Peak 3: Roy’s Peak

From the wine country of Hawkes Bay for the orienteering Sprint the Bay competition, straight to Wanaka – one of the most picturesque places in New Zealand for the peak number three; Roy’s Peak.

After supporting at the Lake Wanaka half ironman the previous day, I decided to bag a peak on the Sunday morning after the event in the blistering sunshine.  Stunning views of Mt Aspiring national park and the Wanaka region, racing past lots of trampers up to the summit and passing them again on the way down – always with a smile. I even managed to meet a Hungarian traveller also running up to the summit, he was cycling around New Zealand from Auckland to the south – it’s amazing who you meet in the mountains…

Enjoyed this one; in a 1:18 summit time (climbing 1238m from the lake to the peak’s mast) and a pretty quick 39 minute descent back to the carpark.  There was definitely a bit of walking on the way to the top, the track was so steep in places but runnable enough to keep moving all the time.

This area is simply full of gorgeous mountains; some rocky, some snow peaked – Winter & skiing here we come!

Here’s to the next peak, probably somewhere in South Canterbury…

Bring it on!

M.