Roys Peak Track
Roys Peak Track
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The track is closed for lambing from 1 October - 10 November each year. Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- JamsonNewcastle, Australia18 contributionsTough walk rewarded with amazing views of Wanaka and Mt Aspiring National ParkAs many others have said, this walk is long, relentlessly steep and hard going. But worth it. The comradery among fellow walkers was nice, sharing a laugh along the way. We started a bit after 7 am and saw the sunrise on the way up. There was a bit of cloud at the peak which came and went offering stunning glimpses of the view while we sat eating. Pretty chilly at the top so we needed all our warm clothes. We drank about 2.5 liters of water between two of us. All ages were doing the walk, so if you're somewhat fit you'll be able to do it no worries.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 March 2024
- Charlotte16 contributionsBeautiful views - very steep walkWe are a family of 5 - 3 kids aged 13, 10 & 4. the 4 year old went up in a child carrier on dads back. We had read it was an easy to moderate track, we would say it's more moderate to hard. We arrived in the carpark at 9.30am and we were back by 4.30pm, took us 6 hours. We stopped for breaks along the way. We have done Mt Tarakini & Tongariro crossing., this was quite up there. It's very steep and has a rocky track. The views were amazing. You don't need to go to the peak to have the beautiful views, there are lots of nice stops along the way. We were glad we did the peak but it wasnt easy and wouldn't be in a hurry to do it again.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 April 2024
- khslzhSingapore, Singapore30 contributionsExperienced all weathers in 1 hike - tedious but worth itWe climbed on 9 Sept, started at almost 5am, prob 4deg, no rain although it rained the previous evening. There were about 5 cars in the carpark. It was dark so headlights were extremely impt to help manoeuvre amidst rocky paths and cow dung (a lot a lot!!). Not a difficult climb but definitely tedious due to the upslope. We rested whenever we needed to, just 5mins was enough to allow us to catch our breath and continue. It was a bit chilly but no strong winds. We had windbreakers, fleece, heattech inners, gloves - enough to keep warm. Halfway, it started to snow, and the entire way up was covered in snow. Lucky we had hiking shoes on, so it helped with the grip. We saw people giving up halfway due to the huge change in weather - either not enough layers or bad shoes like sneakers. We didn't managed to get to the lookout by sunrise, but caught a really pretty picture midway. At the lookout, due to the snow, we couldn't see anything below. But we were the only ones there :) The way down was difficult cos it was really slippery. Further lower down, it was muddy and slippery with wet paths. And due to a hiccup with my shoes - i lost both soles, I was coming down with gripless shoes. Lucky we also brought hiking poles, really useful with the balance. By the time we were down, it was sunny without rain. We experienced sun, rain and snow all in 1 hike :) In a nutshell, be really prepared for sudden change in weather if u want to hike and enjoy Roy's. Took us about 3hrs to get up, but longer to come down due to my shoes. But we reckon it will be 3hrs or lesser if i had good shoes.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 September 2024
- lananadu07Vienne, France451 contributionsAn exceptional viewSuperb excursion, probably one of the most beautiful of my life but also one of the most difficult. The trail is wide and clear but the slope is very steep: 1300 meters of elevation. We climb for almost 8km and the descent back hurts knees. But what a beautiful panorama arrived at the top. I could have stayed there for hours to contemplate the breathtaking landscape. Provide good equipment: cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, jacket, walking sticks, walking shoes, 1.5L of water per person. I recommend to leave as soon as possible because on the way back we were very hot. There's no shadow. Set aside a few NZ$ coins for the honesty box that helps maintain the site.Visited November 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 November 2024
- Bety24Te Kuiti, New Zealand114 contributionsOvertourism in action.. But views are greatPositives: easy to find, close to town, big parking, toilets on the way, amazing views along all track, 4-5 hour journey no more, so dont worry about google reviews that said 7-8 hours - not true Negatives: This track is equal what overtourism looks like. Be ready for a lot people.. Toilets are there but dirty as hell. Trash and human feces all over.. hopefully soon will be cleaned. First time we saw people arguing over “Instagram spot” for photo on the viewpoint (there was even line for that).Visited January 2025Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 January 2025
- Sillymommy2003Portsmouth, Rhode Island30 contributionsSteep, but worth it!Stunning hike! Beautiful views throughout. I wouldn't call is "easy" though. We are a fit family with young adult/teen kids, but we needed 6 hours to complete the hike. Not a technical hike, but so so steep! We took lots of photo breaks and had lunch along the way. Needed sunscreen, hats, and wind breakers.Visited December 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 January 2025
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kaylie
Ipswich, Australia24 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
If you are yet to do it Roy's Peak - do it!
