Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track
A challenging yet rewarding 7km loop near Wanaka, offering stunning 360° views of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps from Rocky Mountain summit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat crowds & golden light
Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track
Best Time
Beat crowds & golden light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging yet rewarding 7km loop near Wanaka, offering stunning 360° views of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps from Rocky Mountain summit.
"Incredible 360 views from the top, a must-do hike near Wanaka!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The track gets steep and can be muddy. Hiking boots are a must for grip and ankle support.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
It's a challenging hike with significant elevation. Stay hydrated throughout your trek.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Diamond Lake Viewpoint
Lower section of the track
A picturesque alpine lake offering serene beauty and a gentler introduction to the trail's charm.
Rocky Mountain Summit
Peak of the loop
Panoramic 360-degree views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding Southern Alps. Truly breathtaking!
Lake Wanaka Panorama
Various lookout points
Multiple vantage points along the track provide stunning vistas of the vast, blue expanse of Lake Wanaka.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Difficulty & What to Pack
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The track gets steep and can be muddy. Hiking boots are a must for grip and ankle support. 
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
It's a challenging hike with significant elevation. Stay hydrated throughout your trek.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers incredible 360-degree views. Don't forget your camera or phone for amazing photos!
⚠️ Check Trail Alerts
Parts of the track can be closed due to weather or maintenance. Always check before you go.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The track gets steep and can be muddy. Hiking boots are a must for grip and ankle support.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
It's a challenging hike with significant elevation. Stay hydrated throughout your trek.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers incredible 360-degree views. Don't forget your camera or phone for amazing photos!
⚠️ Check Trail Alerts
Parts of the track can be closed due to weather or maintenance. Always check before you go.
⏰ Allow 3 Hours
The loop track typically takes around 3 hours, but allow extra time for photos and breaks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning 360-degree views from the Rocky Mountain summit, calling it a rewarding hike with diverse scenery. While challenging, the track is praised for being less crowded than Roys Peak and offering a beautiful alpine lake. Some find the steep sections and scrambling demanding.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located about a 30-minute drive from Wanaka town. It's a popular alternative to the more famous Roys Peak track.
Yes, there is parking available at the trailhead. It can get busy, especially during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.
Public transport options to the trailhead are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the start of the hike.
While often associated with the general area of Wanaka and its hiking trails, it's a distinct track and not part of a national park in the same way as some other New Zealand hikes.
The closest town is Wanaka, New Zealand, a popular tourist destination on the South Island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track is a free public access trail. There are no entry fees required.
The track is generally accessible at all times, but it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Always check for any temporary closures.
No, there is no reservation system for the Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track. It's first-come, first-served for parking and access.
No permits are required for this hike. It's a public track managed for recreational use.
Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon on weekdays can help you avoid the peak crowds.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The full loop track typically takes around 3 hours to complete, but this can vary depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the viewpoints.
The track is considered 'hard' by some due to its steep sections and scrambling. It involves a significant elevation gain of approximately 485 meters.
The summit offers spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding Southern Alps.
While there are no formal restrooms directly on the track, there are picnic tables available, and facilities can be found in nearby Wanaka.
It can be challenging for very young children due to the steepness and scrambling. The Diamond Lake viewpoint offers a shorter, more accessible option.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit provides the most iconic 360-degree views. The Diamond Lake viewpoint and various lookout points along the ascent also offer stunning photo opportunities.
Early morning offers soft, golden light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Late afternoon also provides beautiful light.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check the latest rules and regulations for drone usage in the area before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the mountains.
Absolutely! The track offers numerous vantage points with excellent views of Lake Wanaka, especially from the summit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with older children or those seeking a bit more adventure, the full loop can be tackled, but be prepared for steep sections and scrambling. Ensure everyone has sturdy shoes and plenty of snacks and water. The varied terrain can keep kids engaged, and the summit views are a fantastic reward.
💪 Fitness Enthusiasts
Consider tackling the track at a brisk pace to maximize your cardiovascular benefit. The 360-degree summit views provide an excellent motivation and a rewarding break point. For an added challenge, explore any offshoot trails or variations if available and safe to do so.
📸 Photography Buffs
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes and a telephoto lens for details. The Diamond Lake viewpoint also offers beautiful reflections and a more intimate natural setting for photography. Be prepared for changing weather, which can add dramatic elements to your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rocky Mountain Summit Experience
+1When you reach the top, take your time to soak in the scenery. The vastness of Lake Wanaka stretching out below, framed by rugged mountain peaks, is an unforgettable sight. It's a popular spot for photos, so be prepared to share the space with other hikers, though it's generally less crowded than some of the more famous nearby hikes.
Remember to wear appropriate footwear for the rocky terrain and bring water, as there are no facilities once you're on the steeper parts of the trail. The descent can also be tricky, so maintain focus and enjoy the journey back down.
Diamond Lake: A Serene Contrast
For those seeking a shorter walk, the Diamond Lake viewpoint itself is an excellent destination. It requires less time and effort than the full loop, making it accessible for a wider range of visitors. The reflections of the surrounding mountains in the clear waters of Diamond Lake are often stunning, especially in the early morning light.
This area is also known for its potential to spot local wildlife. While not guaranteed, keeping an eye out can add an extra layer of magic to your visit. The accessibility of Diamond Lake makes it a popular choice for families or those looking for a less strenuous but still rewarding nature experience.
Comparing Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain to Roys Peak
+1Roys Peak is known for its long, steady, and sometimes monotonous climb, leading to a single, albeit spectacular, viewpoint. It can get extremely busy, with long queues for photos at the summit. In contrast, the Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track provides a more diverse hike with the charming Diamond Lake, varied terrain, and a 360-degree summit view that encompasses more of the surrounding landscape.
Travelers often recommend the Rocky Mountain track as a fantastic alternative, especially if Roys Peak is closed (e.g., for lambing season) or if you're looking for a challenging hike with diverse scenery and fewer crowds. The 3-hour loop of Rocky Mountain is often described as more engaging and offering a better overall hiking experience for those who appreciate varied trails and panoramic views.
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