The best Hikes and Day Walks in and around Wānaka
Do you like being outdoors? Are you attracted to the hills & the wide open spaces? Or do you enjoy a challenge & the reward of the views when you get to the top?
Hiking in Wānaka certainly had a boost in popularity back in 2018. This was due to an article describing Roys Peak Track as being the most instagrammed hike in New Zealand. Quite a statement, but the views are certainly worth that uphill slog!
Even though Roys Peak Track may be one of the most famous hikes in our region, there are many others to explore with equally if not more impressive views. Wānaka offers both excellent one day hikes & day walks, with the difference being, hikes tend to be longer, harder walks on trails or uneven terrain through the mountains & countryside.
Here’s our suggestions of the best Wānaka hikes & walks in the region.
Best hikes in Wānaka
Isthmus Peak – Advanced 16km return track overlooking Lake Hāwea & Lake Wānaka. It’s often chosen as an alternative to the popular Roys Peak. Although it’s a challenging, steep, rocky, winding climb to the summit, you can pause & appreciate the views of Lake Hāwea on route.
Diamond Lake Track/Rocky Mountain – there are 3 variations depending on what you’re looking for. A family-friendly 1.5km flat loop around Diamond Lake. The Lake Wānaka Lookout is 3.5km return (there’s a few stairs to climb on this one). Or the more advanced 7km version where in certain parts extreme care is advised. The track is steep & often slippery (even in summer months) & some scrambling is required. There are also sections that are wet & muddy and areas that are exposed to steep drop offs. The reward however, is panoramic views of Lake Wānaka, the Southern Alps & Mt Aspiring.
Grand View – Advanced. The Grand View track provides spectacular views of the Southern Alps. Hikers can expect moderately steep terrain on a well-formed farm track. There are shorter & longer options to choose from, ranging from a few hours to multi-day hikes.
Mt Iron – 4.5km loop track, 1 to 1.5 hours. Very popular with the locals with fantastic 360-degree views of Lake Wānaka, the Southern Alps & the Pisa Range.
Rob Roy Glacier Track – 10km return, 3 to 4 hours, located in the Matukituki Valley, Mt Aspiring National Park. This is a relatively easy walking track offering some impressive scenery, including dense beach forest, snowfields, glaciers, sheer rock cliffs and waterfalls. Unfortunately as of September 2024 this track is still closed due to bridge maintenance. However, the Department of Conservation is working on this & are hoping to have this track reopened for summer 2024/25.
Best day walks in Wānaka
More on the flat side with scenery still to be enjoyed.
Outlet Track – Easy. This is an awesome track along the edge of the Clutha River, popular with walkers, joggers & mountain bikers. There’s also some great spots to stop for a bit of fishing. The track can be walked in either direction, with options to start/end from the Wanaka township or the Outlet Camping Ground.
Wanaka to Waterfall Creek – 3km return easy flat walk. A perfect opportunity to take a photo of #thatwanakatree or stop at Edgewater Resort for their reputable cheese scones & a cup of tea.
Albert Town to Hāwea – graded an easy 14km walk (one way). Starting off at the Lake Hāwea swing bridge in Albert Town, the track opens up to the flats, meandering through kānuka shrubland until it hits the riverside. Enjoy stunning views as you head upstream all the way to Lake Hāwea.
Butterfields Wetland Walk – an easy graded 45min walk. This loop track starts at the Lake Hāwea swing bridge in Albert Town. Weave your way through terraced grasslands & kānuka forest, enjoying the scenic views of the native wetlands & the surrounding peaks.
Blue Pools Track – Easy 3km return track located in Mt Aspiring National Park near Makarora. Wander through the beautiful native forest to the swing bridge crossing the Makarora River. Follow the boardwalks to the viewpoints & take in the pristine, cool blue coloured water of the pools. This track is also currently closed (as of September 2024) for bridge maintenance, hoping to be reopened for summer 2024/25.
If the weather isn’t playing ball then here’s our top indoor activities to keep the family entertained.