Lake Wanaka Lookout walk is a medium 5km walk that will take you around 2 hours 30mins to complete there and back.

On this walk you will get fantastic views of Lake Wanaka, Mt Aspiring 2158Mt, Roy’s Peak 1569 Mt and look across to Treble Cone Sky Field. You’ll walk past Diamond Lake on your way to Lake Wanaka Lookout. Take a 20-minute drive from Wanaka shopping centre which is perched on the shores of the famous Lake Wanaka.

SAVE 40% on last minute half day ferry tickets to Otehei Bay.

Quick Facts about this walk

•  Location: Wanaka, South Island NZ
•  Distance: 5 km
•  Time needed: 2 hours 30 minutes
•  Difficulty: Medium
•  Wheelchair Access: No
•  Route: Double back
•  Wet Feet: No
•  Toilets: Yes
•  Dogs: No
•  Mobile Coverage: Yes

Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

An excellent drive around Glendhu Bay and Parkins Bay then through Hospital Flats to the car park. The view from Lake Wanaka lookout is amazing for the short walk.

Track Quality

An excellent track till you reach Diamond Lake, then you are into an uphill climb all the way to the lookout with a few steps thrown in for good luck.

Water

Only what you carry. One toilet in the car park.

Driving Instructions

All you have to do is drive around Wanaka Lake edge in a clockwise direction and follow the sign post to Treble Cone Sky Field, Roy’s Peak. A short, enjoyable twenty-minute drive.

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

All in Wanaka

Map Location

Points of interest along the walk​

Lake Wanaka Lookout
Lake Wanaka Lookout

Diamond Lake Car Park

The turn off to Diamond Lake car park is tricky. As you descend into a valley, keep an eye out for the turn off on your right. Before you head off up the track, take a photo of the map on your cell phone, you will need to look at the photo as you walk around the track.

Mirror view of Diamond Lake|||||Diamond Lake Walk
Lots of steps to walk up on the way to Lake Wanaka Lookout
Interesting rock formations on the way to Lake Wanaka Lookout
More steps on the way to Lake Wanaka Lookout
More steps on the way to Lake Wanaka Lookout
Diamond Lake Lookout

Diamond Lake Lookout

If you get an early start, you might snap a photo of the Diamond Lake as you pass by. The next stop will be in about 40 minutes at Diamond Lake Lookout, a good place to give the legs a rest. In 35 minutes, you will be sitting on a native timber seat taking in the stunning view of Lake Wanaka and the valley below, but don’t miss the turnoff to your right. You will notice the track is deteriorated a little.

Sit awhile and enjoy the views at Lake Wanaka Lookout||||||Lake Wanaka Lookout
Views from Lake Wanaka Lookout
Turn off to Lake Wanaka Lookout
Track quality on the Lake Wanaka Lookout
Great views along the way to Lake Wanaka Lookout
Turn off to the Western track

Lake Wanaka Lookout

After a good rest get back on to the track and after a steady and enjoyable 35 minutes climb you will be sitting on a native timber seat taking in the stunning view of Lake Wanaka. But don’t miss the Eastern track turnoff, give the Western track a miss.

The next turnoff will be to Lake Wanaka Lookout. From here on the signage is shocking. If you are still feeling as fit as a rabbit, in another 1 Hour and 30 Minutes you could be sitting on top of Rocky Mountain with an even better view of Lake Wanaka, so take a look at the Rocky Mountain Walk.

See more of my walks in Wanaka