ULTIMATE Guide to Hiking Roys Peak + How to Hike at Sunrise!

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As one of the best day hikes in New Zealand, Roys Peak should be on your list of things to do! This blog includes all of the information you need to know before tackling Roys Peak, New Zealand for yourself (especially if you want to hike Roys Peak at sunrise and avoid the crowds!)  

New Zealand is famous for its breathtaking hiking trails that wind and weave their way through its beautiful landscapes. However, there are a few hikes that really stand out from the rest. These are the hikes that literally take your breath away – Roys Peak is one of those hikes.

It’s safe to say that Roys Peak is now one of the most popular hikes in New Zealand. Its most famous view is from a viewpoint just shy of the summit where you can take a breathtaking photo overlooking Lake Wanaka.

Roys Peak is one hike you will definitely want to do while visiting New Zealand!

But word has gotten out about just how beautiful Roys Peak hike really is and now it seems like everyone is doing it! This makes for cramped trails and queues to take photos (yes, people line up on the side of the mountain to get a photo!)

When we hiked Roys Peak at sunrise, there were only about 4 other people on the entire mountain! Sure, we didn’t have the place to ourselves but there was no queue and instead, all of us were helping each other take awesome sunrise photos!

So, in this blog, I not only reveal everything you need to know before you hike Roys Peak trail but also include a little bit of extra info on hiking Roys Peak at sunrise (in case you aren’t fond of huge crowds!)

Roys Peak Track FAQs

Roys Peak Track Info

The Roys Peak parking lot sits at a mere 200m (656 ft) in elevation, and the summit at a massive 1500m (4,921 ft). This means in order to get those magnificent views you must climb almost 1300 m (4,265 ft) in elevation and walk 8 km (5.3 miles) one way!

The path is really well maintained, wide, and is in a classic switchback formation most of the way. In several different spots, it is necessary to pass over fences; however, there are steps to help get you over.

Once you start the hike you will pass through private farming land. This means farm animals will likely be around, so don’t get frightened like Bailey and I did when we almost stumbled over a sheep in the dark when we hiked up for sunrise!

Where is Roys Peak, New Zealand?

Roys Peak is located only a 7-minute drive from the town of Wanaka in the Otago district in New Zealand’s South Island. The trail starts on private farmland before entering Mt Aspiring National Park.

From Queenstown, Roys Peak is only about a one-hour drive.

Best Time of Year to Hike Roys Peak

The most popular times of the year to hike Roys Peak are in the summer or the spring. There are pros and cons to each time of the year so let me give you a little more info you can see and decide for yourself.

The summer months (December through February) are the most popular time to hike Roys Peak. It is optimal for being the warmest time of the year averaging around the mid and high 10s Celcius (mid to high 60’s Farhenheit). This is also when there is the least amount of rainfall. But because the conditions are so perfect, the parking lot and trail can be quite busy.

The springtime, September to November, is the most ideal if you don’t mind a little bit cooler weather that will fluctuate in the low to mid 10s Celcius (50°s to low 60°s F). This time of year is great because there is still snow covering the peaks, but the flora along the trail is beginning to come back to life. Not to mention the best part – the tourists haven’t arrived yet!

Seasonal Notes: The track closes annually for lambing from 1 October to 10 November. If hiking in winter, you will need to carry alpine equipment such as an ice axe and crampons.

Getting to Roys Peak From Wanaka

Reaching the Roys Peak parking lot from Wanaka is super easy. Simply take the main street along the lake left (if you’re facing the lake). This road is called Ardmore Street but it turns into Mount Aspiring Road after the Wanaka Recreational Reserve.

Once on Mount Aspiring Road, just go straight until you reach the parking lot. It is signposted and is on your left-hand side.

Parking at Roys Peak, New Zealand

At the start of Roys Peak Track is a large car park. In the summer months, this parking lot fills up very early. Hiking first thing in the morning is the best way to ensure you get a parking space.

If you arrive after 10 am, spaces become very limited and you may need to park on the side of the road!

