Photo: Michal Klajban · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Isthmus Peak Track
A steep climb on the neck of land between Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, with both lakes in view from the top.
Isthmus Peak is the quieter alternative to Roys Peak, and the summit view takes in both lakes at once. It is a long, steep and exposed climb with no water on the way, so carry plenty. The track crosses private farmland, so stay on the marked route.
Highlights
- Panoramic views of both Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea
- Views out to the Southern Alps
- Usually quieter than Roys Peak
- 1000 m of climbing over 8 km
Good to know
- Location
- Isthmus Peak, between Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea
- Start point
- Isthmus Peak Track car park off SH6, north of Lake Hāwea township
- Drive time
- 30 minutes drive from Wanaka
- Duration
- Over 4 hours
- Track length
- 8 km
- Grade
- Advanced. Steep and challenging, with 1000 m of elevation gain over 8 km
- Season
- Avalanche risk usually from May into November, and avalanches can occur in any season. Safari hunting takes place from March to May.
- Dogs
- Permission is required from Makarora River Ranch, by email at least 24 hours in advance, with a valid worming certificate
- Family-friendly
- No
Take care parking and crossing the road, as this is a busy car park beside the highway. Whiteout conditions caused by snow or low cloud may be present, and avalanches can occur in any season.
Visiting from Sundale
Isthmus Peak is the quieter answer to Roys Peak, about 30 minutes drive from Wānaka to a car park off State Highway 6 north of Lake Hāwea township. That car park sits right beside the highway, so take care parking and crossing the road, especially if you are walking with a group or with teenagers.
It is advanced walking: 1,000 metres of climbing over 8 km and more than four hours on the hill, with no water on the way. Carry plenty, take sun cover and warm layers, and stay on the marked route, because the track crosses private farmland the whole way up.
Get away early and you will still have an afternoon at the park. The hot showers and guest laundry earn their keep after a long dusty climb, and the Lake Wānaka foreshore is a five minute walk if you want to put your legs in cold water before dinner.
Stay nearby
Questions
How hard is Isthmus Peak?
Advanced. It gains 1,000 metres over 8 km and takes over four hours, with no water on the track. Good fitness and an early start both help.
Can I bring my dog?
Only with permission from Makarora River Ranch, requested by email at least 24 hours in advance, and you need a valid worming certificate.
Are there times of year to avoid?
Avalanche risk usually runs from May into November, and avalanches can happen in any season. Safari hunting takes place from March to May, and whiteouts from snow or low cloud are possible.
Sources
- Car park off SH6 north of Lake Hāwea township, 30 minutes drive from Wanaka; 1000 m gain over 8 km; steep and challenging; no water on the track; avalanche risk usually May into November; safari hunting March to May; dogs need permission from Makarora River Ranch with a worming certificate; track crosses private land — source
Nearby
More things to do.
Blue Pools Track
An easy forest walk over two swing bridges to river pools that run an extraordinary blue.
30 minutes one wayEasy walking track
Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain
A stack of walks off one car park, from a 45 minute lake circuit up to a 775 metre summit above Glendhu Bay.
Diamond Lake Circuit Track return: 45 min. Diamond Lake lookout return: 1 hr. Lake Wānaka lookout return: 2 hr. Rocky Mountain Summit Track return: 3 hr.Sections of this track are steep, with significant fall hazard, and the track is often slippery even in summer
Eely Point Walk
A 20 minute lakeshore walk from Wānaka town to a sheltered picnic and boating spot.
20 min
Your Wānaka basecamp
Make Sundale your base.
Cabins, studios, motels and soft-grass camping, five minutes from the water and close to everything above.