ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH
Wānaka’s Rocky Mountain Track is up there as one of the world’s most panoramically rewarding hikes for relatively little effort.
The 7 km loop trail near Lake Wānaka's western shores climbs to 775 metres above sea level with 360 degree views over Lake Wānaka, Kā Tiritiri o te Moana - The Southern Alps and Tititea - Mount Aspiring.
As you take in the panoramas, you can thank Stuart Landsborough – founder of Puzzling World – the one man band behind the original tracks to Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Peak. With permission from the land owners Stuart began carving out tracks two hours at a time with grubbers and spades on his regular hikes up to the summit to clear his head after a busy day of work. He also engaged help from other hikers by leaving a note with his tools asking them to spare a minute of their time to help finish the track that DOC has since maintained and upgraded.
From the carpark, a quick 10-minute stride through the forest has you arrive at Diamond Lake. There is the option to do a quick loop around the lake or continue on up the boardwalk and stairs that hug the side of weeping wall, where water drips from the overhanging cli above.
Prepare to be serenaded by birdsong as you ascend to a viewing platform that looks out over Diamond Lake, Treble Cone Ranges, Roy’s Peak and Hospital Flat.
The track climbs another 150 metres before reaching a junction. From here you can head east to the Lake Wānaka Lookout and/or the Rocky Mountain Summit via the Eastern Route with steep drop o s but the most spectacular views over Lake Wānaka. Or alternatively, the Western Route towards the summit with more bush cover. We chose the Eastern track.
About 400 metres along the trail you’ll reach another junction for the Lake Wānaka lookout – a worthy 10-minute detour across private land.
Continuing towards the Rocky Mountain summit there's a bit of scrambling up large rises, requiring caution while hiking along a rather narrow path with some sheer drop-o s. The views at this level are incredibly demanding and rather distracting from the attention this part of the track deserves. After the narrow switchbacks and what feels like an uphill battle at times you’ll reach the most stunning 180 degree lookout point from the Matukituki River into Lake Wanaka and around to Roy’s Peak and Treble Cone. Take a minute to breathe it all in before reaching the summit as this view is not to be overlooked as anything less than spectacular.
Upon reaching the summit behold 360 degree views over lakes, alps and Mt Aspiring. It's the ultimate picnic spot.
Continue the loop via the Western track towards the carpark. The descent begins through grassland with more dramatic views before reaching a gully with a rock formation that resembles Simba from The Lion King. The path continues on through dried grasslands with hues of gold and green against the warm greys of the Roy’s Peak rock faces in the setting sun. g