6 Best Day Walks with a View in Wānaka

The lisp-inducing Isthmus Peak track (pronounced is-muhs) is one that rivals Roy’s Peak track in the eyes of Wānaka locals, with some claiming that it’s actually better than the Instagram king.

You can walk or bike up this track, although don’t let that fool you into thinking that it’s an easy uphill. Starting on a marked track and continuing on to a 4WD road, the route quickly moves into steep and rocky territory with several ‘false summits’ along the way. If you’re riding a bike, you’ll no doubt have to get off and push at some points.

That said, getting to the top is SO worth it. With panoramic views of Lake Wānaka, Lake Hāwea and the awesome Southern Alps, you’ll be asking yourself how you’ve never thought to come up here before.

This track is 16km return and takes 5-7 hours round trip.

Rob Roy Glacier is one of the most spectacular day hikes around Wānaka. It’s in Mount Aspiring National Park and takes you up through native forest right into alpine country.

The track follows the Matukituki River through farmland then climbs through beech forest. As you get higher, the valley opens up with massive peaks and glaciers all around. The track ends at a viewpoint where you’re looking straight at the Rob Roy Glacier. On sunny days, you might see ice avalanches coming down the glacier face.

Important safety note: From May to November, avalanches can cross the upper section of this track. DOC strongly recommends stopping at the lower lookout during these months. The access road also has multiple river crossings that can become impassable after heavy rain, and the track has steep drop offs in places. Always check current conditions with DOC before setting out.

This track is 10km return and takes about 4-5 hours return.

Grandview Track is accessible from the Lake Hāwea side of the Wānaka region. This is an awesome tramp for beginners and intermediates, as it’s not too steep. Some people even choose to bike up it!

The incline is quite gradual, meandering through Lake Hāwea Station, a working high country station and stunning luxury retreat, before reaching 1260m and then up to the Grandview Mountain peak at 1398m where the views over Lake Hāwea and the mountains get really spectacular.

This track is 18km return, taking about 5-6 hours return.

We think the Sawyer Burn track in Kidds Bush is criminally underrated.

It’s a steep, but short walk up through beautiful beech forest and pokes out of the treeline with epic views right down the middle of Lake Hāwea.

Continuing from the treeline to the Sawyer Burn Hut, you’ll traverse across the mountainside through alpine meadows and streams. Looking across the valley, the beech forest on the other side is dense and incredibly green. The textures of the hillside are completely awe inspiring. While the hut doesn’t offer much in the way of views, it’s a good place to stop for a quick bite before heading back down.

This track is 8km return and takes about 2 hours return to the bushline and 5 hours return to the Sawyer Burn Hut.

Not far from town, and just past Glendhu Bay, Diamond Lake conservation area and Rocky Mountain offer some of the most rewarding day hikes in Wānaka for the effort required.

This tramp is a matter of choice. If you’re not feeling a big walk, try the Diamond Lake Circuit Track, which is only 2.5km and takes about 45 minutes return. The small alpine lake, nestled like a hidden gem amongst native beech forest, creates perfect reflections of the surrounding peaks. Alternatively, the lake lookout is 2km with a bit of uphill work and takes around 1 hour return.

For views of Glendhu Bay and the surrounding mountains, head up to the top of Rocky Mountain at 775m elevation. If it’s a clear day, you’ll also catch a glimpse of Tititea/Mount Aspiring in the west.

If you want to give back to this special place, Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust runs volunteer planting days at Diamond Lake as part of their native habitat restoration project.

This track is 7km to Rocky Mountain summit, and takes about 3 hours return.

For those seeking a gentle walk without committing to a full day on the mountain, Mt Iron is perfect if you want big views without a big walk. The hill is just five minutes from Wānaka township, making it one of the most accessible hikes in Wānaka.

The track climbs steadily through tussock and native scrub with views of Lake Wānaka getting better as you go. From the 548m summit, you can see right across the lake, over to Hāwea, and the start of the Cardrona Valley to the Southern Alps. On clear days, you’ll spot Mount Aspiring to the west.

This track is 4.5km return and takes about 1.5-2 hours round trip