オセアニアの絶景の山頂・トップ20

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and challenging experiences one can have on a bicycle and in the middle of the ocean! Setting off early in the morning from the quiet beach to reach the 4,207-meter summit of Mauna Kea is an immense satisfaction. The first part, from the city of Hilo up to a few kilometers before the Visitor Center at 2,700 meters, is relatively easy but also a bit monotonous. However, about a kilometer after taking the Mauna Kea Access Road, the gradient starts to rise steeply, often reaching double digits. Once you arrive at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station, after the mandatory stop at the Ranger Checkpoint, you can enjoy a well-deserved break and stock up on water before facing the toughest section of the entire climb. Immediately after the VIS begins a long stretch of unpaved road with sharp gradients and a surface that often offers little grip, putting even the strongest legs to the test. After this grueling segment, the ascent continues on asphalt again, but the slopes remain steep and the altitude begins to take its toll, making the final conquest of the summit truly a feat within a feat. Once you reach the long-awaited summit sign, you can finally take a deep breath of relief and admire—with a huge smile—the breathtaking view that awaits you. I traveled 31 hours to conquer this gem, and every bit of effort was more than worth it!

Start your hike as early as you can - on a fine day the summit can get pretty crowded in the late morning/early afternoon.

A superb experience. The highest point should not be climbed out of respect for the local religions.

From above you have a fantastic panoramic view of the city…

I would definitely recommend setting off around 2-3 hours (depending on your fitness and running speed) before sunrise. Headlamps are very helpful here. The climb is not an easy walk, but it is really worth it. In contrast to Roys Peak, you can see not only Lake Wanaka but also Lake Hāwea (over which the sun then rises). The climb is magical even at night (perhaps even better than during the day). If the visibility is clear, you will see the Milky Way as clearly and brightly as rarely anywhere else in the world. Clearly recommended over Roys Peak. Anyone looking for a real experience and not just an Instagram picture will be very happy here.

You don't necessarily have to start in Queenstown. We started in Fernhill and found it very nice. You sometimes have to watch out for mountain bikers

A short ride, lots of elevation, little traffic and stunning views.

Beautiful view