This article may contain affiliate links. When you purchase something we recommend, we make a small commission. You don’t pay anything extra. 💘 For more details, check out our Terms of Use page.
Looking for one of the most breathtaking hikes in the South Island without the heavy crowds of Roy’s Peak?
You’ll want to check out Isthmus Peak.
It is only 1.5 hours drive from Queenstown or 30 minutes from Wanaka.
You get sweeping views over Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka — without requiring an overnight trip or complicated logistics.
I found the trail overall challenging, but doable. At the time I visited it was also very quiet but that might be different on weekends.
Quick info on Isthmus Peak
- Location: Between Wanaka and Lake Hāwea, South Island
- Distance: 16 km return
- Elevation gain: ~1,100 m
- Time needed: 5–7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
- Trail type: Out and back
- Crowds: Very low compared to Roy’s Peak
- Best for: Experienced hikers looking for big views without the crowds
- Getting there: Car required (no public transport)
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.
It is very easy to find.
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.
I love driving in New Zealand and think the roads are pretty easy to navigate, as soon as you get around to driving on the left side.
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. And remember to always add insurance!
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
If you are exploring the area, I would stay in Wanaka or Queenstown.
I find Wanaka quieter and more relaxing, plus it is closer to Isthmus Peak.
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 have 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 website recommends allowing up to 7 hours, which I found is accurate.
Some fit hikers on trail apps claim it’s doable in 2.5 hours round trip… that’s not the norm. Or it wasn’t for me. 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.
Other New Zealand Guides
Isthmus Peak Hike Guide: Scenic Alternative to Roy’s Peak
Fewer crowds and equally stunning views!
3+1 Reasons to Visit Chatham Islands – New Zealand
Here is how and why you need to visit the Chatham Islands in New Zealand.
17 Must Do Experiences in Christchurch (New Zealand) – 2025 Updated
This city will surprise you if you give it a chance!
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.
