The Roys Peak Track is probably the most popular hiking trail in the Wānaka Lakes region. For many years, it was largely ignored. It is a two-hour slog up a weather-exposed face, initially on a farm track with the inevitable animal manure before reaching the DOC tussock land reserve. But the amazing viewpoint popularised on Instagram changed everything, and there is now a large car park catering to hundreds of visitors at the bottom.
As a walk, it is mostly straightforward, just continuously uphill. It’s about 1,000 vertical metres to the popular viewpoint (1,320 metres), then another sharp 250 vertical metres to the peak. There is a toilet at the viewpoint.
Try and pick your time. Hundreds will be on the trail during peak periods, with a queue for the Insta shot. It often snows as low as the viewpoint in winter, although it generally doesn’t stick around for too long.
Once there, take your time. The popular shot is just one angle on the 270-degree view. The surrounding jagged ridges are spectacular, with wide views of the mountains, valleys, and Lake Wānaka.
Thanks to @anh.doc for the Winter pics.
