Hiking Roys Peak

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Hiking Roys Peak

Before we begin

Traveling to New Zealand has been on my travel bucket list for a long time. And hiking Poys Peak during this trip was one of the experiences I was looking forward to the most. Looking back I have mixed feelings about it. Regardless, I think the views from the top make every step worth it.

First of all, I’d like to point out that this was more difficult than I thought. Yes, people on the internet warn us that the hike is tough. It has an almost constant incline with elevation of around 1200 meters for 8 km. By my calculations that is about 8.5 degrees, or around 15% incline. Doesn’t sound like much, but well, it is. That sort of incline is uncomfortable to say the least. 

Getting up to the top is not the worst part though. It is the going back that destroys your knees I found unpalatable. I generally like hiking for its health benefits. For the relaxing time in nature, breathing fresh air and enjoying the silence. However, I found the Roy’s Peak hike a bit unpleasant. Having said that, I will admit that the views are truly breathtaking.

Roys Peak
A view of the surrounding mountains on the way up to Roys Peak just before sunrise

About hiking Roys Peak

Now, about the hike.
 
Overall, it took us about 4 hours out and back and we spent another hour at the lookout. We were back in Wanaka just in time for breakfast.
 
There is no good time of the day to start the hike, maybe early morning or late afternoon works best. There are always going to be crowds on the way. Obviously depending on the time of the year you visit, there are things to consider such as weather conditions and hours of daylight. We did the hike in the first half of March, so still a long day and generally clear skies.
We read that the parking at the beginning of the hike is quite small so getting there early is essential. “Early” as in 3 am. We knew we wouldn’t be able to function that early. But we were also scared we would have to walk more than necessary. So we decided to compromise and headed there at around 4:30 am. Turned out the parking is not as small as we thought. It’s just that there are legions of people marching there every day. Some even hike up and camp at the top overnight. By the time we got to the parking, parked, and found the trail it was just before 5 am. We could already see the early birds zig zagging up the mountain with their torches and headlamps. Some of them were already reaching the top.
 
And then the pain began.
Roys Peak
View from the lookout

5:00 am - the way up

We took our time. I’d say we were slower than everyone else around as people would constantly undertake us along the way. That was partially due to the fact our legs were already sore from the hikes we did the days before. But also because we are just generally slow hikers. The path is wide and relatively easy to walk, but crosses a farmland, so there are cow sh… poo mines along the way. So, watch your step especially if you’re walking in the dark.
 
It felt like the trail got steeper after every turn. As we kept going, we started making more and more short breaks to catch our breath and let our burning muscles rest.
Roys Peak
A panoramic view from the lookout

7:20 am - the lookout

Eventually we got to the famous picture spot, aka Roys Peak Lookout, just in time to see the sunrise. We were also lucky enough to somewhat beat the queue at the lookout. We managed take a few pictures in piece as there were just a few people hanging out there. The view of the surrounding mountains and lake Wanaka is amazing. We did not spend much time taking in the views because it was freezing and windy, so we moved on.

Roys Peak
That one famous shot

We found a more sheltered spot around the corner where we sat down to let our feet rest. There we could have a snack and take in the magnificence of what was before our eyes.

8:20 am - and way down we go

The peak is actually another 1.4 km further from the lookout. However, we decided to head straight back down – we were already too tired. The never-ending crowd going up and down the mountain was getting thicker. The view which we couldn’t see on the way up was now there to reward us for the effort. Unfortunately, as I mentioned previously, walking down that path is painful. It is difficult to enjoy the view unless someone carries you. 

It was about half past 8 am and the trail looked like a highway already. People were forming two-directional traffic and getting annoyed if you walk on the “wrong side of the path”. Did I mention I enjoy the silence in a hike? Well, no silence there. Not to mention that queuing to get the famous shot can take an hour or even more. Looking up to the viewpoint on our way down we could see tens of people joining the queue to take this one photo.

Roys Peak Trail

The trail is completely exposed and it was sunny on the way down which means we were incredibly hot. I can only imagine how the people going up were feeling. At this point I was really glad we started the hike as early as we did.

