Is it worth the hype?! - ROY'S PEAK // Wanaka, NZ

[@mari.johnson]

Forgot to mention the distance! It's a 16 km (9.9 mi) return trip on the same track there and back. It takes 5-6 hours to go both ways total. Of course, it depends how fast you walk, what the weather conditions are, and how many breaks you take. I took us about 5.5 hours with plenty of time at the top and nice break for breakfast. The DOC website is a great resource for more info (linked in description). Hope that helps!

[@ArielDangTran]

We did this two weeks ago! I found it quite hard as a novice hiker, but we started around 1-2p and there is no tree cover on the track so it was HOT! We only went 3/4ths of the way up and I found that good enough. There were definitely people on the route with us but it didn't seem too, too busy. Maybe they were all at the top already 😅 My favorite hike we did in NZ was the Glacier Burn hike in Kinloch! I know everyone does Routeburn around those parts but Glacier Burn was wonderful and we had the whole place to ourselves!

[@dianehill7361]

that's such an important aspect about trying to venture to places that aren't so commercialized when travelling! thanks for making this video, I felt weirldy guilty when I was in New Zealand for not seeing certain things, but this makes me put things into perspective

[@mari.johnson]

Yeah you’re actually doing good by not going to the most popular places! I just really dislike that some tourists don’t respect the land by litering, etc. It’s so disappointing to see.

[@shinji112]

I was going to go 2 years ago but when I read how long the return trip took, I decided to go to Mt Iron which is near by, much quicker return trip and had 360 degree views.

[@mari.johnson]

Mt Iron is a great alternative for a shorter hike! I've been up a few times and loved it every time!

[@iamkuria]

Great video! Did you need hiking shoes or would we be able to do it with regular sport shoes?

[@mari.johnson]

It depends on the time of year and the weather. If it's icy or muddy you'd probably want something more substantial, but otherwise running shoes with good traction should be fine.

[@mechanicalhorserider2512]

I was up there last year in april on a saturday for sunrise. My last opportunity to do this hike on my vacation. Don't do it on weekends! ;) It was really busy. 30+ people, i think. Everybody was looking to the east for sunrise, but the real magic happend in the west, when all the peaks got lit by the rising sun. :D

[@mari.johnson]

Glad you got to do it! I agree! I only looked where everyone else was looking for a couple of minutes. It was actually easy to avoid everyone at the top by looking elsewhere 😊

[@professorsogol5824]

You said Nick, as a Kiwi, was somewhat reluctant to go to this popular spot. But did you do a quick survey to see what fraction of the people up there taking their photos were from outside New Zealand? Is there anyway to look at the posted Instagram photos to identify the nationality/residence of the posters? (I proudly announce my almost total ignorance of Instagram.)

[@mari.johnson]

I haven't done any kind of scientific study, but from the people I said hello to on the track, it seemed most were not from New Zealand.

[@aiai-j7i]

I thought of you right away when I heard the news about the shooting in Christchurch. I wish the entire community peace and healing.

[@mari.johnson]

Thank you

[@hannaswenne6275]

I did this walk in december 2016, I don't remember it being so busy. I did find it challenging as it was the first time I hiked up a mountain but for me the view was worth it. I enjoyed seeing your sunrise footage :)

[@mari.johnson]

I think it's gotten more and more popular the past couple of years. That's awesome for your first time up a mountain! The view is definitely worth it! 😊

[@akahwai74]

😱Wow... Awesome and beautiful views. Love it! 😍

[@RGC198]

Hi Mari, thanks for sharing another great video. I haven't climbed Roy's Peak, though I did climb Mt Victoria in Wellington New Zealand. It was only when I reached the top that I found out that there was a road on the other side. Still, it was a great walk. Some years ago, I managed to climb Hanging Rock here in Victoria Australia. I even had a picnic there and didn't even disappear. LOL. Roy's Peak looks spectacular. Well done!! Anyway, take care. Robert.

[@mari.johnson]

Mt Victoria in Wellington is a good one! haha glad you didn't disappear at Hanging Rock!

[@KathleenLindenmuth]

Good summary 👍 I just did this hike 2 weekends ago. I understand the concerns about too many people... I still really wanted to do this though. I personally super enjoyed hiking Roys Peak - I got a great workout and the crowd didn’t bother me. I prefer solo stuff too but - maybe because I was traveling alone here? - I welcomed the friendly chatter and hearing about people during this walk (and most of my others as well) and that added to the fun for me.

[@mari.johnson]

I love hearing that, glad you enjoyed it! I felt the same when I went up to Mueller's Hut in Mt Cook the other week when it was busy 😊

[@soupyb1058]

I’ve had these same thoughts this weekend! Going places to take cool pictures is great, but man, Instagram has really made some places too touristy, and like you said, some people just don’t respect the land or experiences of others. I hate enjoying nature and then hearing the buzzing of a drone nearby. 😑😑😑 thanks for reminding people to be mindful!

