Getting there and what to see and do
Rob Roy Glacier walk
Explore one of New Zealand’s unforgettable day trek into the wilderness of Mt Aspiring National Park. Nature’s display includes beautiful mountain beech forest, bubbling creeks and high country tussock. The Rob Roy Glacier walk has lower and upper lookouts offering views of Rob Roy Glacier and waterfalls cascading from sheer cliffs.
- Start: Raspberry Flat Car Park, Mt Aspiring National Park
- Time: 4-5 hours return to the bush line / glacier viewpoint
- Distance: 10 km
- Grade: Well formed track, moderate – good fitness levels required due to the need to constantly climb upwards towards the lookouts and the steps.
Check out Unforgettable Rob Roy day walk for details.
Check avalanche.net.nz if planning a trip in this area between May and November.
How to get to the Rob Roy Glacier walk?
Allow an additional 1 hour driving time (54 km gravel road for the last section) from Wanaka to reach the car park entrance. The popular summer walk is offered as a guided day trip by local Wanaka operators and a shuttle service to the car park operates. Check with the local visitor centre for up to date safety and track information. Check road conditions before you leave by contacting the Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre.
Need a vehicle to see Wanaka’s top sights and attractions?
Wanaka offers visitors plenty of things to do
- Taking a selfie and it’s not always on Roys Peak or #thatwanakatree
- Walking, strolling or hiking the choice is yours. The scenery provides the magic.
- Bike, cycle and explore Otago from Wanaka
- Adventure classics find where AJ Hackett and bungy jumping started
- Next Chapter bookshop and culture is alive and well in Wanaka
- Wine trails and vineyards with drop dead gorgeous views
- Shopping, retail therapy. Main street shopping is alive and well in Wanaka. Individual boutique owner operated premises welcome visitors
- Road trips on iconic highways
- Eat, drink and sip craft brew or perhaps a gin
- Explore the South Island’s majestic alpine landscapes and rest, revive and unwind in one of New Zealand’s premier resort towns, Wanaka, Otago.
… find out more about Wanaka nature’s adventure playground, attractions and things to do – Best Bits
Rob Roy Glacier walk, Wanaka
A swing bridge is a clear indication you are on the correct track. The bridge is located 15 min from the Raspberry Creek car park crosses the Matukituki River West Branch downstream from the Rob Roy Stream junction.
An indicator you are on the correct track for the Rob Roy Glacier Walk is 15 minutes from the Raspberry Flat car park is a swing bridge which you will cross over the the West Matukituki River. The track then climbs through a gorge into shaded beech forest.
- Length 10 km return
- Duration 4 hours
- Grade Easy / moderate with ascents and descents, firm surface
- Seasonal restrictions Access is restricted to the lower lookout when avalanche danger is present May to November.
- No dogs
The track is located in the larger Mount Aspiring National Park, 54 km from Wanaka. The park was formed in 1964 and makes up 356,181 hectares of stunningly beautiful wilderness.
Department of Conservation guidelines
Be safe and beware – this is mountain country
- Take warm clothing and raincoat, sunhat and sunscreen, something to eat and drink and strong footwear.
- Mountain weather can change quickly. Check the Arthurs Pass National Park weather forecast – NIWA website (external site).
- Walking on tracks and routes above the bushline (the upper edge of the forest) is recommended only in good weather conditions.
Your safety is your responsibility. Stay safe in the outdoors by following the Land Safety Code.
Tell someone your plans, including when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned, by using the Outdoors Intentions form.
The upper lookout point offers sweeping views although it is very exposed especially if you are perched on the convenient large boulders. The TOILETS are located just before the lookout. There are toilets and picnic tables at the Raspberry Flat trailhead and car park.
Summer is ideal with early autumn (late March / early April) dependent on weather conditions. The walk is not suitable in winter as avalanche conditions can prevail.
Raspberry Creek Car Park and Facilities is the trailhead for a number of DOC managed tracks. There is a toilet block, shelter with picnic tables and extensive information panels.
As with most hikes into the wilderness your mobile phone will be out of wifi range. DOWNLOAD any maps or information required beforehand.
Check out what else you can do in Wanaka and the Matukituki Valley, travel the slow lane and revel in the remote beauty of the New Zealand Southern Alps.
Mount Aspiring National Park Weather Forecast
It is essential walkers consult the local mountain weather forecast and unpredictable weather is a given.
The Department of Conservation manages the Tititea / Mt Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre in Wanaka. The address is 1 Ballantyne Road, Wanaka.
Skiers on Treble Cone ski field will catch glimpses of the Matukituki Valley.
In winter the gravel road to Rob Roy Glacier walk, fords several small creeks which in the spring melt can rise rapidly.
This walk is part of the New Zealand unforgettable day walks series.
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