Above the clouds – Roys Peak left us speechless. Breathtaking nature is what New Zealand is really about.
If you travel to the South Island of New Zealand, you certainly shouldn’t forget the hike up Mount Roy, which will reward you with fantastic views.
Facts
Mount Roy is a total of 1581 metres high, with the most famous platform located slightly below the summit. All in all, you should plan for a six-hour hike, depending on the weather and your physical condition. The eight kilometres up and down are not asphalted and are constantly ascending.
The car park is easy to reach – it’s about 10 minutes by car to Wanaka. However, spaces are very limited, which is why you should get there early enough to grab one of the 50 parking spaces. A toilet is located 70 metres after the start of the hike.
Hike
As already mentioned, the hike takes around six hours. However, the views are pretty amazing, so it’s definitely worth taking a break or two! The route is generally classified as relatively difficult, even though it”s not technically demanding. About 90% of the 16-kilometre-long Roys Peak Track consists of inclines and countless serpentines. Although you need sunglasses and sunscreen at the bottom, it can get very cold at the top. Be prepared for changing temperatures and conditions! Also, don’t forget to bring enough water and snacks. Just to be safe, some glucose won’t hurt either to keep your circulation going.
Photo location
Even at the beginning, the path is so steep that you can take a break and admire the view after only a few hundred metres. The actually well-built hiking trail leads across partly private alpine meadows upon which sheep and cows are grazing. The higher you climb, the more breathtaking the view becomes; you not only have a view of Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring, but also of many other mountain peaks as well as parts of the national parks. Then you reach the highlight: the intermediate crater. Unfortunately, we have to take away the illusion of being able to enjoy the peace and nature up there without the crowds of tourists. In order to be able to take the famous photo, you can stand in line for ten minutes. However, it’ s well worth the wait.
It’s even possible to hike up the entire mountain for another approximately 30 minutes. However, this route is even steeper, stonier and narrower. Besides, don’t forget the descent, which puts a lot of strain on the knees. A different kind of strain than the ascent and not to be underestimated.
The Roys Peak Track is strenuous and not to be underestimated, but beautiful and doable! Every metre of the hike will pay off when you reach the top and can look down the valley. Roys Peak is one of our highlights in New Zealand!