Roys Peak Trail
On the way down from Roys Peak through the farmland

10:00 am - finally back at the car park

When we finally made it down, our knees and feet were so painful we could swear this was the last hike we were going to do that year. It took a long breakfast break for our strength to return so that we could get on with our road trip.

Writing this now I think that hiking Roys Peak was a great decision. Even though my knees hurt for weeks after, I have no regrets.

Roys Peak

Lessons learned

If I get the chance to go back to Wanaka on a clear day, I will prefer a different hike. All the local people we met recommended the Dimond Lakes instead – it’s not as high up as Roy’s Peak, but still offers great views. There are a couple of other hikes in the area which are less popular and very similar to Roy’s Peak that are worth considering, such as Isthmus Peak, for example. At the end of the day, it is up to you and you will probably do the hike despite my warning, because hiking Roys Peak is a unique experience after all.

Things to consider

What is there to know for a hike during the summer:

  • The hike takes about 4-5 hours out and back, but allow at least an hour for the lookout
  • Best to start early morning or late afternoon as this is an incredibly busy hike
  • The trail is wide and very easy to follow – there is no way to get lost at night
  • The trail is completely exposed so don’t forget to bring a sunscreen and a hat, as well as lots of water
  • Weather can change as you climb higher and it can be very cold and windy at the top, so pack accordingly
  • It is about 8 km of constant, unpleasant incline, so make sure you are mentally and physically prepared
  • Probably getting up there by scooter is the better option if you want to spare your knees

More info

If you liked this post, and you want to know about other great hikes in New Zealand, read our post about Tongariro Crossing

For more information about the track, visit the Department of Conservation website

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51 thoughts on “Hiking Roys Peak”

    1. goframetheworld

      Hi Megan! It did pay off, and the best thing was that we got there on sunrise – not many things are better than watching the sunrise with a cup of hot coffee from Roy’s Peak lookout 🙂

      Reply
  2. Ildiko

    Sounds like a very strenuous hike, but your pay-off was utterly gorgeous. Wow!!!! What views. Like you, though, I enjoy hiking where there is quiet, fewer people and no queues. Looking at your photos it’s understandable why that hike would be so popular.

    Reply
  4. Hannah

    What a breath-taking hike! The view from the lookout is incredible! I can see why it is such a popular hike! It’s definitely one I would love to try one day. Thanks for sharing it!

    Reply
  5. Krista

    It does look like a fantastic hiking route to go on, and I love the views you get near the top! I would be exhausted after the hike up probably.

    Reply
    1. goframetheworld

      Hi Rhonda! Some of the locals I spoke to also had not done this hike. We were recommended other hikes instead, and I look forward to going back and hitting the less crowded tracks. I think it is worth hiking Roy’s Peak once (I would not do this to my knees more than once :D) because I do understand what all the hype is about – it’s gorgeous and unforgettable!

      Reply
  7. Vanessa Shields

    The views look amazing and what a great way to start your day! But I’m the same as you, I prefer hikes without the crowds. I’m not a morning person but starting this early would be an incentive to get a head start.

    Reply
    1. goframetheworld

      Hi Vanessa! Not a morning person myself, so if I get another chance to stay in Wanaka, I will opt for one of the other hikes in the area.

      Reply
  10. Amy

    Oh my goodness, this looks like the most fantastic hike! The photographs are beautiful and you’ve described it in the most wonderful way – I want to go!!

    Reply
  11. Rachel Hall

    I completely agree with you about the challenge of climbing this peak. We did it in 2019 after someone recommended it to us and WOW, the burn was real. This hike was tough, and a lot tougher than I thought. We actually ran down because it was hurting our knees so much. Thanks for being honest and saying it was unpleasant, we thought so too. But the views were INSANE and I would do it again for them. WE saw people stretching in the car park after doing it and wish we had done this!

    Reply
    1. goframetheworld

      I wasn’t expecting it to be so tough either. My muscles were fine, but my knees hurt for a few days afterwards. If I go back, I would try out some of the other hikes in the area that are less crowded and offer similar views. The locals know best after all, and that is what they recommended.

      Reply
  13. Tiffany

    My knees hurt reading your description of the incline! Glad you were able to avoid the huge crowds on the way up. That is the only reason I will get up that early- LOL

    Reply
  15. Taylor

    I definitely have to revisit Wanaka and hike to Roy’s Peak. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to do it when I was there two years ago due to timing. Looks epic!

