Diamond Lake

Carved by Ice Age glaciers, the Diamond Lake Conservation Areas landscape stands out with native forest and shrubs nestling into bluff systems. These bluffs are very popular with rock climbers, especially in summer when there is an absence of ice on the southerly faces. The track begins at the carpark and follows an old road right through to Diamond Lake, and to this point only is mountain biking is permitted. You have two options here; the first is a lower level circuit that takes in the impressive Lake Wanaka viewpoint, encompassing great views of both the lakes and its islands. Warning: Sections of the lower circuit are steep and often slippery and require extreme care. Because of ice this track is not recommended during winter.The second option from the Diamond Lake viewing platform (many walkers do them both) is the upper level circuit that winds its way to the top of 775-metre Rocky Mountain. The views from here include the Southern Alps (Ka Tiritiri o Te Moana) and Mount Aspiring (Tititea).