Roy's Peak: the view, and the queue for it

You have seen the photo even if you do not know the name: a lone figure on a narrow ridge high above Lake Wanaka, mountains stacked behind, the whole South Island seeming to fall away below. That is Roy's Peak, and yes, it is worth the climb. It is also nothing like as solitary as the photo suggests.

We started up before 10am thinking we would beat the crowds. We did not. The track was a steady stream of people, and when we reached the famous lookout there was a queue, a real one, maybe thirty minutes long, of people waiting their turn to stand on the ridge and get the shot.

Here is the honest part: it is still worth it. The climb is a long, relentless grind up open grassland with no shade, but the view at the top genuinely matches the hype. Lake Wanaka spread out blue below, ranges in every direction, and a flawless sky the day we went. The queue is annoying. The payoff is not.

We came down sweaty and overheated and did the only sensible thing: walked straight into Lake Wanaka. It was so cold I managed a dive and an undignified sprint back to shore while the locals swam around like it was nothing. Worth it twice over.

Go early, earlier than you think, and go on a clear day or not at all, because the whole point is the view. And make your peace with the queue before you start: this is a famous photo for a reason, and you will be sharing it.