The Isthmus Peak Wanaka hike is a much lesser known hike than Roy’s Peak, which during the Christmas holidays, has become absolutely insane and overcrowded with people. You can read my review of that here, but note that if you’re wanting to have a bit of peace and quiet (the whole reason for hiking something like this), Isthmus Peak Wanaka hike is a much better option.
It starts at Lake Hawea, about about a 25-30 minute drive from Wanaka. There’s a car park, actually a few, and to get to the start you’ll need to walk along the road a bit. I took what appeared to be a short cut down some dense shrub, and ended up in the wrong place so had hiked up for 30 minutes to nowhere before having to return to the proper entrance.
The first bit is quite steep, up side rocky bits, nothing treacherous but a bit of hard work to get the hear beating fast. Even in the summer (I did this during Xmas), it’s a bit cold in the morning and you’ll probably need a couple of layers in the early morning.
I wore a pair of shorts, some trail running sneakers, and one Ice Breaker type long sleeve top, had to peel down to a T-Shirt later on. The Department of Conversation website says it takes 5-7 hrs, which like Roys Peak, is based on slow going. It’s 16km, I got up in just over an hour and a half, running some of the way, and about an hour down.
With the exception of the first few hundred vertical decent, it’s about the same steepness and difficulty as Roy’s Peak. Some say it’s easier, some say it’s more difficult. I reckon overall it’s about the same.
The best thing about Isthmus Peak Wanaka hike is that because it’s much lesser known than Roy’s Peak, there’s way less people there. Whether the views are better or worse is a matter of personal opinion, I’d say they’re about equal. Roy’s Peak is pretty tough to be beat but with all the people and tourists there now, it makes it much less attractive.
At the top of Isthmus Peak Wanaka, you get 360 degree views of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. Perhaps not as Epic as Roys Peak, but overall a better view because of the the views of both lakes.
When you’re near the top, there’s two choices. For Isthmus Peak Wanaka, turn right (sign posted) then follow the track for another 500 meters or so and you’ll reach the actual Isthmus Peak Wanaka. If you want some more exercise, you can turn left which will take you to the Matatiaho Conservation Area.
This is also pretty spectacular and will take you across a few unnamed peaks. Whatever one you do, you’re not going to be disappointed. It’s a good bit of exercise and can be done in about 3 hrs if you’re moving it, or if you want to take your time, it’s not that difficult for “normal” people.
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