This hike is relatively easy but the initial climb may be a bit tough if you are not prepared for it. It takes only about 30 minutes to get to Mt John Observatory but it is a continuous climb.
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The initial climb is mostly wooded, so you enjoy a bit of shade and may encounter some horses. The rest of the walk is flat or downhill, is exposed, meaning you get awe inspiring views! The last leg of the hike is along side the beautiful Lake Tekapo.
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Plenty of photo opps on this hike - at Mt John, and along most of the hike you are rewarded with great views of the lake with its beautiful shades of blue.
Lake Hawea
Hawea, New Zealand
With the strenuous hikes up Roy's Peak and Rocky Mountain, for our stay in Wanaka, we threw in this walk at Lake Hawea in our plans for a less physically demanding walk that was more peaceful and zen-like with no other hikers in sight.
This is a less known walk along the shores of Lake Hawea, not far from Wanaka but it is an easy and tranquil alternative to the demanding hikes at Roy's Peak and Rocky Mountain. Hence you will not see many people on this walk, allowing you some peace and quiet to notice the abundant bird life and beautiful flowers. Enjoy the beautiful Lupins when in season, and keep an eye open for the beautiful bumble bees.
The lake is beautiful and tranquil with views of white caps on the opposite end of the lake.
Trip Tips
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This is another lovely hike which is just 15 minutes' drive from Wanaka.
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The town at the trail head is quite small, but there is a lovely cafe which you could get some nice refreshments at the end of the out and back walk.
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If you have time after this walk, we strongly recommend the short drive along the Western edge of the lake to Neck Creek Waterfall. Again, no crowds, just you and nature.
Hiking Tips
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Starting at the small town of Lake Hawea, its an out and back walk along the shores of the lake. You could choose to go as far as you like before turning around.
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We went as far as Breast Hill, had a little picnic on the shore of the lake before turning around.
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As its a much less frequented trail, we enjoyed the peace and quiet of the walk, took in the abundant flowers and bird life.
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Keep an eye out too for bumble bees having a feed on the flowers!
Alp to Ocean - Lake Pukaki
Twizel, New Zealand
Lake Pukaki makes your drive on the last 50 kilometres approach to Mount Cook Village such a memorable experience. With an afternoon to spare after the drive up from Wanaka, this walk is a natural choice for getting up close to this beautiful lake.
If you have a couple of hours to spare on a travel day whether to Mt Cook, Tekapo and Twizel, this would be an easy, perfect walk to take in the beauty of Lake Pukaki, with lovely views of Mt Cook at the far end of the lake.
The walk along the South and East shores of Lake Pukaki is part of the Alp to Ocean Bike Trail.
There are several lookout points / parking spots where you could start and end your out and back walk.
Trip Tips
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This beautiful walk is open all year round and pretty much flat.
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You can easily get to this trail from Twizel, or if you are staying at Tekapo, the drive is about 25 minutes.
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The Lavendar Farm near the Southern end of Lake Pukaki is worth a stop when flowers are in season, or just to get an ice cream!
Hiking Tips
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We did this walk in the afternoon after our drive from Queenstown to Twizel where we stayed for several days.
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There are several lookout points / parking where you can start and end your out and back walk along Lake Pukaki. We started at the Lake Pukaki Nature Walk Trail Head just off Highway 8 which leads to Tekapo.
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Throughout the walk, you get beautiful views of the lake and the snow capped mountains in the distance.
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One downside of this stretch of the trail that we did is that it is also next to Highway 8, so you get the noise from traffic.
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To avoid being close to traffic, you could start your walk further up at Hayman Road, just off Highway 8 where the trail turns away from Highway 8.
Wild Lupins
Otago, New Zealand
In our hiking road trip in the South Island of New Zealand, we were blessed to have come across many areas where beautiful Lupins grow wild.
Lupins are found mainly between Glenorchy and Tekapo in the South Island. They bloom from mid November to early January.
In the drive on Highway 8, you may notice several areas where they grow in beautiful fields. Some tourists make abrupt stops in the middle of the road when confronted by these beautiful fields. Do stop only where its safe and rather take a short walk after parking safely.
One safe spot to view them is at the Lupin Field next to the iconic Church of the Good Shepard in Tekapo.
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