Rob Roy Glacier Track

One of the most varied one-day walks in New Zealand, bringing you face-to-face with awe-inspiring glaciers, river valleys and Alpine lakes.

Where is it?

54km/one hour’s scenic drive west of Wānaka, inside of Mt Aspiring National Park. Transport services from Wānaka to the car park are available. Some rental car companies don’t insure for this road, and it is not suitable for low or large campervans or vehicles either.

Terrain

Passing through farmland, rainforest and across swing bridges. Some sections have steep drop-offs.

Good to know

There is no mobile coverage so Personal Locator Beacons are encouraged. Also check avalanche conditions with DOC in winter months before doing this walk; usually between May to November.

4hr; 12.5km return from car park

Moderate fitness required, OK for older children

Some steps and steep/rough sections

No dogs and No drones

TRACK OVERVIEW

Start the walk from the Raspberry Creek car park on the Wānaka-Mt Aspiring Road. Head through open farmland in the main Matukituki Valley then cross the swing bridge to enter the rainforest of the Rob Roy Valley. There's a limit to the number people allowed on the swing bridges at any one time – be prepared to wait at each end if numbers allowed have been reached. The track weaves through the beautiful rainforest and beside the Rob Roy stream for some of the way until you come out into the Alpine zone, with stunning views of the Rob Roy Glacier at the head of the valley. The viewing point is a great place to stop for lunch, but do not feed the persistent kea (mountain parrots). Return via the same track.

Alpine conditions can arrive at any time of year – take appropriate clothing and check conditions before you go.

Mt Aspiring National Park © Small World Productions