Mt Iron Circuit, Wanaka, Otago NZ

A shortish circuit walk up the glacial landform of Mt Iron (548m), with views in all directions including Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.

Mt Iron Circuit, Wanaka

Climbing Mt Iron is a popular circuit walk on the edge of Wanaka. Although there are steep sections it is a reasonably short and straightforward walk through a mix of private and conservation land. There are views in all directions, over Lake Wanaka, farmland, the towns of Wanaka and Albert Town, and various mountains including the Southern Alps.

It’s certainly not a wilderness experience, but a good way to stretch your legs and work up an appetite before you go for dinner or lunch in town. The patches of private land on the western side are not very inspiring – fairly dusty and arid looking. The conservation land is better. Track notes at the end.

Mt Iron Circuit: The Scenery

Mt Iron Circuit, Wanaka
Views over Wanaka on the way up going clockwise.
Mt Iron Circuit, Wanaka
It was a somewhat hot and dusty ascent up the western side of the mountain. It might have been better to walk up the eastern side, going anti-clockwise, at least at midday when we set off.
Mt Iron Circuit, Wanaka
Albert Town
Mt Iron Circuit, Wanaka
Wanaka and Lake Wanaka from the summit of Mt Iron (548m).
Mt Iron Circuit, Wanaka
Stevenson’s Arm
Mt Iron Circuit, Wanaka
Looking south-east.
Mt Iron Circuit, Wanaka
Looking north.
Mt Iron Circuit, Wanaka
Kanuka I think.
Mt Iron Circuit, Wanaka
Passing under bluffs on our way down.
Mt Iron Circuit, Wanaka
Bluffs on the south-eastern side.

Track Notes

Mt Iron Circuit, Wanaka

The route is an obvious track the whole way, and passes through a mix of private and conservation land. There’s a couple of short steep sections. The circuit will take you roughly 1.5 hours. You can get more information on the DOC website.

Author: Edward Hathway

I'm a clinical psychologist and keen hiker.

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