The ridge view
Over the lake.
Sky_xe — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sky_xe — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sky_xe — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Jingwei Ke lenscapism — CC0 · Sky_xe — CC BY-SA 4.0
Roys Peak is a mountain above Lake Wānaka in southern New Zealand, famous for the view from the ridge near its summit. From it you see the blue lake with its islands and winding arms, the mountains around, and far off the snowy peak of Mount Aspiring. The track zigzags steeply up the mountainside through thick grass to the ridge, then on to the summit. It is 16 km return on the same track and takes most of a day. It crosses private sheep farmland, and the peak is named after an early settler who leased the land. Most people stop at the ridge viewpoint for the well-known photo; some carry on to the top. There is no shade on the track, so carry plenty of water and sunscreen. The trailhead is about 6 km in a straight line west of Wānaka. The track closes every year from 1 October to 10 November for lambing, so do not climb then. Start early to avoid the crowds and the heat.
Over the lake.
On the skyline.
From the track.
Wānaka–Mount Aspiring Road, west of Wānaka, Otago
Every year, 1 October to 10 November.
Yes, a long steep climb with no shade.