Wanaka is famous for its natural beauty, from the legendary ascent of Roys Peak to one of the most photographed spots, That Wanaka Tree. These popular locations are excellent spots to enjoy a sunrise in Wanaka. There are plenty of great locations to catch the crack of dawn in this alpine town. Here are just some of the best.
1. Roys Peak
Roys Peak is one of the bucket list hikes for anyone travelling New Zealand. The sun rising over the mountains is a thing of beauty to observe from the summit, though it does entail a 3 am start. Hike in the dark to reach the peak for sunrise. There are some definite advantages for those who make the commitment. Pink and orange hues of the sunrise are accompanied by an unbeatable view if you trek half of this 16km return trip. Plus, reaching the peak before sunrise means you don’t have to wait in a long queue for your well-deserved photography shot. At this time of the morning, you’ll be accompanied by only a few other dedicated hikers, keen to bask in the beauty of a sunrise in Wanaka.
2. That Wanaka Tree
That Wanaka Tree is one of the most photographed locations in New Zealand. There’s something about the resilience of a lone tree, surviving in adverse conditions that attracts people. Its humble beauty perfectly contrasts the backdrop of the magnificent Southern Alps. You’re likely to encounter many people visiting this top spot each day. That’s one of the reasons why a trip before sunrise in Wanaka is well worth the effort. Not only can you admire the warm hues of the first light contrasting the cool nature of the tree, but you can also beat the crowds and experience the more peaceful side of this destination.
3. Rocky Mountain
If it’s a quiet sunrise spot you’re looking for, it’s hard to go past the majestic peak of Rocky Mountain. This little-known hike boasts epic peaks and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains without the hoards of people who trek along the accompanying tracks in the area. After hiking through the lush forest, you’ll arrive at Diamond Lake, the perfect place to stop and admire the view. Shortly afterwards, the path will split into two, allowing you the option of descending the mountain peak from either side. This is a great spot to catch the sunrise in Wanaka if you don’t mind a 20-minute drive from the Wanaka township followed by an hour or so walk.
4. Lake Wanaka
That Wanaka Tree might be one of the most famous spots in the country, but there are plenty of other scenic views to admire around the perimeter of Lake Wanaka. Stunning trees around the lake provide an impressive scene and leave you with a unique photo to remember your trip by.
5. Isthmus Peak
If you don’t fancy the crowds at Roys Peak, then Isthmus Peak is one of the best alternatives. You will need to scale 16km of advanced tramping, though bikers can take on the mountain bike track to shorten the journey. Be careful during the winter; the views are beautiful, but the trail can get snowy in places. If you’re planning a summer vacation to Isthmus Peak, remember that this track is closed for fawning from 20th November to 20th December. It’s quite a trek and uphill most of the way, so ensure you’re ready for the challenge.
6. Albert Town
If you’re looking for somewhere a bit different to capture the sunrise in Wanaka, try Albert Town. This farming town experienced a recent population boom that has seen the small settlement undergo significant developments. Located on both the Clutha and Hawea rivers, there are a number of scenic spots in the area that offer beautiful sunrise views with the orange hues reflected in the glistening river waters.
7. Glendhu Bay
Glendhu Bay is one of the best-kept secrets in Wanaka. Just ten minutes drive from the town, you will find a serene setting located on the water’s edge of Lake Wanaka. This bay boasts some of the best views in the area and is an ideal vacation spot for families. A range of water sports, swimming, mountain biking, climbing, and hiking will exhaust even the most seasoned adventurers. And when the water is calm, you can enjoy a mirror-like view of the rugged backdrop as the sun rises between the peaks.
8. Treble Cone
Treble Cone offers one of the best snow experiences in New Zealand. This expansive mountain boasts uncrowded slopes, off-piste terrains, and the longest vertical rise within the Southern Lakes. In addition, the views from the inclines are unparalleled. When you enjoy a sunrise here, you can soak up the contrast of the fiery sun behind the freezing snow-capped mountain. Treble cone might be a cold start to your day, but it’ll be worth the epic view.
