Isthmus Peak
- Distance
- 14.8 km
- Vertical gain
- 1,176m
- Duration
- 0d5h1m
![Post and crowd at the summit](https://c123ac9d.albert-nz.pages.dev/_app/immutable/assets/PXL_20240420_030034442.D4zFMoKz.webp)
Isthmus Peak track is accessible from State Highway 6 just a few minutes’ drive north of Hāwea. There are multiple car parks opposite the trailhead. On the blissfully calm autumn day we visited, the track seemed only moderately busy. I imagine it must be heaving in the summer months, though presumably not to the level of Roys Peak.
Apart from a short bush-clad start, the route is almost entirely 4WD track through private farmland. We visited during the roar season and got to see a couple of stags fairly close to the track. They’re much tamer than deer I’ve experienced in the backcountry as they’re farmed for tourists who hunt them on site. This is a good reason to stay on the track!
After many switchbacks, the track straightens and levels somewhat for a beautiful tops approach to the summit.
![Approach to the summit](https://c123ac9d.albert-nz.pages.dev/_app/immutable/assets/PXL_20240420_031827163.YfLEGD7z.webp)
![Dramatic rock and tussock scenery along the tops](https://c123ac9d.albert-nz.pages.dev/_app/immutable/assets/PXL_20240420_014848258.CqptFTd3.webp)
The view from the top is truly panoramic, with great sight-lines over both Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka. Pride of place to the north is Mt Albert which sits above Albert Burn. We got a glimpse of the snowy peaks in Mt Aspiring National Park, too.
![Looking north from the summit over Lake Wānaka towards Mt Albert and the Makarora River](https://c123ac9d.albert-nz.pages.dev/_app/immutable/assets/PXL_20240420_021938070.1wjWgxHn.webp)
![Looking south from the summit. The small forested island is Mou Waho, which I have added to my list of places I want to camp!](https://c123ac9d.albert-nz.pages.dev/_app/immutable/assets/PXL_20240420_030050994.DmGgujaH.webp)
![View over Lake Hāwea on the descent](https://c123ac9d.albert-nz.pages.dev/_app/immutable/assets/PXL_20240420_041100577.6wSmC7Vx.webp)