The 11 best Wānaka day hikes

Wānaka is slightly quieter but just as scenic as its well-known neighbour Queenstown. It’s a fantastic place to base yourself if you want to experience some epic day hikes and multi-day tramps. Here are my top picks for Wānaka day hikes and short walks.

If you’re after longer multi-day tramps near Wānaka then I’d highly recommend Brewster Hut, Liverpool Hut, French Ridge Hut or Cascade Saddle.

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Best short walks near Wānaka

1. Rob Roy Glacier Track

3–4hrs return – 10km – 450m elevation gain

This is one of the best bang-for-buck hikes in New Zealand in my opinion! You start by crossing an icy blue river over a swing-bridge, and end with an incredible view of hanging glaciers and waterfalls cascading off the mountain peaks above you. Absolutely incredible.

The track up to the viewpoint is steep, but worth it. The upper viewpoint is subject to avalanche risk in winter and early spring, but if the avalanche risk is low then it’s definitely worth heading all the way up.

2. Wishbone Falls

20min return – 500m – flat

Wishbone Falls is the shortest “hike” on this list – really just an easy 5-10 minute stroll from the Wānaka Mt Aspiring Road. If you’re heading up to Rob Roy Glacier or other Matukituki Valley tracks (like French Ridge Hut or Liverpool Hut) then you need to stop here. It’s best to go after a bit of rain so that the falls are really pumping. If you’re brave you can even go for a quick dip in the pool at the bottom – just know it’s freezing no matter the weather!

3. Rocky Mountain / Diamond Lake Track

3hrs return – 7km – 450m elevation gain

Rocky Mountain flies under the radar of many people, but it boasts incredible views. If you want the scenery of Roy’s Peak (but not the 1200m elevation gain or 6-8 hours return) then Rocky Mountain is a great option.

The track is still uphill with some steep sections and drop-offs, but even just heading up to the lookout above Diamond Lake is a great shorter option.

4. Mt Iron Loop Track

1.5hrs return – 4.5km – 250m elevation gain

Mt Iron looms over the town and is a Wānaka classic, an easy climb popular with locals. From the top you have beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Wānaka.

5. Mou Waho Island Track

1.5hrs return – 2.5km – 200m elevation gain

This is one of the few hikes on this list that I’m yet to complete myself. Touted as “a lake on an island, in a lake, on an island” – the views from the top of Mou Waho look stunning, especially on days when Lake Wānaka is as still as glass. You’ll need a boat to access Mou Waho, but local operators offer tours.

6. Blue Pools Track

1hr return – 3km – flat

One of the most touristy walks on this list (but for good reason) – Blue Pools is a short but scenic stroll through native bush to a swing-bridge over the Blue River. Beneath the swing-bridge lies a stunning blue pool (unless the river is flooding). Brave locals (and some tourists) jump off the bridge in summer into the freezing water, would you dare?

Sandflies are rife at the Blue Pools, make sure to take repellent.

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Best day hikes near Wānaka

7. Roy’s Peak Track

6-8hrs return – 16km – 1200m elevation gain

Roy’s Peak is the most popular hike in Wānaka. Thousands of people tackle it each year hoping to get the perfect Instagram shot, but don’t let that trick you into thinking Roy’s Peak is easy. While the track is simple and relatively boring (a 4WD farm track), it’s still a decent climb that is fully exposed to the elements. In winter, the upper half of the track is often covered in snow and ice.

Everything you need to know about tackling Roy’s Peak can be found in this blog post.

8. Isthmus Peak Track

5-7hrs return – 16km – 1000m elevation gain

Isthmus Peak is the slightly less popular version of Roy’s Peak. It’s a similar 4WD track with similar elevation gain and distance, and similar gorgeous views (over both Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea), but without quite so many people (although it is gaining in popularity). You can read more about Isthmus Peak Track here.

9. Breast Hill Track (or Grandview Mountain Track)

7-9hrs return – 10km – 1000m elevation gain

Climbing 1000m up in only 5km – this track is incredibly steep and not for the fainthearted (or those with a fear of heights). But if you’re looking for a challenge, then Breast Hill with its view across Lake Hāwea and the Southern Alps will deliver. I’d recommend you do your research if you want to tackle Breast Hill – start with this blog post.

Grandview Mountain is a slightly easier (but longer) track with similar views, and is a better option if you don’t like heights / steep drop-offs.

10. Corner Peak Route

8-10hrs return – 16km – 1500m elevation gain

Another of the hikes on this list that I haven’t yet done (although it’s high on my list) – Corner Peak is another challenging climb from the shores of Lake Hāwea, just slightly further along from Breast Hill. You’ll need to be fit, start early and have plenty of daylight hours (or be comfortable navigating in the dark) in order to safely complete Corner Peak. I’d only recommend Corner Peak if you’re relatively experienced at hiking in New Zealand. You can read more about this route here.

11. Skyline Track

9-11hrs one-way – 23km – 1500m elevation gain

The Skyline Track is another classic Wānaka day hike popular with locals, especially trail runners. It can be walked in either direction – I’d recommend walking from Cardrona Valley for the views, so long as your knees don’t mind the steeper descent on the lake end of the track, down the Roy’s Peak Track.

You’ll need two cars, transport organised, or be happy hitch-hiking as the start end end of the track are far apart. There are a few sections with steep drop-offs, while the majority of the track is easy 4WD style track. You can read more about the Skyline Track here.

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Thanks for reading! Did I miss any great Wānaka hikes?

As always, stay safe and make sure you follow the Land Safety Code. If you have any questions, please leave a comment or send me a message over on Instagram. I love chatting all things tramping!

Happy adventuring!

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Where will you explore next?

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