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This is a complete guide to the Diamond Lake Walk in Wanaka including track condition, length, and photos from our trip. This guide also includes info on all the connecting trails such as the Rocky Mountain Trail.
The Diamond Lake Walk in Wanaka is a lesser-known and easier hike than the famous Roys Peak. This short trail takes you to Diamond Lake before heading up towards the summit of Rocky Mountain.
Along the way, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Wanaka and a much quieter trail than most in the area.
The views from the top are stunning and for those looking for a great way to spend a few hours, the Diamond Lake walk in Wanaka is a great option!
Here’s everything you need to know about the Diamond Lake Walk, Wanaka.
Where is Diamond Lake, Wanaka?
The Diamond Lake walk is located 20 minutes outside of Wanaka by car. To get there, follow the signs to Mount Aspiring National Park. Keep following Wanaka-Mt Aspiring Road until you see the signs for the carpark. The start of the trail is around 15 minutes past Roys Peak carpark and is on the right side of the road.
You can also find Diamond Lake, Wanaka’s exact location on Maps.me. (Google maps took us to the wrong place so just be aware of that.)
Hikes at Diamond Lake, Wanaka?
At Diamond Lake, there are a few different trails you can enjoy. Depending on the weather and your fitness level you can choose between these four trails from the carpark.
Diamond Lake Circut – This trail circles the lake and is an easy 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) 45-minute walk.
Diamond Lake Lookout – This trail is part of the summit track, but for those not wanting to go the entire way you can stop at this viewpoint instead. It takes 1 hour to walk up and back and is a 2 kilometer (1.2 miles) trip.
Lake Wanaka Lookout – Taking a slight detour on the summit track you can visit this beautiful viewpoint. The trail is a 5-kilometer (3.1 miles) return trip that takes around 2 hours to complete.
Rocky Mountian Summit Track – The longest trail continues on from the other two to the top of Rocky Mountian. This is the most popular track as it visits the two previous lookouts and ends at the summit. The track takes 3 hours return and is 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) return.
How hard is Rocky Mountain Summit Track?
The Diamond Lake Walk in Wanaka is a rather easy hike. Although it is straight-up almost the entire way there are plenty of places to stop and catch your breath. If you think it might be challenging for you just allow more time. It’s better to do it slowly than not at all!
In some spots, the trail is a little dangerous to the Rocky Mountain Summit. You can find that your path becomes very thin in places with steep drops. Also, some of the trail crosses streams and can be very slippery. If you take your time it’s perfectly safe but I wouldn’t recommend letting young children run ahead because of these steep parts of the trail.
Facilities at Diamond Lake
At the start of the trail, there is a pit toilet and a carpark. Other than that, you are on your own. There is no cell phone service at the car park so if you suffer from allergies please bee (pun intended) prepared as you are a 20-minute drive to Wanaka.
The reason I say this is I actually got stung by a bee in the carpark and I used to be extremely allergic. Luckily my desensitization worked and I only had a mild reaction!
What to Bring on the Diamond Lake Walk
Shoes – During or after rain the trail is very muddy and slippery. In parts, it actually crosses a stream on a steep incline. This meant your shoes would get wet and really muddy. So if it is (or has been) wet I wouldn’t wear shoes you plan on wearing out later that night. Also if they’re not waterproof, be prepared for wet feet.
Hiking poles – For a popular trail, it’s pretty poorly maintained. Hiking poles would be a huge help to those with bad knees or lose their balance easily.
Water – I always recommend carrying water with you no matter how short the hike. It has many uses other than drinking like washing cuts or clearing eyes of mud etc.
Before you go…
The Diamond Lake Walk in Wanaka is a pretty straightforward trail but I hope this guide has cleared any questions you might have had. If not, shoot us a message and we will reply!
If you found this blog helpful then jump over to our official New Zealand page and check out all our NZ guides – we have over 100! I’ll also leave some related articles below!
The Truth about the Wanaka Tree
Wanaka Lavender Farm – Know before you go
8 must-do day hikes in Queenstown
-Daniel
