A bucket-list hike for locals and visitors alike, they all come for one thing: the view from the summit of Roy's Peak.

Statistics

5 - 6

hrs

1,276

m

1,276

m

11

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Moderate

Description

Popular with locals, visitors and Instagrammers alike, Roy's Peak draws as much admiration as it does ire from those who think it's being 'overrun'.

Don't be put off, though, because despite being popular it's a trail that makes you work for the view, and there are plenty of quiet spots along the way. A 16km / 6-7 hour out-and-back hike, Roy's Peak Track is well maintained and easy to follow.

The ascent, though, is anything but.

Climbing over 1,200m in 8km, it is a relentless, lung-busting climb.

All of that is forgotten, though, when you reach the lookout.

Yes, there might be queues for the photo, but as soon as you get there you'll understand why.

Incredible views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Wanaka make the hike entirely worthwhile. After you've taken your photo, be prepared for a leg-sapping descent back to the car park on the outskirts of Wanaka.