Last Updated: 27th Jun 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Isthmus Peak

Wanaka, Otago

Submitted by Mal Law

Last Updated: 27th Jun 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 29 ?

Gnarl Factor: 26 ?

16.6km

1250m

1250m

1386m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Mountainous

Native bush

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

55%
25%
15%
5%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +15.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -15.0%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

4:30

Slow

3:15

Moderate

2:00

Fast

This is an easy-to-follow slog up and fun run down route.

From the car park cross the road and follow the poles alongside the road for maybe 100m - these lead you to the start of the track proper which is poled all the way to the summit. En route, you'll skirt a nice remnant stand of native beech and traverse across open farmland before starting the steady, occasionally steep, zig-zag ascent on the farm track.

When you reach 1340m altitude you'll come to an obvious junction with Isthmus Peak signposted right. Follow this trail, now quite rough, as it undulates along the ridge to terminate at the summit of Isthmus Peak. Drink in the stunning views, snap a few shots (not forgetting to post them later on this trail guide!) and head back down the way you came. A great day out with the satisfaction of bagging a significant peak thrown in for good measure!

Please note: This track is on private property and is closed annually from 20 Nov to 20 Dec. Please adhere to the regulations when visiting: Stay on the marked track, do not interact with the livestock, no dogs/drones/poaching/camping/paragliding/fires/graffiti/weapons permitted, and no littering rubbish. Thank you.

Stunning views all the way! They just get better as you get higher.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

There is a small car park at the side of the road - room for only 6-8 vehicles and as this track is becoming more popular it'd pay to get there early during the busy summer season

33 km

28 minutes

No

No

Easy.

Just follow the poles and signposts - easy.

Generally good.

Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries

There is NO water along the way - take your own and if planning a long day in summer make sure you have plenty of it.

Typical Otago - can be very hot in summer, very cold any time of year. In winter expect ice and snow, take micro-spikes in case.

Nothing out of the ordinary

Trail Legend

Paul Wieland

Paul Wieland

has completed Isthmus Peak twice in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

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Trail Reviews

Wonderful trail. Amazing views from the top.

Wolfgang Bach

April 25, 2023

Great alternative track to Roy’s Peak.
Similar track but in my opinion better views as have a 360° view of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea plus the southern alps.

Zavana McAffer

April 21, 2023

Absolutely amazing. A proper slog up and quite the temperature change at the top but boy those views are epic. First time I have slogged over 1000m climb on a training run and didn’t even realise it. Defo bring extra layers and enough hydration ;)

Tony Fallon

April 8, 2022

Absolutely beautiful. Much better than Roy’s Peak.

Mike Kerr

March 21, 2022

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Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.

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