    Reply
    1. goframetheworld

      Thanks Shafinah! We did not use a drone for two reasons. Firstly, New Zealand have some tight requirements for flying drones – you’d have to get a permit for each national park you’d like to fly a drone. You must pay a fee for each permit and it can still be declined. The second reason was that the wind up there was very, very strong. But in the end, the views are amazing even only from the ground 🙂

      Reply
  21. Cecilia

    Your photos are just incredible. We love hiking when we travel and this is certainly one we would love to do if we ever make it to New Zealand. I do agree that the hike down is generally harder on the body than the hike up, but these views make it all look worth it!

    Reply
    1. goframetheworld

      If you are well rested the day before, unlike us, then this hike would not be as painful probably. As long as you make stops to rest on the way down, which is easy with the gorgeous view all along, it’s not that bad 🙂

      Reply
  23. Kay

    WOWWWW it’s so beautiful!!! I’m going to have to remember to bring a walking stick though because it sounds brutal on the knees haha! (Or maybe I’ll just bring a scooter haha)

    Reply
    1. goframetheworld

      Hi Kay, a scooter is actually a brilliant idea. The path surely allows it apart from a few fences with stairs to go over them 🙂

      Reply
  24. Jacqueline Le

    This hike is soooo high on my bucketlist. I’ve seen photos of the queue to the famous lookout spot and I’m glad to hear that at sunrise it’s quieter. Will definitely follow what you did and go early to avoid crowds

    Reply
    1. goframetheworld

      Hi Jaqueline, I underestimated how popular this hike was seeing how many people were hiking up when we were on our way back. I noticed there were also people camping at the top, so I guess that’s another option to avoid the crowds and have the lookout for yourself at sunset AND sunrise 🙂

      Reply
  26. Catherine

    This hike looks stunning! I hear you on weighing the traffic of a trail vs the views, though. We have some similar hikes here in Oregon. Going first thing in the morning really helps!

    Reply
    1. goframetheworld

      Hi Catherine, most hikes we did in New Zealand were very popular so we needed to head up early. But Roy’s Peak… People start hiking at 3 a.m. and I feel like that is a bit too much for a 4-5 hour out and back hike 🙂

      Reply
  27. Nina

    Roys Peak is a gorgeous hike. Unfortunately I was too ill when I was in Wanaka to do it, but I loved the shots of it. I can’t wait to go back and follow in your footsteps!

    Reply
    1. goframetheworld

      Sorry to hear that you couldn’t hike it. I hope you can visit again soon and have another chance to see these gorgeous views 🙂

      Reply
  28. Amy

    Nz is a hikers paradise!what a view. Having climbed 3 peaks over 1200m over 2 days in Croatia a couple.of years ago, I remember the steep climb down. It unnerved me a few times. But the views do make it worth it. This is beautiful.

    Reply
    1. goframetheworld

      Hi Amy, it really is a hikers paradise 🙂 I would love to go hiking in Croatia as well, it’s still on my list!

      Reply
  29. Francesca

    I did not get to hike Roy’s Peak when I went to New Zealand but I really wanted to! It was too cold. This is a great guide for hiking it!

    Reply
  30. Josy A

    Woooah Nora! We did this hike too (and loved it!) But it was easily the busiest hike we did in NZ. I had know idea it was famous before we arrived. We were just climbing it to take photos for my mums friend Roy who had always wanted to see the view, but was too old to climb up himself. I was totally in love with the views so I can see why it is popular!

    We started later than you at 5:45am. That worked out pretty well. All the 3am hikers were finishing, so there were not *quite* as many people there. We had the peak all to ourselves.

    p.s. The other one I really fancied in this area was Isthmus Peak. Hopefully that would be less busy for next time!?

    Reply
    1. goframetheworld

      Hi Josy! It’s great that you didn’t have to queue for a picture. When we were there it got crazy crowded as we were heading back. I did not have time for Isthmus Peak – actually, it was either Roys Peak or Isthmus Peak for us due to time constraints. As far as I know, the views from Isthmus Peak are similar but the hike itself is much less crowded, so I will definitely try it out next time I am in Wanaka 🙂

      Reply

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