Itching to do some hiking in Wanaka, but not up for the grueling trek that is Roy’s Peak? Well, the Mount Iron hike might be the one for you. Like Roy’s Peak, it affords lovely views over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding hills, but without the intense incline, 6 hour round-trip duration, or complete lack of shade.
Psst: If you are planning to hike Roy’s Peak, these are my tips to know beforehand!
HIKING WANAKA’S MT. IRON TRAIL
The Mount Iron hike in Wanaka starts right across the Puzzling World, near the Highway 84 entry into town. It’s much closer than the Roy’s Peak trailhead, so you can easily walk there rather than catching a ride. If you do have your own car though, there is a little parking lot at the trailhead (map below).
While this hike is nowhere near as steep as it’s more-famous neighbor, it’s still got a decent incline. It’s definitely doable though, especially if you are going at a slower pace than I was while I rushed to make it to the top before the sun disappeared.
This hike is named as a loop trail, but I only saw one direction to hike once I got the the trailhead, so I did it as an out-and-back hike to the top. This was fine with me, since I wanted to stay facing Lake Wanaka and the setting sun on both the ascent and descent. This should take you between 1.5 – 2 hours round trip, depending on pace and how many stops you make. At the top, there’s even a cute bench to soak in the pretty surroundings, so pack some snacks and stay a while!
Wanaka is a popular stop on most New Zealand itineraries, and while hiking Roy’s Peak is at the top of many lists, much fewer people even know about Mount Iron. That means this hike will be much less crowded, making it all the more enjoyable!
WHAT SAY YOU?
Will you be hiking Mount Iron while in Wanaka? Do you have any other suggestions for cool hikes in Wakana that aren’t Roy’s Peak? I’d love to know for when I return, so let me know in the comments below!
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10 Comments
Zi @craving.adventue
May 2, 2020 at 2:14 AMOh I never heard of this hike before, looks like a goodie! Have you done the Ben Lomond hike in Queenstown? I feel like that view is really comparable with Roy’s peak. We wrote about it on our blog if you want to check the photos
That Travelista
May 14, 2020 at 5:03 PMI did hike Ben Lomond (but just to the saddle, not to the peak) and thought it was gorgeous! I didn’t realize the similarity to Roy’s Peak at the time, but looking at your pics (which are super amazing, by the way!), I totally see what you mean.
So many great hikes in NZ, so little time!
charlottelint
April 30, 2020 at 10:19 AMWauw, this hike looks amazing! I will definitely add it to my list if I go to New Zealand! 🙂
That Travelista
May 14, 2020 at 4:57 PMIt has very pretty views! Hope you can see for yourself someday 🙂
Karen
April 30, 2020 at 8:57 AMHoping to return to New Zealand soon for hiking and paddling. It will be great to have this information on the hike.
That Travelista
May 14, 2020 at 4:57 PMOh that sounds so nice 🙂 this hike would be a nice one if you need a break from all the longer hikes!
Amanda
April 30, 2020 at 3:44 AMI love New Zealand! Wanaka is actually one of my favourite places, gorgeous town!
That Travelista
May 14, 2020 at 4:55 PMYes, it seemed like a cute town!
A Single Woman Traveling
April 29, 2020 at 11:48 PMYou have some beautiful pictures in this post! Very helpful information as well : ) I have pinned this post for when I can visit someday!
That Travelista
May 14, 2020 at 4:54 PMThanks so much!