The 5 Best Walks Near Wānaka: A Local’s Guide

Wānaka is one of New Zealand's most iconic and picturesque towns, attracting adventurers and nature lovers alike. I am lucky enough to be from this lovely place and the mountains surrounding Wānaka have inspired many of my artworks. I want to share some honest local knowledge about the best walking tracks and hikes around my hometown and include some of my art prints along the way.

Located on the edge of Lake Wānaka and surrounded by stunning mountain views, the area offers a variety of outdoor activities, including water sports, mountain biking and skiing in winter. But, I believe one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of this region is on foot.

Wānaka’s walks are nothing short of spectacular. From family-friendly trails to more challenging hikes, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone just looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, you'll find numerous walks that showcase the stunning landscapes Wānaka is famous for. Here are my top five favourite walks near Wānaka.

A view from Wānaka town in winter

Wānaka town art print

1. Mount Iron Track: A Local Favourite with Panoramic Views

Drive: 3 minutes from Wānaka
Distance: 4.5km (round trip)
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Meadows of wildflowers on Mt Iron

The Mount Iron Track is a local favourite that provides a relatively short but rewarding hike with panoramic views of Wanaka, the lake, and the surrounding mountains. If you’re short on time but still want to experience a scenic viewpoint and get a workout, this hike is perfect for you.

From the summit of Mount Iron, you’ll enjoy an incredible 360-degree view of Wānaka, including the stunning lake and the Southern Alps. You can also see the Cardrona Valley to the south and all the way to Lake Hawea to the North East. The walk is relatively steep, but it’s short, making it an achievable challenge for most people. You can either do this as an up and back which takes around an hour or a circuit which goes up 1 side of the mountain, down the other side and around the base back to the carpark. I think track on the front side (Wanaka side) of the mountain isn't as steep as the Albert Town side and you can choose whichever way suits you.

As a local, I recommend this walk for those who want to get a taste of the iconic Wanaka scenery without investing a whole day into hiking. The views from the top will make you feel like you’ve truly immersed yourself in Wanaka’s landscape, and it’s a great place for a picnic or a quick rest.

Mt Iron is a good workout but totally do-able for most people!

The view from the top of Mt Iron

This is my art print of the view from Mt Iron

2. Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track: A Hidden Gem Near Wānaka

Drive: 25 minutes from Wānaka, 19km
Distance: 6.5km (round trip)
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

This viewing platform overlooking Diamond Lake is a nice place to take a break after a climb up the steep hill.

If you're looking for a slightly off-the-beaten-path walk with equally stunning views, the Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track is a hidden gem that us locals love. This track offers a combination of lake views and mountainous terrain, leading to panoramic vistas that are hard to beat.

The track begins at the roadside about 5-10 mins from Diamond Lake, which is where we went ice-skating in winter when we were kids. The lake still ices over every now and then. From there the track ascends to a viewing platform over Diamond Lake and then carries on to Rocky Mountain summit, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake Wānaka looking back towards the town, the surrounding mountains including the nearby Treble Cone and Mount Aspiring National Park. This hike combines the best of both worlds - expansive lake views and rugged mountain scenery.

The walk is reasonably challenging but still accessible for most people. The views from the summit are absolutely worth the effort, and the walk itself is not as crowded as some of the more popular hikes in the area.

As a local, I'll often take visitors to this track as its a good way to get out of town and see beautiful views back towards Wānaka and get some good exercise. It's perfect for those who want to explore a bit more while still enjoying all the stunning sights the region has to offer.

The hike is well worth it when you see the view from the top of Rocky Mountain.

3. Roy’s Peak Track: The Iconic Wanaka Hike

Drive: 10 minutes from Wānaka, 7.5kms
Distance: 16km (round trip)
Time: 5-7 hours
Difficulty: Challenging

OK, ok I have to include Roy's Peak in this list! In the last 10 years Roy's Peak has become one of the most famous hikes in New Zealand because of its breathtaking views of Lake Wānaka, the Southern Alps, and the surrounding valleys. Many people feel it's a 'must do' and as a result the track has become very busy. It's one of the most photographed spots in the country, and for good reason - it really does have stunning views. However, if its raining the track becomes very muddy and slippery or if there is low cloud then it may not be worth the walk as you won't be able to see the view!

This is my art print of the view from the summit of Roy's Peak.

As a local, I can tell you that although the hike to the top of Roy’s Peak is tough, you'll get a real sense of achievement at the end of the day. The track starts at the base of the mountain just out of town and zigzags upwards, passing through farmland, tussock grass and views that become more and more incredible as you climb. The panoramic vista from the top is the most rewarding aspect of this hike as the track itself is mainly a 4WD track in open farmland without any native bush or trees.

I recommend starting early in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially during the peak summer season. The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so it’s essential to bring layers, snacks, plenty of water, wear good hiking footwear and please remember look after this place so that it can continue to be enjoyed by others.

