The Rocky Mountain – Diamond Lake Circuit is a walk near Wanaka that offers excellent views for only moderate effort. It’s an easier-going alternative to the famous but much longer Roys Peak Track that starts down the road a bit closer to town. The views are less epic, however this is a more attractive walking experience all round, with sections of native bush and other vegetation.
You can do a circuit or figure of eight (I recommend an anti-clockwise circuit) taking in the picturesque Diamond Lake and the summit of Rocky Mountain (775m) for views over Lake Wanaka and towards various high peaks in Mt Aspiring National Park and around the lake.
Track Notes
It’s a formed track the whole way, and will take maybe 2-3 hours. There’s information on the DOC website, and I took a picture of a map, see below…
June 2022 edit: notes on walking this route in winter
I should probably now add in here that this route in winter can be very icy, so much so that you may have to walk around large sections of the track altogether. That might require scrambling, and even walking through deep snow. The views are extra nice however, and I’ve replaced some of my summer pics with a bunch taken in June 2022, especially those taken from the summit. I would have included both seasons but space on my server is limited.
Rocky Mountain-Diamond Lake Circuit: The Scenery
I’ve included shots from summer and winter 2022 below…
Some shots from winter…
Back to summer shots…
