We did the loop counter-clockwise. We knew it would be more difficult going in that direction but felt going up the steeper incline would be easier on bad knees. Below is Mount Iron seen from across Lake Wanaka while we were on the lakeshore walk.
The Mount Iron track is on the edge of town. You can walk or drive to the trailhead; there’s a good-sized carpark. We walked from our hotel. The track started with a long, flat stretch across the face of the mountain. Then it headed steeply uphill, often narrow and rocky. Most of the other walkers we saw were coming from the opposite direction.
The views on the side are expansive, but not the lake views you get on the other side.
As we got closer to the top we started to see views of the lakes. Lake Wanaka was always in view. Sometimes we could also see Lake Hawea on the other side of The Neck.
Once at the top there are glorious 360° views.
The trail down the lake side of the mountain is wider and better maintained, though there are still some rocky spots. And you get the lovely lake views all the way down. If you want to minimize effort and maximize views, just take that way up and back.
As you get lower you start seeing the town of Wanaka spread out at the south end of Lake Wanaka. It was a tiring hike — we definitely got a workout — but not exhausting. Shoes with decent tread should help with the rocks.
