Rob Roy Glacier Track: Glacier Day Walk Near Wānaka

Overview

The Rob Roy Track is an easy-to-moderate route into a dramatic alpine landscape in Mount Aspiring National Park, with snowfields, the Rob Roy Glacier, sheer rock cliffs and waterfalls. It's 10 km return (3–4 hours), and DOC says older children should be able to complete it.

The walk

1. About 15 minutes from the Raspberry Creek car park, cross a swing bridge over the West Matukituki River.
2. The track climbs through a small gorge into beech forest.
3. It emerges into alpine vegetation at the head of the valley, with views of the glacier, to the lower lookout.
4. It continues to the upper lookout, where the track ends. Don't go further, as the terrain beyond is dangerous.
5. Return the same way.

Swing bridges have a limit on how many people can be on them at once. Wait your turn.

Avalanche season: stop at the lower lookout (May–November)

The track crosses active avalanche paths between the lower and upper lookouts. Avalanches are most common from May to November and can reach the track even when you can't see snow from it. DOC strongly recommends ending your walk at the lower lookout during these months, unless you have avalanche training and rescue gear.

Getting there

• Raspberry Creek car park is 54 km west of Wānaka on the Wānaka–Mount Aspiring Road, about 1 hr 20 min. The last 30 km are gravel.
• There are several fords in the last 10 km. They rise in heavy rain and can become impassable even for 4WDs. After about 24 hours of little or no rain they're usually fine for 2WDs and campervans. If in doubt, check the depth on foot, or park before the last two fords and walk the final few hundred metres.
• The road can be closed after washouts. Check the DOC Wānaka & Queenstown Facebook page for road conditions.

Safety

• There are steep drop-offs in places, so take care.
• Alpine weather can arrive at any time of year. In winter and early spring, shaded sections get icy, so consider poles and good-grip footwear.
• Kea are often seen and heard in the valley. Don't feed them.

Private land

The road and the start of the track cross private farmland. Stay on the marked track, leave gates as you find them and avoid disturbing stock.

Good to know

No dogs. Combine the walk with a visit to Raspberry Flat and the wider Matukituki Valley.