This was the best hike of our trip (although Mikford Sound had some great hikes) but nothing can beat the view from the top!
On the day we went (mid-June), it had been raining all morning and when we arrived at midday, the mountain and area was blanketed in fog. We hiked up though and made it to the lookout (the famous photo spot) in 2.5hours. The track is zig-zag all the way up and you pass through cattle fields to get up. I am also not an overly fit or small person ( I also have asthma but we made it to the lookout within that time which included a few stops for photos and didn't need to use my puffer. We just took our time and didn't rush).
Half way up the hike, the fog started to lift. It came and passed a few times where it would come and disappear within ten minutes or so.
We also hiked to thr top summit. I've had friend tells us it wasn't worth it but we are glad we did it. It does not have that photographic shot like the lower lookout but it's still worth doing.
We also packed appropriately for coming down after sunset and in winter (we packed extra jackets, thermals, head lamps, food, water and emergency items in case). Head lamps were a must after dark and warm clothing. If it was a sunny day, the whole hike up would be in broad sunlight and we only wore light layers up in a foggy day.
Coming down felt like it took ages (though we were in the dark and took a bit over two hours from the very top summit). We did also have runners doing thr hike easily and were running up and down the tracks.
This was the best hike of our trip (although Mikford Sound had some great hikes) but nothing can beat the view from the top!
On the day we went (mid-June), it had been raining all morning and when we arrived at midday, the mountain and area was blanketed in fog. We hiked up though and made it to the lookout (the famous photo spot) in 2.5hours. The track is zig-zag all the way up and you pass through cattle fields to get up. I am also not an overly fit or small person ( I also have asthma but we made it to the lookout within that time which included a few stops for photos and didn't need to use my puffer. We just took our time and didn't rush).
Half way up the hike, the fog started to lift. It came and passed a few times where it would come and disappear within ten minutes or so.
We also hiked to thr top summit. I've had friend tells us it wasn't worth it but we are glad we did it. It does not have that photographic shot like the lower lookout but it's still worth doing.
We also packed appropriately for coming down after sunset and in winter (we packed extra jackets, thermals, head lamps, food, water and emergency items in case). Head lamps were a must after dark and warm clothing. If it was a sunny day, the whole hike up would be in broad sunlight and we only wore light layers up in a foggy day.
Coming down felt like it took ages (though we were in the dark and took a bit over two hours from the very top summit). We did also have runners doing thr hike easily and were running up and down the tracks.
Written 21 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noms
Mount Helena, Australia7 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We started just past 8am. Cloud was covering the peak so decided to just go to the lookout, lookout is 6.5kms and to the peak is 8km. It was quite steep but manageable, could have taken more breaks. We wore running shoes as we didn’t have hiking gear, was fine with running shoes however hiking books and poles would have made it a fair bit easier. About 2km from the top it started to get very chilly so would recommend packing a warmer jumper. Great views all the way up, would highly recommend! Going down was hard on the knees so wouldn’t recommend doing if you have bad knees
Written 12 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventurer
Singapore, Singapore34 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Went on the first day of "reopening" after it was closed for lambing (1st Oct to 10th Nov each year). Most blogs suggest to start at 2.30am but I would recommend starting around 3.30am. Carpark was almost full when we reached at 3.30am.
Anything earlier you will have to sit and wait quite awhile for sunrise, freezing. We started at 3.50am and I found the timing just right. Needless to say it's crowded. The view is nice but not the best, especially with the crowd.
