Five Must Do Walks around Wanaka
If you’ve come to New Zealand then expect to do some epic walks. Let’s face it you’re not here for the city life. While we’re not necessarily regular hikers, it’s hard to spend time in Wanaka and not explore the outdoors. And while our favourite thing to do in Wanaka is to get on a boat and explore the lake, we instead decided to explore Wanaka by foot on our most recent trip. Here we share five great walks around Wanaka that should not be missed!
1. Roys Peak Track
By far the most difficult of the five but also the most rewarding. After an intense constant uphill battle that lasts 8km and climbs 1’200m, you’re rewarded with the most breathtaking views out over Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring. But don’t underestimate the difficulty of this one, it wasn’t the lungs that got us on this one but muscle fatigue! This one is definitely a must do if you have the time (and a nice day!) For everything you need to know, check out our separate blog post here.
Length: 16km return
Time: 5 – 6 hours return
Difficulty: Hard
Change in elevation: 1’228m
Toilets: carpark and lookout
Track closed: 1 October – 10 November every year for lambing
Getting there: 6km from town on Wanaka – Mount Aspiring Road
Roys Peak Track
2. Mount Iron Track
If you’re new to Wanaka or short on time then Mount Iron is a great hike for views. It’s a short, intense climb up a mountain that looks just like its name. Once at the top, you’re treated to 360-degree views over the entire Wanaka town and lake. This one’s very popular because it’s located near town and suitable for all ages.
Length: 4.5km loop
Time: 1 hr 30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Toilets: carpark off Allenby Pl
Getting there: 2km from town, opposite Puzzling World
Views over Lake Wanaka from the top of Mount Iron
3. Glendhu Bay Track
This one’s Hayley’s favourite. Starting at “that Wanaka tree”, a walking and biking track follows the shoreline of Lake Wanaka to Glendhu Bay with incredible lake views. If you start early enough you’ll be the only one on the track and you’ll witness an incredible sunrise coming up over the mountains. There are some small bays along the way that make for some great swimming spots and the best part is it’s mostly flat, apart from some short, steep parts along the way. You’ll eventually reach the Glendhu Bay camping ground and see some great views of Mount Aspiring. One way is around 15km. If you’re only up for the one way and stuck for a ride then you can take a shuttle back to town. Also if you love mountain biking, then grab a bike and cycle the track!
Length: 15km one way
Time: 3 – 4 hours one way
Difficulty: Easy
“That Wanaka Tree” at the start of the Glendhu Bay track
4. Rob Roy Glacier
This one involves a half-day visit to the Mount Aspiring National Park and is by far the most “scenic”. Starting at Raspberry Creek, the path includes crossing a swing bridge, walking through a beech forest, past waterfalls and sheer rock cliffs, and finishing at Rob Roy Glacier. The Raspberry Creek carpark is about an hour from Wanaka, but take care if you’re driving. Half of the road is unsealed and through farmland so expect to see sheep and cows on the road along the way. At the end you’ll be crossing lots of fords, so be mindful of the weather before you go. Due to melting snowfall the fords were a lot higher than usual and we had to park our car a few km from the carpark. We saw lots of bumper parts and number plates littered around, so if you’re worried at all about your car then take a shuttle in.
This one took us about two hours to reach the glacier, which included stopping at the first lookout for lunch. Don’t turn around at the first lookout….it’s worth the extra half hour until the end, the views are incredible! Plus they show pictures of what the glacier used to look like so you can see the change over time. We were told this walk was a “rolling flat” but that was definitely an understatement! Be prepared for some uphill climbs. Bring lots of water, food and layers with you, because it ends up being a half day trip when you take into account the drive from Wanaka town.
Length: 10km return
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Toilets: carpark and viewpoint
Getting there: 54km from Wanaka town in the West Matukituki Valley
Views from the Swing Bridge at Rob Roys Glacier Track
5. Outlet Track
Similar to the Glendhu Bay track, this is another easy walk that follows the Lake Wanaka shoreline from town to the Clutha River Outlet, and then alongside the river to Albert Town. The track is approximately 12km and runs the entire length, so it’s a great track to take depending on how far you want to go. It’s also a flat walk so perfect for jogging, especially because you can start right from town. There are lots of bays between town and the Outlet which are great for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, and the track is great for mountain bikers too. At the point of writing this we’ve walked from the Outlet Camping Ground back to town but are yet to walk the section from the Outlet to Albert town – will report back here in time!
Start: Wanaka town
End: Albert Town
Distance: 12 km
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Views of Lake Wanaka from town to the Clutha Outlet
Have you completed any of these walks? What did you think?
Like this post? Pin it!
