This trip to Corner Peak, on the eastern side of Lake Hāwea, makes for a great day out and provides one of the best views of the lake’s surroundings. 

Access is tricky during winter, with extra ice on the shady slopes that will test crampons and ice axe skills. No ropes are required, but there’s steep ground once the marked Corner Peak Route ends, midway between Pts1371 and 1528. 

Camping to watch the sunrise or sunset is worthwhile, but there’s no water except for melted snow as the whole route follows the ridgeline.

The photo was taken on an early winter morning near Pt1410 on the Corner Peak Route. It shows Corner Peak at centre and Dingle Peak at far right. An inversion cloud shrouds Lake Hāwea. 

Out of shot, but directly to the west, the scene is dominated by the shark fin-like shape of Tititea/Mt Aspiring and the peaks of the seemingly endless Southern Alps.

On cold, short days when you’re likely to be the only one there, the reverberating silence and the beauty of the snowy peaks can be enjoyed without interruption. The view of the surrounding ranges, the Hunter Valley and lakes Wānaka and Hāwea is magnificent and well worth the effort.