Trek was alright but as many suggested, boring because it was just zig zag up. Easy to do in the dark but pretty much it. Lots of cow and sheep droppings to keep you on your toes.
Anything earlier you will have to sit and wait quite awhile for sunrise, freezing. We started at 3.50am and I found the timing just right. Needless to say it's crowded. The view is nice but not the best, especially with the crowd.
Trek was alright but as many suggested, boring because it was just zig zag up. Easy to do in the dark but pretty much it. Lots of cow and sheep droppings to keep you on your toes.
Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C Smyth
Auckland Central, New Zealand39 contributions
Feb 2021
I hiked to the top of Roys Peak last weekend for sunrise with some friends. We started our hike at 3am in the dark with head torches to guide the way, and reached the top of the peak just in time for sunrise - the views did not disappoint!! It was quite a steep hike and took us approx 3 hours (including stops along the way to take photos). The viewpoint approx 30mins from the top is also a great spot to stop and take some photos. The descend takes surprisingly almost as long as the descent as it can be quite slippery (we took walking sticks along). I would definitely recommend doing the hike for sunrise is doing it during summer as it gets very hot when the sun comes up. Deffo a must do bucket list activity!! Take lots of water.
Written 12 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola Elliott
Dublin, Ireland29 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We are a couple in our 60s, well almost, 61 and 58. We are good walkers and would consider ourselves fit. We started the walk at 09.20am and finished in 6 hours with a lot of stops and lunch on the way down. Both of us found this hike very hard! It’s uphill all the way for 8km with very little flattening out. Too be honest I almost gave up when we got to the viewing point. There was 1.5kms to go after viewing point so we kept going. Coming down was absolutely brutal on the knees. All said views were outstanding but we both thought this was an incredibly tough hike! We did meet a Dutch couple carrying a 15 month old child in a special carrier, so clearly they didn’t think it was tough!!
Written 9 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pa12326
Krakow, Poland6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I went to Roy's Peak yesterday, starting at 6pm to reach the peak on a sunset.
Parking lot was half empty when I arrived, walk path was not crowded at all (I met ~ 20 people going down when I was hiking up). Instagram spot was not crowded either (there were only 5 Japanese people there making photos).
It's possible and afaik allowed to stay overnight at the peak (I haven't finally do that due to issues with my tent, but I've seen one tent at the top).
It took me 3.5 hrs to get to the peak and 2hrs down. I definitely recommend good trekking shoes, useful especially when you go down to feel more stable on the ground.
Please mind that 1000m of difference between start and finish is only if you finish at Instagram spot. There's another ~200m walk to the top of the mountain.
I was walking in a temperature of 25C degrees, but thanks to the fact that sun was on the other side of a peak, it wasn't shining on me, so walk was comfortable even in such hot weather.
Actual sunset that I was aiming to see wasn't that breathtaking, as sun was hiding behind other hills around, not behind the lake :( the place where sun goes down changes within a year so it might be better in a different months.
Anyway, it was a nice walk, I definitely recommend to do it, especially in the evening, as it doesn't get crowded that time and coming down in dark is a nice experience (especially when no clouds are expected for the night so you can catch amazing stars).
Parking lot was half empty when I arrived, walk path was not crowded at all (I met ~ 20 people going down when I was hiking up). Instagram spot was not crowded either (there were only 5 Japanese people there making photos).
It's possible and afaik allowed to stay overnight at the peak (I haven't finally do that due to issues with my tent, but I've seen one tent at the top).
It took me 3.5 hrs to get to the peak and 2hrs down. I definitely recommend good trekking shoes, useful especially when you go down to feel more stable on the ground.
Please mind that 1000m of difference between start and finish is only if you finish at Instagram spot. There's another ~200m walk to the top of the mountain.
I was walking in a temperature of 25C degrees, but thanks to the fact that sun was on the other side of a peak, it wasn't shining on me, so walk was comfortable even in such hot weather.
Actual sunset that I was aiming to see wasn't that breathtaking, as sun was hiding behind other hills around, not behind the lake :( the place where sun goes down changes within a year so it might be better in a different months.