[@mari.johnson]

When drones first came out, I wanted one so badly, and now I'm so glad not to have one!

[@johneason6540]

Thank you! I, agree good views, but too many people. Many places to do sunrise hikes without crowds. Did serveralva few weeks ago in the So-Cal desert. See you you!

[@josiahr1375]

Are you two planning to do the triple crown in your lives? (Just in case you don't know it's PCT, Continental Divide, and Appalachian) BTW been watching a few of your videos hope my wife and I can make it to NZ one day soon. Great coverage.

[@mari.johnson]

No plans as of now but never say never haha. Cool, hope you make it soon! Cheers

[@MarksWanderlust]

Nice one ! loved it ..But very touristy at Roy's Peak. But I definitely want to go up once. Thanks Mari

[@annatattersall249]

I hadn’t heard about the line ups! Funny that I just wrote the hike as an option for a trip there next month. Might look into other options now... but it still looks amazing! Had a similar experience at Taranaki’s tarn last weekend. Some people were clearly camped out for a day of photos, but were luckily respectful of others too.

[@mari.johnson]

You can still go if you want! It really does have beautiful views, so if you don't want as many people, try going for sunrise or sunset. But yes, there are lots of other options! 😊

[@AmyProctor]

I think in a few years the crowds will start to subside. It's a hot spot right now but another hot spot will come along and people will chase that...

[@katrinroedleitner]

Thanks for the review...great tips. But an essential thing would be to know how long it takes to get to the top or how many kilometers it is!

[@mari.johnson]

You're right! It's 16 km (9.9 mi) return on the same track there and back. It takes about 5-6 hours to go both ways total.

[@thatsrich944]

I go out of my way to avoid most popular Instagram spots and really most touristy areas in general. I'm not on vacation, I'm on an open-ended, spontaneous journey. Not interested in going anywhere to take a picture for popularity or social standing, "hey look where I am," kind of places. After 20 years, I will have a collection of unique experiences that nobody else has ever had or will ever have on this planet. That's the goal! I've already met people from over 20 countries, been invited to stay with new friends all over the world, had many surprises and cool coincidences happen, found a little romance and this is just 2 weeks into my trip (keeping in mind I was sick for one of those weeks)! And not a single IG post, hehe! Cheers!

[@mari.johnson]

What's cool about travel is that everyone can do it their own way and there's no "right" way. Enjoy your experiences!

[@A-Oreal]

The place looks great...and I hope they care and monitoring the peak closely. Just like Cali's Yosemite.

[@AffinityAdventure]

I love this hike! The views you get for how easy the hike is are amazing! This one and hooker valley!

[@mari.johnson]

Yeah true! 😊

[@jeniposternack5796]

I just read about the massacre... i really hope you are okay😨 i would be so terrified .. stay safe girl 💪

[@mari.johnson]

Thanks 💕 Such a horrible and heartbreaking thing

[@woghole2360]

I like your Patagonia wear. where can you buy that?

[@mari.johnson]

Thanks! Here's the one I have: geni.us/IXn1 I got Nick's in the states. I usually look around and buy them on sale 😊

[@Y2J]

thanks for making this video, I've been thinking bout doing it, but crikey... 16km return... that's even more than hooker glacier lake... long long walk...

[@mari.johnson]

Mt Iron is a good one for a shorter alternative!

[@willosborne5590]

Great vid. I’m from here and learn more from this than have lived here for ever lol

[@mari.johnson]

haha happy to share it with you!

[@LeighAnneMarie]

Wow it truly is beautiful but such a bummer about people leaving trash and the less than respectful drone flying. I agree about their being issues with over saturation due to Instagram that we need to be careful about

[@mari.johnson]

Yeah the Instagram and social media thing is so tricky, but I guess awareness is the first step.

[@daisypets5694]

I can tell you are kind of like me, unsure of where we stand on the morality of showing others hikes and making them 'Instagram Hot Spots'. I think it is amazing to share nature with people, and see others really enjoying what New Zealand has to offer, but on the other hand, I like nothing more than a hike where there are no people. I am kind of lucky though, I am off to the South Island for a month in April with my dog, and because of him, I have had to find less popular hikes to explore since the popular ones don't often allow dogs. This means we will hopefully be hiking in spots that are more remote, and private :)

[@mari.johnson]

Yes, it's so conflicting. I see both sides, because on one hand I'm so happy people are going out on hikes. Sounds like a fun trip you have planned with your dog! Have a great time!

[@BigPanddaa]

You got the accent aye !!

[@homersimpson5964]

Instagram has destroyed the world.

[@jeymcbride8623]

Only the sheep allowed to trash the place!

[@cheekykent]

it is amazing, but tourists are ruining it. tourism is ruining nz's beauty

[@tugreenaway9448]

its aotearoa not new Zealand

[@الرحال-ذ4ث]

مشرقه.دائما.

[@mari.johnson]

sorry, this one didn't work in google translate

[@tugreenaway9448]

he not Maori..he a peasant immigrant European