Enjoying some Peace and Solitude Camping on Roys Peak alone with a Tent
Location
Camping on Roys Peak is certainly not the usual thing people do. Roys Peak is located a short distance west of Wanaka, and is one of the most well-known hikes in New Zealand. It is a summit climb via a walk in and walk out the same way track. It usually takes between 5-6 hours to complete, but it depends entirely on fitness. It does require some endurance and grippy footwear is essential on the smooth clay surface. The hike is extremely busy all through the day, which is why more and more people are committing to late or early hikes.
Is Camping on Roys Peak Legal?
Yes!
Although not on the very summit, or on the first two thirds of the track (private farmland). There is limited space, and respect is certainly needed to ensure you’re not being intrusive. In my opinion, if you’re going to camp here, set up your tent late in the evening to avoid ruining the experience for others. I set mine up on the second lookout point above the ‘famous’ one, but it wasn’t until people disappeared.
If you really wanted to escape the people and set up earlier, hike beyond the summit along the ridge line and camp away from the trail there. There is a drop toilet at the main lookout, but just make sure you don’t need to go and contribute to the waste problem there.
My Trip
27/11/2018 – 28/11/2018
The Decision
It was a long day of driving, just having travelled along the West Coast Highway, past lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. Arriving at Wanaka at around 3pm, I needed to make the decision on where to stay for the night.
The popular Albert Town campsite was a valid choice, as I didn’t need the facilities from the more expensive private camp grounds, but I was after something more quiet and remote to enjoy. The last minute decision ended up being Roys Peak.
I’d never really cared much about climbing this famous tourist-ladden mountain before, but I figured it might be nicer to camp there and experience less crowding. The other benefit of overnighting was that the long (and mostly boring) hike up the grassy hill was broken into two days with a rest in between.
Hiking up the Mountain
The hike up really is as boring as people make it out to be. Although, looking back out over the lake taking some breathing breaks is quite pleasant. The way up is basically a compacted clay road, switch-backing (zigzagging) up towards the summit. The land is cleared as is mostly agricultural, offering no shelter from the sun. I was glad to have left late where it wasn’t as intense!
After some hours of chugging my way up, i made it to the line of tourists, but just hiked straight past them further up.
I found a nice spot by the trail at a lookout. Normally, i’d never camp near a trail like this, but i knew i wasn’t hindering anyone this late, and i was intending to pack up before dawn.
Sunset
In my tent of warmth, i witnessed the magical spectacle of sunset. The views from this location are simply amazing, and there is a reason it is so popular. I did find it amusing however, as i didn’t even go to the famous tourist photo location the entire time! The views are spectacular anywhere there.
Once in the night, i woke up to see the moon and stars. It was lovely! I was tired though, and didn’t stay awake for long.
Summit Hike at Sunrise
Later, I was awoken at 4am by footsteps from people nearby. ‘How the…!’ i thought to myself. They must have left at around 2am to beat the hoard. Well, they succeeded! It was a good alarm clock anyway, as i had breakfast and packed up camp. It was time to head to the actual summit a few hundred metres above me.
I was a little late for the actual sunrise, but nevertheless, i received the sunrise views on the mountain all the same. It was gorgeous! There were around seven of us on the summit by 7am.
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