Anyway, it was a nice walk, I definitely recommend to do it, especially in the evening, as it doesn't get crowded that time and coming down in dark is a nice experience (especially when no clouds are expected for the night so you can catch amazing stars).
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan
Hildenborough28 contributions
Feb 2023
We got up at 4am to make it up top for sunrise! Just about got there! Recommend the early start with plenty of water, snacks and a head torch! Met some people on the way who were pretty poorly prepared, not enough water and no food. We shared of course! It's a pretty steep climb in places but flattens out occasionally for a bit of a respite. 16k, 6 hours with viewing/photo/water stops. 100% recommend, but go prepared and relatively fit. Recommend the early start also, that way you dont see too much on what's ahead!
Written 1 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Winded Traveller
64 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Went at 8 am. Car lot was full but enough in overflow. Great to see sheep and lambs. Took my partner and I five hours return. That includes stop throughout to see the views & sheep, 20 minute stop at the view point and 20 minutes at the top for lunch. Would recommend going in the morning when the wind is at its lowest. Would recommend for sure.
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg F
Auckland Central, New Zealand1,167 contributions
Jul 2020
4 years on from my first hike of Roys Peak, I decided to do it again this time with my partner, coincidentally again in early July. The weather forecast was perfect for the day. We started at 6.30 AM about an hour and half before sunrise. At -5 degrees, it takes a while to get the body moving and you're at a good height for a beautiful sunrise. The track is well marked and wide and with it being such a popular track, there's always cars in the carpark no matter the season/or time of day.
The track starts up almost immediately and remains that way for the whole way to the summit. So while it isn't a technical track, it is by no means easy due to the vertical ascent. At a slow steady pace, we were at the Insta-famous viewpoint around 11 AM with several stops along the way thanks to the stunning views. With NZ being closed to international tourists during the pandemic and it being winter, it was not crowded at the viewpoint with about 10 people there at the time. It was a bit slippery at the viewpoint with the snow having just melted, but nothing too dangerous.
After the viewpoint, it took another hour to get to the summit due to snow and ice consistently the whole way making it fun if not a bit tricky. The views from the summit were out of a magazine. Breathtaking even if you aren't a landscape lover, with views of the Mount Aspiring National Park all the way to Mt Aspiring itself. On the other side is the Beautiful Lake Wanaka and township and Glendhu Bay.
After spending a half hour at the summit, we started to make our way down at 1 PMGoing down is easier albeit harder on the knees and it helps if you have a walking pole to support you. The way down should take about 3 hours and with an early sunset at 5 PM in winter, it's a good idea to time your descent as it does start to get cold incredibly fast as the shadows grow.
Hands down one of the best day walks in the country.
The track starts up almost immediately and remains that way for the whole way to the summit. So while it isn't a technical track, it is by no means easy due to the vertical ascent. At a slow steady pace, we were at the Insta-famous viewpoint around 11 AM with several stops along the way thanks to the stunning views. With NZ being closed to international tourists during the pandemic and it being winter, it was not crowded at the viewpoint with about 10 people there at the time. It was a bit slippery at the viewpoint with the snow having just melted, but nothing too dangerous.
After the viewpoint, it took another hour to get to the summit due to snow and ice consistently the whole way making it fun if not a bit tricky. The views from the summit were out of a magazine. Breathtaking even if you aren't a landscape lover, with views of the Mount Aspiring National Park all the way to Mt Aspiring itself. On the other side is the Beautiful Lake Wanaka and township and Glendhu Bay.
After spending a half hour at the summit, we started to make our way down at 1 PMGoing down is easier albeit harder on the knees and it helps if you have a walking pole to support you. The way down should take about 3 hours and with an early sunset at 5 PM in winter, it's a good idea to time your descent as it does start to get cold incredibly fast as the shadows grow.
Hands down one of the best day walks in the country.
