Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,591.00 ft (484.94 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
4.40 mi (7.08 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track is a scenic hike located near Wanaka, Otago. This trail travels around a lake, to multiple viewpoints , and to the summit of Rocky Peak. This loop is 4.4 mile long and gains 1,591 feet of elevation. 

This hike starts from Diamond Lake Car Park. There is a toilet at the trailhead. Begin hiking north. You will be hiking uphill. After 0.4 miles, you will come to a junction and go left. Another 0.2 miles will bring you to your first good view of Diamond Lake. You will reach a junction after another 0.1 miles and head right. Continue trekking uphill next to rocky cliff faces. After 0.2 miles, you will reach a viewpoint where you can look down at Diamond Lake. 

0.1 mile later, you will encounter another junction and go right. Hike uphill for 0.3 miles before coming to another junction and going right. This 0.2 mile  spur trail will bring you to a stunning viewpoint of Lake Wanaka to the east. Head back to the last junction and go right. 

Another 0.2 miles will bring you to another junction. Stay right here. Continue uphill for 0.5 miles to reach the top of Rocky Mountain. You will have wonderful views of mountains in all directions from here. Keep trekking on the trail. You will now be headed downhill. After 0.5 miles you will come to a junction and go right. Hike downhill for 0.7 miles to reach another junction and go right. 0.3 miles will bring you to the edge of Diamond Lake. Turn right here. Hike 0.2 miles around the west side of the lake to another junction. Go right here and follow the trail back to the parking area. 

The Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track is open for hiking year round. There are no associated fees to hike. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Panoramic Views.

Cons

Crowded.

Trailhead Elevation

1,065.00 ft (324.61 m)

Highest point

2,480.00 ft (755.90 m)

Features

Vault toilet
Near lake or river

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

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