Rocky Mountain Track
Located in Diamond Lake and Hospital Flat conservation areas in the Otago region
|
Introduction
This circuit winds its way around Rocky Mountain. There are outstanding views of Lake Wānaka and surrounding mountains.7 km loop
Dog access
Follow the old dirt road from the car park to Diamond Lake, where a steep climb up the bluffs leads to a viewing platform overlooking the small lake.
From there, the Lower Circuit's eastern and western sides keep climbing to provide access to the higher Rocky Mountain Track. From the summit, 775m above sea level, there are great panoramic views over Lake Wānaka, Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana and Mount Aspiring/Tititea.
Sections of the track are steep and often slippery, even in summer. Particularly on the western side of the circuit where there is some light scrambling on a wet, rocky and muddy trail. The eastern side is exposed to steep drop-offs. Extreme care is required.
Mountain biking
Mountain biking is permitted to Diamond Lake only.
Other activities
The surrounding bluffs are very popular with rock or sport climbers, especially in summer when there is no ice on these southerly faces.
Diamond Lake Conservation Area is 18.5 km west of Wanaka on the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road.
Extreme care is required on these walks during winter. Because of ice, the Diamond Lake Track may not be suitable to walk.
There is a toilet at the carpark. Note that there are no toilets on the track.
The Diamond Lake Conservation Area's landscape has been carved by Ice Age glaciers, with stands of native forest and shrubland nestling into bluff systems.
Contacts
| Wānaka Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre |
|
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 3 443 7660 |
| wanakavc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 1 Ballantyne Road Wānaka 9305 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |