Hike Isthmus Peak

The Isthmus Peak Track is a 16km out-and-back hike to the summit of Isthmus Peak (1,385 meters), where you get great views of Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. The track starts off the Lake Hawea section of SH6, about a 30 minute drive from Wanaka Township, and there's a yellow 'Isthmus Peak' signpost at the carpark. From the bottom, you follow a poled route along the true right of Stewart Creek that eventually turns into a 4WD track. It's an 8km climb up a steep, completely exposed path to the skyline ridge. After an amble along the ridge you get to the summit. It's an unrelenting uphill tramp, but it's worth the effort. It can be really windy, but on a clear day the views are incredible. It can also be mountain biked, but you'll need to be pretty fit to enjoy it!