Mount Iron is an impressive, glacier carved, rocky knoll that rises nearly 250 m above the surrounding countryside. As a result, from the summit there are excellent 360-degree views of the The Pisa range, the Upper Clutha Basin, Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.
The track begins over the stile by the car park and taking the left fork, climbs through low kānuka shrubland on Mount Iron’s western side to the summit. After taking in the view and the information on the panels, follow the track to descend on the eastern side and return round the foot of the hill to the car park.
The track starts from a car park off SH84 (the main road into Wānaka from the east), just 2 km from town.
The track surface in parts is loose rock and some sections have been dug out by water run-off. We recommend using hiking shoes and walking poles.
Access to Mt Iron Scenic reserve crosses private land. The landowners have agreed that dogs are allowed on the track, but they must be on a leash.
Take extreme care when walking Mt Iron during winter due to ice and mud making the track very slippery in places.
Download the Wānaka Tracks App to help you choose the best track for you. Available on Apple and Android
