How to Hike Roys Peak at Sunrise and Sunset
Hiking Roy’s Peak in Wanaka is one of the most iconic bucket list experiences on New Zealand’s South Island. And for good reason! This 16km (9.9 mile) / 1,300m (4,297 ft) elevation trail is a total grind but 10000% worth it! Watching the sun rise at one of the most breath-taking views in the entire country is something that we will never forget.
Dave and I climbed to the top of Roy’s Peak for sunrise during our 7 day van life trip around the South Island of New Zealand and even though we woke up to our alarms at 3:30am, the moment the sun broke over the mountains made every step worth it.
Whether you’re planning to hike for sunrise, sunset, or during the day, this complete guide to Roy’s Peak will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare, from trail stats and what to pack to parking tips, where to stay nearby (spoiler – you can’t sleep in the parking lot) and exactly what to expect on the climb.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn us a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!
Quick Tips for hiking Roys Peak
Where to Stay (my choices):
Bella Vista Wanaka
Wanaka Homestead Lodge and Cottages
Best time of the year to visit: I personally love New Zealand in the Fall when the colours are stunning and the weather is a little cooler. This would be March – beginning of May
Best time to hike: Sunrise!
Closest town to Roys Peak: Wanaka – 1 hour drive from Queenstown – rent a car from Queenstown airport.
Roy’s Peak Trail Description
The trail to Roy’s Peak is unrelenting switchbacks up a wide gravel trail the entire way to the top. Our knees were almost begging for stairs on the way back down to help mix it up a little.
Each switchback is extremely long and each one feels like it will never end. Roy’s Peak is definitely not the most exciting hike, but the views from the top make the boring switchbacks worth it.
I remember looking up at the mountain in front of us in the dark multiple times while we hiked, trying to figure out how much further we had to go. It was so hard to figure out except for some lights from other hikers that we could see much much higher up. The darkness also made it easier by not knowing how much further we had to go.
Where is Roy’s Peak Located
Roy’s Peak is located in Wanaka, Otago on the South Island of New Zealand. From Wanaka, it is only a 9 minute drive to the parking lot for the trailhead.
From Queenstown it is a 1 hour drive to Roy’s Peak.
From Christchurch, it is a 5.5 hour drive to Roy’s Peak.
Click here to open the map in Google Maps!
Where is the Roy’s Peak Trailhead and Where to Park
Roy’s Peak Hike has it’s own parking lot right at the trailhead. The parking is located off Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road, about a 10 minute drive from Wanaka.
Facilities
There is a toilet located in the parking lot and another one up at the lookout.
How to Hike Roy’s Peak at Sunrise
Hiking to the top of Roy’s Peak for sunrise is no easy task but it is still an extremely popular thing to do amongst travellers and van lifers.
We stayed in a campground in our campervan, not too far away from the trailhead (you are not allowed to camp in the parking lot). We had done loads of sunrise missions before this but I actually think this might have been our first ever sunrise hike!
After having dinner and prepping our bagels for breakfast the next day on the hike, we tried to get an early night’s sleep. Why is it always so much harder to sleep when you know that you have to get up super early the next morning?!
Our alarms went off the next morning at 3:30am and away we went! It was super cold because it was late April which made it hard to get moving.
When we reached the parking lot, we were joined by about 10 other sunrise hikers. All we could see was a bunch of headlights heading up the trail in front of us.
We had tried to account for about 3 hours to hike up in the dark but ending up running a little late and racing a bit towards the end to get there in time. Sunrise was close to 7am at that time of the year which definitely made it easier than if it was Summer.
We had never seen the trail before and so it was really weird not knowing what the view was going to look like.
Finally we reached the top and the sun almost immediately started popping over the horizon. I can’t describe how excited Dave and I were! It was incredibly beautiful and something we would both do again.
Things to Consider Before Hiking Roy’s Peak
- The weather can be extremely unpredictable. Remember that you will be high up on a mountain and it can get very cold, even in the Summer.
- It is a very long hike. Remember to bring plenty of food and water.
- If you are planning on hiking Roy’s Peak at sunrise or sunset, make sure you bring along a fully charged headlamp.
- Let someone know where you are going and when they can expect you back.
- Hiking Poles might save your knees and feet a little. If you have some, bring them.
How Hard is the Roy’s Peak Hike
Roy’s Peak is a challenging hike. It is extremely long and unrelenting. We found the hike up not as bad as the hike back down. The entire trail is up / down a steep sloped trail so hiking back down is very hard on your knees, feet and muscles.
If you have hiking poles, I recommend bringing them along for this hike.
Roy’s Peak Hiking Time
Roy’s Peak takes a total of 7 hours on average but could take anywhere from 6 – 9 hours.
Can Dogs do the Roy’s Peak Hike
Dogs are not allowed on the trail to Roy’s Peak.
When is the Best Time of the Year to Hike to Roy’s Peak
You cannot hike Roy’s peak from 1 October – 10 November as the trail is closed for lambing each year.
During Winter, the trail becomes very snowy, so you will need to carry alpine equipment such as ice axe and crampons. There is also an avalanche risk on this mountain so Winter is not the best time to hike Roy’s Peak.
