Location: Wanaka
Top Things to do in Wanaka
Top 10 Hiking Trails in Wanaka, South Island
The South Island town of Wanaka appeals to both adventure lovers and relaxation-minded travelers. Situated on the crystal-clear waters of New Zealand's fourth-largest lake, just a short drive from Mount Aspiring National Park, Wanaka is an ideal spot to go fishing, hiking, skiing, wine-tasting or golfing. The city also hosts Warbirds Over Wanaka, the largest three-day air show in the Southern Hemisphere.
Restaurants in Wanaka
1. Roys Peak Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 916 reviews
The track is closed for lambing from 1 October - 10 November each year. Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By winterystorm - Cairns, Australia
I was lucky enough to be with a group on the Runaways Southern Highlights tour. These guys know what they are doing. We started on the mountain at 4am and with the awesome moonlight didn't need to use our headlamps. I would totally recommend starting as early as you can. When the sun comes out there is no hiding from it, no shade at all. The tour director rightly called many sections of it punchy. It took some in the group 1:45 to get to the peak, but it was -1 (degrees celcius) and pretty darn chilly. I took 2:30 and made it just in the nick of time to see one of the most spectacularly majestic sunrises I've ever seen. If you haven't been training for hills/mountains, then start early, take a good amount of water, dress sensibly to protect yourself from the sun on the way up and the cold at the top and wear shoes with decent grip. It's pretty steep in some parts. Expect it to be difficult but know that when you get to the top, every second will have been worth it. Just sooooo incredible. I found that doing a zig zag type move in the really steep bits helped a lot and of course having Isaac, tour director of Runaways encouraging me helped more than I probably realise. I'm 45 and my fitness is average. Still even in my less fit days, the breathlessness and sore muscles are totally worth it. Just be well prepared.
2. West Matukituki Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By AwayDayswithHubby
Just drove to Raspberry Creek with my daughter. What amazing scenery. We were just out for a little drive but once we'd started we just didn't want to stop. Such a shame we hadn't gone dressed for the walk at the end. We will definitely go back. The real fruit ice-cream caravan was an unexpected treat.
3. Isthmus Peak Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By RennieMD
We do a lot of hikes but wasn’t too keen on Roy’s Peak given the popularity etc. Had a brief look on the trail maps and we decided on Mt Isthmus. It was a steady up hill the entire way and not much easier on the downhill. Wide path so group walking is easy. The views were unreal and basically the entire duration of the walk. We passed 6 or 8 groups and all we’re genuine hikers/trail walkers (aka were appreciating the experience without having to shout about it). The vista at the top was breathtaking and very well worth it. We walked the duration at a steady pace and completed in 3.45hrs. Go and enjoy, minus the crowds! PS don’t rely on Lake Hawea for pre-walk snacks and coffee.
4. Wanaka Heli Hikes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Wanaka Heli Hikes offers fully personalised guided alpine hiking and glacier trekking. Exclusive helicopter access provides an uncrowded pristine alpine experience. Qualified and knowledgeable local guides share our incredible alpine world with our guests.
5. Rob Roy Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By JW_Dam - Nijmegen, The Netherlands
The track offers a lot of stunning views, half way we took our pached lunch on a bench with view to the glacier. Once at the end the view is even more splendid, many small waterfalls and the snow covered mountain tops in front of the end of the trail. More than worth while but a reasonable good condition is necessary.
6. Mount Iron Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 848 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By funq1
Walked up this track to the top as sunset approached. It took about 35 min with a steady climb. We took the route from the housing estate - Rob Roy lane - slightly tricky to find as you think you are going up someone's drive - but just continue. Great views from the top and really nice T sun set as can see the sun highlighting the different mountain ranges.
7. Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain walks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Martyk74 - Corydon, United States
I know THE hike to do in Wanaka is Roy’s Peak and we could have done it but we just didn’t have it in us that day. It was a glorious day and we knew it would be packed and with a line for THE shot plus the elevation gain is no joke. We opted for the Lake Wanaka/Rocky Mountain Summit Hike which is also in Mt Aspiring National Park in the Diamond Lake Conservation area. Just the drive to the hike from Wanaka town is gorgeous and you will drive right by the car park for Roy’s Peak. It was packed, as we figured. I must admit, as we drove by, I did feel a pang of regret. You’ll drive around Glendu Bay and there is a car park for Diamond Lake Conservation area that will be on your right a mile or 2 later. There is a sign. It will hold a decent number of cars. We arrived about 10:30 and there were several cars there but still open spots. The hike isn’t easy but it’s not near as demanding as Roy’s. If you go all the way to Rocky Mountain Summit it’s just over 4 miles return with roughly 2516 feet of elevation gain. It takes about 3 hours r/t without stops but I’m sure very fit people could do it faster. I think we did it in under 3 hours (without counting the stops) and we are only in very average physical shape. Several great things about this hike. There are views almost the whole time. You don’t have to do the whole hike to get a rewarding experience with tremendous views but at least go as far as Lake Wanaka Lookout which is a wonderful viewpoint. The track after Lake Wanaka viewpoint to Rocky Mountain Summit is a circuit so you can have different views going up than coming down. We went up the Western Track which I thought was a bit steeper but it’s hard to judge. There are some short portions where we used our hands and feet on the ground to keep steady (before the circuit part starts). If it has been raining or in the rain, these parts would be very tricky. The reward at the summit are astounding 360 views (including a view of Roy’s Peak). It was stunningly gorgeous and left me with no regrets of not doing the Instagram famous hike. We stayed at the top for at least 30 minutes, having a snack, shooting pictures and just drinking it all in. We went down the Eastern Track and I was glad we did because the views continue to break in front of you and I thought it was slightly less steep. There are several points on the trail to stop off for a great selfie and to just step off and admire the views. The hike was not deserted but also not crowded. We weren’t constantly coming up on people are having people behind us. Once we got back to the car park, it was full with people parking on the side of the road as well. This was a gem of a hike and now one of my favorites. Maybe one day I’ll get back to do RP.
8. Blue Pools Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 534 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By PaulC44_Reviews - Singapore, Singapore
It's just a short walk downhill to the swing bridge and it's well worth it. Just make sure you follow the instructions on how many people are allowed on there! The bridge was wobbly and fun and it's a beautiful spot to take some pictures and chill out. Make sure you take some bug spray for the sand flies though!
9. Upper Clutha River Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By NealT606 - Auckland, New Zealand
We had a fabulous hike along the Clutha to Albert town on a glorious day. Would recommend this walk for anyone who enjoys an easy walk.
10. Glendhu Bay Track
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
