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Looking for one of the most breathtaking hikes in the South Island without the heavy crowds of Roy’s Peak? Just 1.5 hours from Queenstown or 30 minutes from Wanaka, Isthmus Peak is a stunning alternative that rewards hikers with sweeping views over Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka — without requiring an overnight trip or complicated logistics.
It’s a challenging yet doable trail that offers alpine vibes, solitude, and panoramic scenery well worth the climb.
Isthmus Peak Track is located on the South Island of New Zealand, between the towns of Wanaka and Hawea. It’s part of the Matatiaho Conservation Area and sits just off the Haast Pass Highway (SH6). You’ll find the car park signposted just north of the Neck, where Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka nearly touch.
From:
- Queenstown: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Wanaka: ~30 minutes
Lake Hawea township: ~15 minutes
How to get there?
Public transport isn’t an option for this one, so you’ll need a car to reach the Isthmus Peak trailhead. The drive from Queenstown or Wanaka is scenic, winding along lakes and mountain ranges, making the road trip part of the adventure.
The trail starts from a small gravel car park on the side of SH6. It fills up quickly in peak season, so aim to arrive early or in the late afternoon for better chances of a spot.
Why you need to rent a car?
Most of the best hiking trails around Queenstown and Wanaka are only accessible by car. While Queenstown has a small town centre, exploring the wider region means driving and if you’re doing a South Island road trip, renting a car gives you total freedom to chase hikes like Isthmus Peak without tour schedules or shuttle limitations.
If you’re flying into Queenstown or Christchurch, booking your rental in advance (I recommend Discover Cars) will usually give you better rates and flexibility.
I use and compare prices for car rentals, with Discovercars.com. It is a giant rental and comparison site on the market and it has a lot of perks that make sense if you travel often.
Once you head to Discover Cars, you’ll find an easy search engine to filter by location, dates and pick up location.
Tip: Always check a few different pick up locations when booking a rental car.
Where to stay
Wanaka is the ideal base if Isthmus Peak is on your itinerary. It’s quieter, closer to the trailhead, and has a relaxed lakefront vibe perfect for post-hike recovery.
One great option I’ve stayed at is the Wanaka Hotel, conveniently located in the center of town. It has everything a solo traveler or road tripper needs, including laundry facilities and an excellent Mexican restaurant inside the hotel. Perfect for an easy, satisfying dinner after a big hike.
If you’re staying in Queenstown, you’ll need to plan for a full-day trip, but it’s still a great choice if you’re exploring the wider area. For comfort, convenience, and value:
Heartland Hotel Queenstown offers cozy alpine-style rooms with beautiful lake views and is just a short walk from the town center.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown is a modern and practical choice with breakfast included, smart room features, and easy access to parking and local shops.
Both towns offer supermarkets, outdoor gear shops, and everything else you might need. But if Isthmus Peak is your main goal, Wanaka is the more convenient base
What to expect
This hike is not easy, especially for beginner hikers or those with injuries (like my still-recovering ankle). While the path is well-formed, it is steep and sustained — with one especially slippery section of gravel early on. Once past that, the trail loops up the mountain, revealing lake views with every turn.
The DOC recommends allowing up to 7 hours, and while some fit hikers on trail apps claim it’s doable in 2.5 hours round trip… that’s not the norm. Take your time and enjoy it.
- Track length: 16 km return
Elevation gain: 1,100+ meters
Highest point: 1,385 m
Estimated time: 5 to 7 hours return
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Trail type: Out and back
Weather & what to bring
Even in summer, New Zealand’s alpine conditions can change fast, so pack layers. I was grateful for a windproof jacket during breaks, even in early March.
Bring:
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
Warm layers and a waterproof jacket
Snacks and at least 2L of water
Sunscreen and a hat
Basic first aid kit
Offline map (like AllTrails or CamperMate)
The hike
The view at the top is as they say very much worth it! We were lucky to get a sunny day in early March and while it was warm during the hike I was glad I had an extra layer during the many rest stops.
While Isthmus Peak is not an overnight track, being prepared with a first aid kit, appropriate footwear, warm clothing and extra food is always a great idea, especially considering how easy it is for the weather conditions to change and how steep some of the hiking parts are.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting New Zealand
- Emergency: Dial 111 for all emergencies.
- Language: Both English and Māori are official languages in New Zealand. Samoan, Northern Chinese and Hindi are also widely spoken. Common phrases to learn are “Kia ora” (Hi – informal greeting), “Aotearoa” (Māori name for New Zealand), “Mōrena”, (Good morning), “Whānau”, (Family).
- Water: Yes, it is perfectly safe to drink tap water in New Zealand.
- Driving: Left-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com for the most options on hotels, apartments and hostels. Free cancellation in a lot of places and no need to pre-pay. Great for their rewards points system.
- Geography: New Zealand has two main islands (North and South) and a number of smaller islands including Stewart Island at the bottom of the South Island.
- Activities: From cultural sights to day trips, food tours and city guides, use Get Your Guide.
- Domestic Airlines: The main airlines for air travel are Air New Zealand (check out their safety videos) and Jetstar.
- Taxi: You will be able to download apps like Uber, Ola and Cabify among others, to order taxi rides.
- Culture: It is not uncommon for people to walk barefoot in certain settings in New Zealand. The summer season is popular for festivals, roadtrips and of course, a good opportunity to see a rugby game.