Please note, freedom camping in the parking lot is not allowed. If you do freedom camp here, you are risking a hefty $200 fine!

Facilities at Roys Peak

At the start of the trail, there is a drop toilet. There is also a toilet at the viewpoint near the top. But other than these two toilets there are no other facilities.

It is necessary to bring your own drinking water as there is none along the way and drinking from the streams is ill-advised (mainly due to farming runoff).

Related Read: If you want some insights on the best places to go in the South Island of New Zealand click here!

Roys Peak Weather

During the summer, expect the temperature to rise over 20°C (68°F) in the daytime. This can make the hike to Roys Peak very hot (so be sure to bring plenty of water!) The hottest summer months are January and February, with December and March also being quite warm but just not as much so.

The main winter months are June to September. During these months, you will likely find snow near the top of Roys Peak. This can make the trail slippery, so you should wear some good hiking boots or even consider using crampons!

For a current weather report on Roys Peak, click here! Alternatively, you can always check in with the Department of Conservation in Wanaka for their updated weather report. 

Best Time of Day to Hike Roys Peak

At sunrise! This time of day offers the best views as the sky glows and lights up the surrounding mountain peaks. Not to mention, it makes the hike all that much more exciting hiking up in the dark!

In the early hours of the morning, there are also way fewer people than during the day. When I hiked Roys Peak for sunrise, there were only a couple of other people at the top watching the beautiful show with me. Then, a couple of hours later on my way down, I passed literally dozens of people walking up. I felt lucky to have had such a peaceful experience.

If you have the choice, hiking during the months of October, November, April, or May is also much less busy.  These months are considered the “shoulder season” for tourism, meaning there are just generally fewer tourists around.

Getting the “Famous” Roys Peak Photo

The famous Roys Peak photo is NOT taken from the summit and instead taken at a viewpoint about 30 minutes shy of the summit.

When you get close to the top of Roys Peak you will reach a sign that says you have reached the viewpoint and that the summit is another 30-40 minutes further up. There is a toilet here. This is where the famous Roys Peak Instagram photo is taken from!

Related Read: Consider coming to New Zealand during winter and take part in the Queenstown ski season on some epic slopes!

Roys Peak Difficulty

As mentioned above, the trail is 8 km (5.3 miles) long and elevates almost 1300 m (4265 ft). This makes Roys Peak a medium to hard hike, depending on your fitness level. While it isn’t overly long, the steep incline the majority of the way up is tiring, especially for those who don’t exercise regularly.

The way down is the same way you went up. This part is tough on those with bad knees. Hiking poles will come in handy for the descent.

How Long Does it Take to Hike Roys Peak?

It took Bailey and me just under 2 hours to reach the viewpoint and then another 30 minutes to the summit. That being said, we were racing up for sunrise and only stopped momentarily to catch our breath from time to time.

For those not in a hurry, allowing 3 to 4 hours is more than enough time to get to the summit.

In summer (December, January, and February), the heat combined with the incline will have you stopping for breaks more frequently, and in winter (June, July, and August) the icy conditions near the top can really slow you down. For this reason, it’s important to allow more time during these months.

Getting down was a lot easier and takes around 1.5 hours.

Camping on Roys Peak, New Zealand

Camping at the top of Roys Peak is somewhat of a grey area. Although the DOC website does not state that you cannot camp there, it also doesn’t say that you can. It is common for people to camp but you must do so at your own risk. Alternatively, you can just call and ask your local DOC office.
 

Hiking Roys Peak at Sunrise or Sunset

I highly recommend hiking Roys Peak for either sunrise or sunset. This is honestly the best time to hike Roys Peak because you escape the crowds of people that visit every day. During my hike up Roys Peak, I shared the trail with only 4 other people. However, on the way down, I must have passed over 100 people heading up at around 10 am!

One of the big problems with the large crowds of people during the day is the “Roys Peak queue”. This was made famous after a photo of the line-up for the Roys Peak viewpoint went viral. This queue forms at the famous photo viewpoint, and in my opinion, hinderers your experience.