Written 30 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne F
Melbourne, Australia139 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We did this hike with our 2 children (10 and 8). It was tough going in some parts when the track just kept going up and up and up. We reached the very top in just under 3 hours with stops. The views are fabulous and worth the pain! We started off at 8.30am and had lunch at the summit. It got very busy as we started coming back down. The hike down was much easier on the cardio vascular system but still tough on the legs, but nowhere near as bad as going up. All up we did it in 6 hours with breaks and the lunch stop. I recommend taking lots of water and food, sugar lollies helped me at the top to get some energy back. There are heaps of sheep and some bunnies along the way. Watch out for all the poo! Well worth the effort.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this track currently open with all the snow that’s fallen in the last 2 days? Wanting to head up tomorrow but did Isthmus Peak today and there was a heap of snow at the top! Can imagine Roy’s Peak having even more due to the height.
Written 3 September 2020
Assume you mean Roy's Peak hike just outside Wanaka. We're not there now so don't know if it's snow covered. It is steep.
Suggest contacting any Wanaka lodging (especially smaller lodges such as Wanaka Homestead Lodge) or travel entity - they will likely know.
Written 3 September 2020
Most of the pictures I see of the first view point appear to show a steep drop off on either side. Is that stop really as precarious as it appears in pictures?
Written 24 September 2019
No! You can go all the way out to the view without feeling precarious, but on the other hand there's no reason to go all the way out because the view is spectacular from the main trail
Written 24 September 2019
We just did this with a 3yr old mostly on shoulders and my 6 yr old smashed it
I just popped a review up
About the hike
But my Instagram emilybaxterharvey
Has all the trip on my story
Written 4 September 2019
Hi there, understand that the track will be closed for lambing from 1 Oct to 10 Nov. As such, can i confirm that it would be opened for sure on 11 Nov? Thanks!
Written 15 July 2019
Not really sure about it, but I think you can always check DOC website for latest update!
Written 15 July 2019
Hi, I am considering this walk in early August, has anyone been up for sunrise? I have read online that the sun rises in Wanaka at 7.50am so what time should we leave the carpark? We would be just average speed walkers. Does anyone know what footwear and clothing we would need in regards to snow at this time of the year? Thanks
Written 15 July 2019
it's 8km (5 miles) to the top, and 4,000 feet of elevation Based on your experience, you can judge; I'd leave 3 hours to get up but if you think you need to stop and rest, leave an extra hour
DEFINITELY bring warm layers, including warm hat and gloves and wind/rain shell It's prudent, may be necessary to avoid hypothermia or serious injury - think of it as "first aid' that you always carry
Written 25 September 2019
I was thinking of doing this track in end of July, and was wondering how cold it gets at the top?
/Andreas
Written 24 June 2019
Hi Andreas, its cold even in the summer months when there is no snow on the ground so it will be very chilly in July. In the colder months when there is snow fall you will need specialist gear at the top, or so I am told, so make sure you speak to some locals and ascertain exactly what you will need for a safe journey. Don't be fooled by a warm day at the bottom of the mountain - the conditions can change rapidly and can be vastly different at the top. All the best - irrespective of the weather it will be an incredible experience if there is snow down!
Written 24 June 2019
Pipsthewhips
Sydney, Australia
Hi,
I can see from answers to other questions it probably isn't a good idea to hike mid July, especially with a 9 year old.
Is there an alternative hike in Wanaka where you might find a nice view at some sort of elevation, but not as high as Roys Peak?
Thanks
Written 9 June 2019
Hello, yes there is a beautiful voew at the top of the Rocky Mountain, is very easy and not hard to reach. You alsp get to enjoy lake diamond, so 2 for 1.
Enjoy
Written 13 June 2019
Does anyone know if you need any extra gear, except good hiking boots, to do the hike in beginning of may? Forecast are showing minus degrees and a little bit of snow. Also - is it hard to find the path if you would go up in the dark to see the sunrise (with head torches ofcourse).
Thank you!! :)
Written 21 April 2019
Any lighting would be useful in the dark but the tracks are wide and easy to follow. Apart from the clothes, water would be critical.
Written 22 April 2019
Yes there is one in the top and also next to the parking space
Written 13 May 2019
Does anyone know if it is safe for a female to do this trek on her own?
Thanks!
Written 18 April 2019
There are normally a reasonable number of people on the path at any one time. Also it is all open spaces no forests / trees
Written 18 April 2019
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