Let’s be honest – we all like to get the hero shot after a decent walk.

True, hiking is an incredible form of exercise, but it’s getting to the top, breathing a sigh of relief and taking in the view that really makes it all worth it.

But with the rise of social media, some of our most popular walks are becoming viral sensations with hoards of trampers showing up to get the shots they’ve seen in their feeds. And while we love sharing this place, it’s also our responsibility to protect it.

The famous Roy’s Peak hike offers epic views over Lake Wānaka and the surrounding peaks – you’ve no doubt seen famous images from the look-out. But there are so many incredibly underrated day hikes that often get overlooked next to its virality.

So we’ve put together this list with the best hikes in Wānaka that aren’t Roy’s Peak. You’ll still get the views and the cardio work-out, all while helping us to look after our place while you hike Wа̄naka.

Places of interest

01 Grandview Mountain Track

02 Sawyer Burn

03 Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain

04 Breast Hill

05 Isthmus Peak

01. Grandview Mountain Track

Grandview Track is accessible from the Lake Hа̄wea side of the Wа̄naka region. This is an awesome tramp for beginners and intermediates, as it’s not too steep – some people even choose to bike up it! The incline is quite gradual, meandering through a high-country station before 1260m and then up to the Grandview Mountain peak at 1398m where the views over Lake Hа̄wea and the mountains get really spectacular.

This track is 18km return, taking about 4-5 hours return.

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02. Sawyer Burn

We think the Sawyer Burn track in Kidds Bush is criminally underrated. It’s a steep, but short walk up through beautiful beech forest and pokes out of the treeline with epic views right down the middle of Lake Hа̄wea.

Continuing from the treeline to the Sawyer Burn Hut, you’ll traverse across the mountainside through alpine meadows and streams. Looking across the valley, the beech forest on the other side is dense and incredibly green – the textures of the hillside are completely awe-inspiring. While the hut doesn’t offer much in the way of views, it’s a good place to stop for a quick bite before heading back down.

This track is 8km return and takes about 2 hours return to the bushline and 5 hours return to the Sawyer Burn Hut.

03. Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain

Back on the other side of Wānaka, The Diamond Lake conservation area and Rocky Mountain are very close to Wа̄naka’s town centre.

This tramp is a matter of choice. If you’re not feeling a big walk, try the Diamond Lake Circuit Track, which is only 2.5km and takes about 45 minute return. Alternatively, the lake look-out is 2km with a bit of uphill work and takes around 1 hour return.

For views of Glendhu Bay and the surrounding mountains head up to the top of Rocky Mountain at 775m elevation. If it’s a clear day, you’ll also catch a glimpse of Mount Aspiring/Tititea in the West.

This track is 7km, and takes about 3 hours return.

04. Breast Hill

The entire Breast Hill track is located along the Te Araroa track and to traverse the multi-day track in its entirety can take 2-3 days to complete. However, the portion we recommend is from Dingle Burn Road up to where the Pakituhi Hut is.

Breast Hill track starts off with a big 400m rise on a zig-zagging track to a small saddle. From there, you’ll work your way along a ridgeline, at times even having to use your hands to climb rocky sections. At the Breast Hill summit at 1300m, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with epic views of Lake Hа̄wea and Mt. Aspiring/Tititea. There’s also some really cool rocky outcrops for photo posing.

If you don’t fancy a daytrip, head to the Hut for an overnight.

This tramp is 8km return and takes 3-4 hours one way (Dingle Burn Road to Pakituhi Hut).

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05. Isthmus Peak

The lisp-inducing Isthmus Peak track (pronounced i-smuhs) is one that rivals Roy’s Peak track in the eyes of Wа̄naka locals, with some claiming that it’s actually better than the Instagram king. You can walk or bike up this track, although don’t let that fool you into thinking that it’s an easy uphill. Starting on a marked track and continuing on to a 4WD road, the route quickly moves into steep and rocky territory with several ‘false summits’ along the way. If you’re riding a bike, you’ll no doubt have to get off and push at some points.

That said, getting to the top is SO worth it. With panoramic views of Lake Wа̄naka, Lake Hа̄wea and the awesome Southern Alps, you’ll be asking yourself how you’ve never thought to come up here before.

This track is 16km return and takes 5-7 hours round-trip.

So next time you find yourself craving some altitude, get off the beaten path and check out some of the other epic hikes that might be hiding right under your nose.

Always remember to check weather, track conditions and closures on the Department of Conservation website before heading out. Read our guide to responsible tramping for more information about looking after this place while you’re in the mountains.

The Wānaka Tracks app will help you decide which track is best for you, using a series of criteria including walking or biking, track difficulty, length, viewpoints and more.

Need a little more help planning? Check in with our incredible team at Wа̄naka i-SITE. They can help you find the best track for you, as well as find transport and book additional activities.

The Best Wānaka Walks With a View (That Aren't Roy's Peak)