Mount Iron Track is a locals’ favourite, one of the best short hikes in Wānaka, and worth doing when you’re staying in town. This glacier-carved rock summit rises 250m above the town, and because of its location, it’s one of the most popular walks in the area.

Track overview

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 4.5km

Time: 1.5 hours

After a short but steep hike, you’ll be rewarded with incredible 360-degree views overlooking the Pisa range, the Upper Clutha Basin, Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. The views are similar to that of Queenstown Hill.

This trail can be hiked out-and-back or as an entire loop. I highly recommend the loop track as (in my opinion) it has better views and is less busy. If you do hike Mt Iron this way, walk clockwise, which makes the incline slightly easier.

Although it's shorter than other hikes, it's still steep. You’ll need a good fitness level, and be comfortable walking uphill for 45 minutes to 1 hour. That said, I don't want to scare you off! Because it's so short, you have plenty of time to complete the track, stop to catch your breath, take photos and enjoy yourself.

Mount Iron can be hiked any time of the day. But, you don't fancy getting up at 2 am for the sunrise up Roy's Peak, this trail is a lovely alternative. If you're visiting in winter, please take care as it can get muddy and slippery!

How to get there

The track starts from a car park off SH84 (the main road into Wānaka from the east), only 2 km from the town centre. There are toilet facilities about 100 meters after the trailhead on the left-hand side.