The best time to hike to Roy’s Peak is in Spring, after the snow has melted, or during Summer or Autumn. Beware that if you want to hike for sunrise in Summer, you will be waking up EXTREMELY early. If you are wanting to hike Roy’s Peak for sunrise, I recommend going during Autumn instead when the sunrise is later.
Autumn is also a really beautiful time to visit New Zealand when the leave turn orange, red and yellow!
Catching a Cloud Inversion at Roy’s Peak
If you are looking to catch a cloud inversion at the top of Roy’s Peak, the best time would be in late Summer or early Autumn.
You can’t 100% predict when or where there is going to be a cloud inversion, but there are a few factors that contribute which you can check on before you set out for your hike.
Conditions that help cloud inversions
1. Calm Conditions with a slight breeze
2. Late Summer or early Autumn or Winter
3. Humidity of 80% or higher
4. Low clouds – You can check this on the Windy website
Cell Service
You should have cell service for the majority of the trail.
How to Avoid the Crowds on Roy’s Peak
Roy’s Peak is no secret and these days people come from all over the world to hike this mountain, yes even at sunrise.
It is almost impossible to avoid bumping into any other hikers at all, however there are a few things you can do to avoid the peak crowds.
- Go on a weekday
- Go for Sunrise – even though sunrise is more popular than ever, hiking during the day is EVEN more popular.
- Visit during the low season – NZ is a less popular tourist destination during Autumn (March – May) and Spring (September – November). Just make sure you visit outside of any school holidays!
Is Roy’s Peak Better at Sunrise or Sunset?
Both sunrise and sunset at Roy’s Peak are spectacular, however at sunrise the light hits the mountains perfectly. You also have more of a chance to get a cloud inversion at sunrise.
Camping on Roy’s Peak
Not all that many people do this, but if you are into backpacking, you can camping up at Roy’s Peak. Yes it is legal. As the hike is so popular though, you will probably want to wait to set up your tent until most of the day hikers have left so that you don’t ruin the experience for them.
You are not supposed to camp on the very summit of Roy’s Peak, however you can camp just below the summit, or further along on the trial.
If you do decide to camp, make sure you pack out what you pack in. There are no rubbish bins up at the lookout.
Packing List
- Backpack
- Water
- Camera
- Hiking Boots or runners
- Gloves and a beanie
- Food
- Hiking Poles (if you use them)
- A warm jacket for the top – it gets pretty cold up there!
- A rain coat just in case
Places to Stay Nearby that are SO Worth it!
The best way to do Roy’s Peak at sunrise or sunset, is to stay somewhere nearby the trailhead. If you are travelling to New Zealand’s South Island, chances are that you are either:
- Doing a Van Life Road Trip – (You are not allowed to sleep at the trailhead)
- Doing a Road Trip with hotel accommodation
Below I have provided accommodation options for both, including campgrounds, budget accommodation and some really pretty hotels.
Campgrounds
Hampshire Holiday Park – This holiday park is lake side and beautiful and where we stayed! It is only a 5 minute drive to the Roy’s Peak trailhead which makes it a great choice for sunrise!
Mt Aspiring Holiday Park – Only a 3 minute drive from Roy’s Peak Trailhead, this holiday park has both camping facilities and cabins.
Cute Cabins
The Kanuka Cabin – The Kanuka Cabin is about a 20 minute drive from Roy’s Peak, but is a perfect place to stay if you are looking to relax after your hike. They have a hot tub with beautiful views of the valley and mountains.
Kauri House Apartment – Famous for their delicious breakfasts, this apartment has some of the best views in Wanaka and is a 15 minute drive from Roy’s Peak parking lot.
Budget Hotels
YHA Wanaka – The YHA is a hostel that is located about a 7 minute drive from Roy’s Peak Trailhead.
Bella Vista Motel – located on the lake, the Bella Vista Motel is great for a one night’s stay so you can do your Roy’s Peak adventure.
Other Things to Do in Wanaka
Hiking Roy’s Peak isn’t the only thing to do in Wanaka. Wanaka is also famous for it’s Wanaka Tree which is a willow tree standing alone in Lake Wanaka that is visited and photographed by thousands of tourists every year.
You can’t leave New Zealand without visiting the otherworldly Milford Sound. Milford Sound was seriuosly one of the craziest places we have ever been to! If you decide to visit Milford Sound, you should 100% stay at Milford Sound Lodge!
We were just camping in our van, but the facilities were some of the best we have ever seen at a campsite and I can only imagine how lovely their cabins are! Everything is surrounded by nature and it is just one of those places that everyone should have on their Stays Wishlist.
🌲 Check availability at the Milford Sound Lodge here
If you don’t have time to stay in Milford Sound for a few days, you can take a day trip from Wanaka on this scenic flight and cruise. During the flight, you will see some of the most incredible scenery of the mountains that the South Island has to offer. Then you will hop on a boat cruise and sail through the fiords to see the sounds.
👉 Check prices and availability for this incredible flight and cruise here and tick one of the top places to see in New Zealand off your bucket list!
You might also enjoy:
📌 Like it? Pin it!
