Private farmland / Wanaka area
Roy's Peak
Wanaka, Otago
Distance
16 km
Duration
5–6 hours return
Elevation gain
1,280 m
Difficulty
HardNo booking required — Free
Best season
November to early May (CLOSED October–mid-November for lambing)
Check current trail conditions
Track closures, snow conditions, hut availability, and safety alerts update daily. Always check before departing.
About this trail
The switchbacking climb to Roy's Peak (1,578m) above Lake Wanaka delivers one of the most photographed views in New Zealand — the infinity ridge with Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps stretching beyond. The track is entirely on private farmland (access by permission of the landowner) and climbs relentlessly via a zigzag trail with no shade. The famous 'infinity ridge' photo spot is approximately 45 minutes below the summit. The summit itself on clear days gives 360° views encompassing Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, and a vast arc of Southern Alps peaks.
Highlights
- ✓The 'infinity ridge' photo spot — narrow ridgeline with Lake Wanaka 1,000m below on both sides
- ✓Summit views across both Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea simultaneously
- ✓Southern Alps panorama — from Mount Aspiring to the Remarkables
- ✓Sunrise and sunset hikes (headtorch required) — popular but require early start or overnight plan
🚌 Getting there
Drive 6km west of Wanaka on State Highway 6 to the Roy's Peak carpark on the left. No public transport.
🎒 What to bring
- ·2 litres of water minimum — the track is fully exposed with no water sources
- ·Sunscreen SPF50+ — very exposed
- ·Poles recommended for the descent (1,280m in 8km is steep on knees)
- ·Warm layers for the summit — strong wind even on warm days
- ·Walking shoes sufficient (no technical terrain)
Hazards & safety
- ·SEASONAL CLOSURE: Roy's Peak is CLOSED annually approximately mid-October to mid-November for lambing. Check the exact dates with the landowner or Wanaka DOC before going.
- ·Fully exposed track — no shade from start to summit. Sun is intense, especially in summer.
- ·Weather: southerly storms arrive rapidly from the Southern Alps. Check MetService and have a bail plan.
- ·The track is extremely popular on weekends — car parks fill by 7:00am in summer. Start early.
📋 Know before you go
- 1.Closure dates vary annually — always check before visiting. The closure is strictly enforced as it is private farmland.
- 2.The 'infinity ridge' photo: the famous social media shot is taken from a narrow ridgeline about 1.5km from the summit — allow extra time here.
- 3.Sunrise hike (arriving at summit for dawn): depart at 02:00–03:00 from Wanaka. Take a headtorch. Very worthwhile in clear conditions.
🚨 Emergency contacts
NZ Emergency
111
DOC Wanaka
+64 3-443 7660
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Official sources
Trail information here covers stable facts — distances, difficulty, gear, and what to expect. Current conditions (closures, snow levels, hut availability, permit quota) change regularly and must be checked at the official source before you depart.
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