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Roy's Peak Track
Where is it?
A 10-minute drive from Wanaka.
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Good to know
The track is on private property and closed from 1 October to 10 November for lambing.
NO DOGS
TIME & DISTANCE: 5-6hr return; 16km
FITNESS: High fitness required
TERRAIN: Strenuous, uphill gradient. Steep walking track with a continuous climb. Exposed to the elements throughout.
Track Overview
The Insta-influencers have made this already popular track even more sought after. Notably for the photographic viewpoint that appears approximately one hour before the summit. It is here you will find a narrow, exposed path leading to a vantage point with views as far as the eye can see. Feast your retinas on Lake Wanaka, its islands and surrounding valleys. Further up you will reach Roys Peak itself, where Mt Aspiring sits grandly in the background.
There is nothing technical about this hike, but the incline zigzags relentlessly to the top. Expect a steady slog uphill with very few shaded areas. You’ll descend via the same track, or if you choose to hike up in the afternoon, camp overnight and catch sunrise the following day.
Discover That Wanaka Tree
Find the famous Wanaka Tree Known as the ‘Lone Tree of Lake Wanaka’. The crooked trunk of New Zealand’s most photogenic tree is now more iconic than the lake. Somewhat a reluctant celebrity, this willow doesn’t reveal its whereabouts too easily. From town, face the lake and meander left along the water’s edge – you will eventually reach the leafy idol. Following a flurry of excitement on social media, hordes now flock here with cameras, selfie sticks and drones in tow.
Wanaka Lone Tree © Getty Images
Queenstown is for everyone
Whatever your disposition, Queenstown has something to satisfy.
Breathe in Queenstown’s fresh alpine air and explore a year-round playground created entirely by nature. Discover enjoyment thatstretches as far as the ski field and as close as your dinner plate. Slow down or seek adventure, relaxation is both low-key and high adrenalin. Yes, thrills come in all shapes and sizes here.
Aquatic adventures range from sedate kayaking down Dart River, to sliding off waterfalls with a canyoning group. River board the rapids of Kawarau River, jet boat, cruise, or commandeer a three-wheeled aqua bike on Lake Wakatipu.
Everyone loves to scale the mountainside in Queenstown’s gondola, and at the top, the luge provides hours of fun. Rug up and bunker down in an ice bar, try your hand at frisbee golf in Queenstown Gardens or bounce along (up and under) Lake Wakatipu in a sharkdesigned submersible boat called Hydro Attack.
Enjoy exclusive use of an outdoor hot tub or treat yourself to a romantic dinner. Chow down on a famous Ferg Burger (it'd be rude not to) or follow in the footsteps of your favourite Lord of the Rings' character. In Queentown, if you can think of it, you can likely do it.
Main Image: Roys Peak © Getty Images
