Last Updated: 21st Feb 2025
Wanaka Skyline Trail
Last Updated: 21st Feb 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 39 ?
Gnarl Factor: 32 ?
23.4km
1530m
1470m
1589m
.jpg?tr=w-542,h-325)
Last Updated: 21st Feb 2025
Last Updated: 21st Feb 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 39 ?
Gnarl Factor: 32 ?
23.4km
1530m
1470m
1589m
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Mountainous
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +16.00%
Average Downhill Gradient: -14.00%
VIP Feature: Send this route to your Garmin account so you can follow the course on your Garmin device.
Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.
5:00
Slow
3:45
Moderate
2:30
Fast
Starting from the Roy's Peak carpark it is a good slog up the hill on the well formed track all the way to Roys Peak. Once at the top - stop for the views and make sure you take some photos - it is then an amazing ridge run along to Mt Alpha. Some awesome running up to the top of Alpha and then it is down the farm track into Spotts Creek. The track follows the creek most of the way out to Cardrona Valley Rd where there is another carpark that you can be picked up from - or just run back in to town!
This trail includes the peaks Mount Alpha and Roys Peak.
Amazing views of Wanaka and surrounding mountain ranges.
There is a toilet at the start of the trail and approximately 2/3 of the way up towards Roys Peak.
Located at Roy's Peak Car Park off Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd.
Could pay to get there early to get a good spot.
7 km
7 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Mostly obvious, however I still managed to get lost last time I did it...
As you go along Spotts Creek heading towards the Cardrona Valley Rd exit, about 21.4km into the run the track deviates from the farm track you have been following for ages. If you start heading up hill, you have gone too far.
Patchy.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions)
No water available along route.
Plenty of snow up on top during winter, make sure you are well prepared if you plan to tackle it then.
Can be very windy up on top and change quickly even on a nice day, so make sure you carry plenty of gear even during nice times.
There is one section along the ridge between Roy & Alpha that is quite precarious and a slip could have dire consequences. Take extreme care.
Do you have a suggestion on where to go afterwards for the best coffee / cake / breakfast / brunch / beer?
Trail Legend
Login as a VIP to become a Trail Legend. Learn about Trail Legends.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Wanaka Skyline Trail
As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.
Already have an account? Login now
MG
Am from our of town, attempted from the cardrona road car park. Trail was very wet, boggy grass and feet soaked within a few minutes, then walked carefully by cows with their calves that made me nervous and then I came to a unexpected stream with no crossing that I could see so I turned around 🤷. Feet were already wet so I guess I could have crossed but decided against it. Will try again from the other end
November 12
Definitely one of the most rewarding trails in the region -- views views views! I like starting from Spotts Creek and finishing at Roys Peak carpark, as you get the most views of Tititea / Mt Aspiring!
September 28, 2023
If you’re visiting Wanaka from out of town - do this run! Did it today (early May) and it was a gorgeous calm 18 degree day, not a trace of snow to be seen. (Can’t imagine it on a hot summers day.) Views went on forever. Didn’t see a soul after Roy’s Peak. If like me you don’t have a car shuttle / driver, you can definitely hitch.
May 5, 2022
Holy moly. Did this in April and it was the most advanced run I personally had done. The snow was incredible... wish I had my micro spikes (that I later purchased) for a bit though. So incredible being up there. Grateful for the tracks the someone had made before me. Made for easy navigation.
September 20, 2021
Send to your phone
Scan the below QR code to open this trail on your phone.
Tip: position the QR code in your phone camera screen.
