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HIKING ROYS PEAK, NEW ZEALAND

Roys Peak, New Zealand
Roys Peak, New Zealand

Free up your schedule and join us on a zigzag trail to the top of Roys Peak

Words: Emily Georgieva

Photography: Onni Anttoora

22 July 2019

Roys Peak in New Zealand is 1, 578 m high which makes it an appealing destination for adventurists with a passion for climbing. The challenging terrain makes it difficult to climb in less than five to seven hours, so if you’ve planned on spending some time in New Zealand and want to put your athletic skills to a test, make sure to dedicate one whole day to this hiking experience.

Roys Peak is gracing the area between Glendhu Bay and Wanaka. The mountain chain is attractive for travellers because the view from the trail reveals the wild side of New Zealand. On your way to the top you will pass stunning lakes and see the mountain’s surface from a close-up perspective.

The trail starts in a zigzag manner, but the flow of the path changes as you climb higher. To best experience it, we recommend taking a friend to stimulate each other to get to the top and make sure to take enough water with you, as you won’t be able to find any along the way.

The Roys Peak hike is a cool way to spend the day outside. Some parts around the hike are private land areas, but as long as you follow the marked paths, you should be able to make the most of the experience. Any hiking activities are closed throughout October all the way until 10 November so keep this in mind before heading to the mountain.

Once you’re high enough, the view is a combination of land, sky and mountains. They all merge together, making it almost impossible to tell them apart. The peaks of the mountain look as if they are not just touching the sky but have rather become part of it. Roys Peak is referred to as one of the best places to observe New Zealand from as it is accessible and provides great view of the area. However, every good thing comes with a catch to balance it out.

The hike to the top of the mountain has not always been that popular amongst travellers. In fact, climbing Roys Peak wasn’t something people used to queue up to do just a couple of years ago. When pictures of the view from the top got shared online, people started paying more attention to the mountain. There is a possibility that if you make your way to the mountain, you will not be the only people there, not even close! As bikes and cars are not allowed on the trail, lots of vehicles are parked nearby so you can imagine the amount of people who have planned to climb all the way to the top of the mountain just like you have.

To avoid the crowds, we recommend getting up early and climbing before sunrise to catch the fire-like sky view on your way zigzagging up the trail. The view will be worth it, although you need to be extra careful if you decide to climb in the dark as it is not an easy mission.

The hike is well-known, but you should in no way be limited to just this hiking experience. New Zealand is the land of wildness. Its beauty is best appreciated while outdoors. There are so many mountains you can mark on your map and explore. If you are a fan of outdoor activities, check out Bolivia, as we have some recommendations about things you can do to feel a rush of adrenaline and get to know the country’s land better.

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NOMADSofORIGIN is an independent annual publication with a focus on sustainable travelling and global cultural values. Each issue features interviews, engaging articles and photo guides, which take our nomadic readers through different destinations and introduce them to local people's perspectives.

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