Racing up Roys Peak, New Zealand
Hiking Roys Peak: A Challenging but Rewarding Trek
Our adventure kicked off in pitch darkness at 5am, armed with headlamps and bundled in layers, as we set out for the summit of Roys Peak. If you find yourself on New Zealand’s South Island, this trek can be a rite of passage — tough, icy, and steep, but oh, worth it. The climb will test your legs and resolve, but the sunrise over Lake Wanaka will reward every step.
Timing Your Ascent
To hit the summit for sunrise, you’ll want to start even earlier—around 4:30am if you’re an intermediate hiker. It’s cold up there, so we opted to sleep in our hiking clothes to skip the frigid dressing ritual. This small hack made all the difference as we rolled out of bed and hit the trail.
Pro Tip: Give yourself a moment during the climb to take in the sky—you might catch a shooting star or two, and the view of the Milky Way is unbeatable.
Trail Highlights
The trail zigzags up the mountainside and brings some fun surprises (you’ll likely encounter sheep and cows along the way). Around two hours into the hike, frost clings to the trail and crunches underfoot, but soon enough, you’ll spot the first glimmers of dawn colouring the distant snow-capped peaks — a sign you’re nearing the summit.
Reaching the Summit
After about three hours, you’ll be standing at 1,578 meters, with panoramic views stretching over Lake Wanaka and beyond to the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. It’s seriously cold at the top, so gloves, a beanie, and an extra jacket are must-haves. We were feeling extra adventurous, so we added our initials to the antenna tower at the summit (joining a legacy of hikers before us).
Post-Hike
The descent is about two hours, and by the time you’re back, you’ll be ravenous. Wanaka has plenty of cozy spots for a post-hike brunch, so treat yourself to something hearty.
Hike Details:
Duration: Approximately 3 hours up, 2 hours down.
Location: Mt Aspiring Rd, just 6 km from Wanaka township.
Essentials: Bring water, snacks, and warm layers (gloves and beanie highly recommended!).
Best Time to Go: For epic sunrise views, an early start is key, especially if you’re there in winter or early spring. Late fall through spring (April–November) offers cool temperatures that make the climb easier, though snow might add an extra challenge.
Tips for an Epic Hike
Pack light, but be prepared for the cold at the summit.
Layer up: The temperature difference between the base and the summit is noticeable, so plan for a full range of layers.
Stay motivated: This climb is demanding, but remember—the view from the top makes it all worthwhile.
This is one of those bucket-list hikes you’ll be talking about for years. So lace up, layer up, and get ready for one of the most stunning sunrise experiences of your life!
For more tips and behind the scenes, follow Kristina on Instagram.