If you're planning your trip to Wānaka, Roy's Peak is definitely an incredible chance to see the landscape in its full glory - a perfect way to get that quintessential Wānaka experience. Please note the track is on a working farm and is closed for lambing season from 1 October until 10 November every year. Another note, Isthmus Peak is a good alternative hike of similar difficulty level and stunning views over Lake Wānaka and Hāwea.

This is my artwork of Roy's Peak looking across Lake Wānaka.

4. Lake Wānaka Foreshore Walk: Perfect for a Relaxing Stroll

Distance: 4-5km (one-way)
Time: 1.5-2 hours (or longer if you wish to go further)
Difficulty: Easy

An autumnal view from the Wānaka Foreshore trail

For something a bit more relaxed, the Lake Wānaka Foreshore Walk is a fantastic option. This flat, easy walk is perfect for families, beginners, or anyone who wants to take a leisurely stroll while enjoying the beauty of the area.

The walk begins at the Wānaka township and meanders along the edge of Lake Wānaka, providing beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. You can either go left or right at the lakefront and follow the path around the lake. If you go left (facing the lake) you will pass along Te Ara Maumahara which is a pathway lined with tiles noting historical events of the World, New Zealand, and Wānaka between c.1000 – 2000. My Mum was the person who organised the original Millennium Pathway and fought hard to keep this community project, albeit now in an updated form. This path carries on to the Wānaka Tree, Wānaka Station Park (where you can see the remaining foundations of the original homestead of Wānaka Station), Edgewater Hotel (a great place to stop for a coffee and a treat from their scone menu), Rippon Vineyard (you can walk up to Rippon Hall for a wine-tasting and checkout the amazing view). If you want to keep walking you'll get to Waterfall Creek but be warned there is no waterfall (at least not anywhere near the track). The track goes all the way to Glendhu Bay so you can turn back to Wānaka whenever you feel like it. Another cool thing along this track is the native planting done by local non-profit organisation Te Kākano. They have provided barrels of water and buckets so passers by can water the plants.

If you turn right from town you will walk through a kids playground called 'The Dinosaur Park' because of the big concrete dinosaur slide, over a little bridge, past a natural water spring (have a drink straight from the spring), then follow a board walk over the lake, on past the marina and after about 20 minutes you'll reach Eely Point which is a great spot for a picnic or swimming in summer. This track also carries on for as long as you want to walk. It goes past Bremner Bay, Beacon Point and eventually to the the Outlet track which is at the start of the Clutha River (New Zealand's largest river in terms of volume). So you can really go as far as you want or have time for!

This is a great walk for anyone who just wants to get a feel for Wānaka and enjoy a stress free experience.

The Wānaka foreshore path overlooking the marina out towards Roy's Peak & Black Peak. This is also an easy track to do on a bike and there are plenty of places nearby to rent a bike.

My Lake Wānaka Mountains modern art print

My Rippon Vineyard art print

One of my Wānaka Tree prints

5. Rob Roy Glacier Track: A Stunning Alpine Adventure

Drive: 1 hour from Wānaka, 52 kms mainly dirt road with some creek crossings
Distance: 10km (round trip)
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Crossing the swing bridge over the Matuktuki River

If you're keen to explore something a bit more adventurous but don’t want to commit to a multi-day trek, the Rob Roy Glacier Track is a brilliant choice. Nestled within Mount Aspiring National Park, this hike is mainly in native bush and offers breathtaking views of glaciers, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains.

The Rob Roy Glacier Track is one of the most popular hikes in the Wānaka region, and for good reason. The trail follows a valley floor, over a swing bridge and into the native rain forest. Along the way, you'll encounter cascading waterfalls, alpine meadows, and, of course, magnificent views of the Rob Roy Glacier itself.

As a local, I highly recommend doing this hike in spring when the alpine meadow at the end of the track is filled with bright yellow flowers. Its such a beautiful place to stop for lunch! The track is well-maintained, making it accessible for most walkers, though be prepared for some steep sections and uneven terrain in places. The final viewpoint at the end of the track offers jaw-dropping views of the glacier, so make sure to bring your camera.

Please note you will not be on the glacier at the end of the track but you will have fantastic views and may see an avalanche as ice falls down the steep valley walls from the glacier.

My kids love this walk! It's a great adventure and the end of the track opens out into a beautiful alpine meadow with stunning views of the Rob Roy Glacier.

Final Thoughts: Wanaka’s Walks Have Something for Everyone

Wānaka is a hiker's paradise, with a variety of walks that suit all levels of fitness and adventure. Whether you're after the challenging Roy’s Peak Track, the scenic Lake Wanaka Foreshore Walk, or the hidden gems like Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track, you’ll find something that works for you.

As a local, I feel incredibly lucky to have these stunning walks right at my doorstep, and I’m always happy to share them with others. If you’re planning a visit, make sure to include at least a couple of these walks in your itinerary - you won’t be disappointed. If you're interested in viewing my art while you're in Wānaka then stop in for a browse at The Wonder Room on Ardmore Street or purchase online. Here are a few more of the art prints inspired by this area..

Thanks and happy travels!