Isthmus Peak

A hike allows you to reach a summit between lakes Wanaka and Hawea, with a view of both from the top.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 15.29 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,080 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,071 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,385 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 372 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Start: Park in one of the two roadside car park. The lower one is closer to the start, but also smaller.

(S/E) Cross the road and walk it up, passing on the other side of the safety barriers. The path then diverges from the road and goes past a toilet. The path is obvious and soon begins to steeply climb. It joins a fence which you should follow. Then cross a junction between two pastures.

(1) A portion close to the cliff offers a view of a small valley. Carry on along the fence and enjoy a moment on the flat ground to take in the view of Lake Hawea. The trail then climbs again, winding loosely.

(2) Go past a toilet and continue up this wide path.

(3) At a path junction, continue right to reach the summit.

(4) Enjoy the view from the top of Isthmus Peak over the two lakes and the surrounding area. Then retrace your steps and return to the junction.

(5) Turn right to reach a smaller, quieter summit that also offers a fine view.
Climb back down to the fork.

(3) Walk back down to the car park using the same way you used on the way in. (S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 372 m - Lower car park
  2. 1 : km 1.32 - alt. 529 m - point of view
  3. 2 : km 5.53 - alt. 1,216 m - Toilets
  4. 3 : km 6.27 - alt. 1,348 m - Intersection
  5. 4 : km 7.43 - alt. 1,382 m - Isthmus Peak
  6. 5 : km 8.79 - alt. 1,376 m - Summit
  7. S/E : km 15.29 - alt. 374 m - Lower car park

Notes

Start: Park in one of the two roadside car park. The lower one is closer to the start, but also smaller.

Terrain: The climb is fairly steep, but not difficult.

Facilities: Toilets at the start and near the end of the climb.

Find more information about any closures and warnings on the DOC website here.

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