At sunrise, you will almost have the entire viewpoint to yourself! Sunset is typically much busier than sunrise, but still quieter than the middle of the day.

If you are into photography then hiking up to Roys Peak for sunrise is a must-do!

If you would like to know the sunrise or sunset times at Roys Peak for every day of the year click here!

Related Read: Once you get your iconic Roys Peak photo next, learn how to take the famous Mount Cook Road Photo!

What to Bring: How to Prepare for Roys Peak

• Hiking Boots – To be fair, if you don’t have hiking boots you can complete the hike without them, especially in summer. However, in winter the trail can become covered in snow so some waterproof hiking boots will help a lot. If there has been a lot of snow then crampons would also be handy.
• Water – There are no places to fill your water bottle along the way unless you have some form of water purification. In summer though, the small streams dry up, and with the hot temperatures and relentless sun so bringing a few liters of water per person is highly recommended. 2 to 3 liters should suffice.
• Hat and sunscreen – New Zealand’s sun is extreme! The large hole in the Ozone layer is right above New Zealand and as such you will burn more easily here.
• Food – You will likely be spending the best part of a day up there so bringing some snacks along is a great idea. There’s nothing worse than hiking while you’re hungry!
• A torch/flashlight – If you are hiking up for sunrise or sunset then you will need some light!

Is Hiking Roys Peak Worth it?

Yes!! This is a very easy question to answer. The views from the top and viewpoint are some of the best I have seen in New Zealand!

Although the hike can be crowded and is rather challenging, I would highly recommend not missing it and would say it’s one of the best things to do in New Zealand!  And, if you hike up for sunrise it won’t be nearly as busy as during the day! Please, please do not miss this hike!

Roys Peak Accommodations – Where to Stay Near Roys Peak

There is no accommodation at the top or bottom of Roys Peak. Instead, you will have to stay in Wanaka. In Wanaka, a few great options are:

• Wanaka Hotel – The Wanaka Hotel is a luxury mid rage hotel. Here you can expect a traditional hotel set in a very ideal and beautiful location. Private rooms start at $150 for two people.

• Bella Vista Motel Lake Wanaka – The Bella Vista is another hotel in a fantastic location. This hotel is very similar to the Wanaka Hotel, however, I much prefer the hotel grounds of the Wanaka Hotel. Private rooms start at $160 for two people.
• Wanaka Backpackers Bothy – These are dorm-style rooms that are perfect for budget travelers or backpackers, they offer clean and comfortable stays, and beds start at $32 NZD. It’s located right in the center of Wanaka, right across from Wanaka Lake.

You can browse all of the accommodations available in Wanaka and book online in advance!

Other Things to do Near Roys Peak, New Zealand

In and around Wanaka there are a few amazing places to check out! Some of our personal favorites are:

• Wanaka Lavender Farm – Only a couple of minutes outside of Wanaka is a lavender farm that makes for some perfect photo opportunities!

• Skydiving – Wanaka is one of the most beautiful places in the world to go skydiving.

• Diamond Lake Walk – This hike is much easier than Roys Peaks but offers some gorgeous views!

• That Wanaka Tree – This is the most famous tree in New Zealand. While we don’t overly rate it as anything special, many people do so you should probably check it out for yourself and see what you think!
• Get out on the lake –  You can walk along the foreshore, have a drink at a pub with a view or on a happy hour cruise, go paddleboarding or kayaking, enjoy a scenic boat cruise, or even go jet boating!
• Other adventure activities –  Climb a waterfall (via Ferrata), go canyoning, or even tackle kayaking in river rapids!

Thanks for reading!

We hope this blog has helped you plan your hike to Roys Peak, New Zealand. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below and we will get back to you!

Be sure to also check out all of our other informative New Zealand blogs. Some, in particular, you might find helpful are:

The BEST Lindis Pass Lookout

The Secret Moke Lake Viewpoint

BEST things to do on New Zealand’s West Coast

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