Wrangling Roy's Peak

A few years ago during a South Island road trip I decided it was time to climb up Roy's Peak in time to capture the sunrise. Bad weather during a previous trip had prevented this so it was time to seize the moment!

It was July (near mid Winter), so a very pre-dawn start to the hike saw my wife and I wrapped up in Winter woollies and off we went. I tell you, after the first 500 metres or so we were shedding layers as we had already worked up a sweat in the steep terrain.

As we continued to hike with headlamps and good humour (mostly) about the challenging conditions, we saw mysterious lights up above us. We thought there must be other hikers ahead of us although only one other car had been in the carpark. As we got closer we found these lights were reflections off the eyes of the cows and sheep in the area. I'm sure they thought we were crazy for climbing some 8km in the dark up a steep mountain track in order to catch the sunrise. You should note the track is closed from 1 October to 10 November each year for lambing.

We eventually passed the other group of hikers who were resting. Then 2km from the top we found the ground covered in snow so had to put crampons on our shoes. It was really tough going and getting colder all the time as our shoes were not really the best for the conditions - but we were perversely motivated by staying ahead of the people we passed and being first to the top.

Of course, our effort was rewarded by capturing a magnificent sunrise and having a great sense of accomplishment for getting up there in around 2 hours 40mins.

As you can see from the photo, in order to get out to the point where everyone likes to have their photo taken there is a narrow path along the top of the ridge. People need to take turns to go out there and pose and it takes a few minutes to walk each way.

After enjoying the sunrise, some warm tea from a thermos and a peanut butter sandwich we were getting cold and we needed to start heading down. I had taken my jacket off for a while as I had worked up a sweat but had to laugh when I picked it up and it had started to become an icicle. It was crunchy as I put it back on.

It took almost as long to get back down the mountain as climbing up. This was a bit unexpected but let me tell you, it's steep and as we got lower and back out of the snow, the wide gravel trail was slippery with morning dew too. Even with walking poles we still slipped on our butts a few times. It's also pretty hard on your knees so plan to take your time on the decent too.

Walking around in the snow near Roy's Peak lookout

Planning tips:

If you are thinking of heading up Roy's Peak consider the following tips:

1. Fitness: Really consider your own fitness, and that of anyone going with you.

   1. The terrain is steep and 8km is a long way up.

   2. If you go to the upper lookout it's even further, allow another 30 mins each way.

   3. You also need to be able to get back down, which is hard on your knees.

   4. Allow plenty of time - even with good core fitness it took us 2hrs 40 mins to go up, and 2hrs 25 mins down, plus time to take photos at the top.

   5. Plan on a minimum of six hours for the round trip, and more if you are going to the upper lookout too.

2. Weather and clothing:

   Check the weather and dress for the conditions.

   1. In Wintery conditions be sure you have waterproof shoes otherwise if you encounter snow your feet will get wet and cold very quickly.

   2. Remember that alpine areas can see snow at any time of the year.

   3. Take crampons if you anticipate snow at higher altitudes.

   4. The weather can change quickly, prepare for this.

3. Fees and track closure: Note there is a fee for walking the track and an honesty box at the start of the track which is only a 10 minute drive from central Wanaka. At the time of writing this fee was $2 but be sure to do your own research to confirm. Also check the DOC website for track closures.

4. Equipment: If you are hiking in the dark be sure you have good headlamps and spare batteries. Definitely use walking poles to steady yourself but also to use your arms to help pull you up steep parts, and to take some pressure off your legs coming down too.

5. Food and water: Take warm drinks and plenty of water. Good snacks are also important. Be prepared to burn a few thousand calories.

6. Plan for sore muscles: Expect to have sore muscles for a good few days after this. Maybe plan to go soak in a hot pool after you get back down and have had a hearty meal. Enjoy the pain from your accomplishment.