Rob Roy Glacier Track

The Rob Roy Glacier Track leads you into Mount Aspiring National Park, an amazing world of mountains, glaciers, river valleys and alpine lakes.

From Wānaka, the experience begins with a one-hour drive along the beautiful Matukituki Valley into the national park.

At the road's end, the track follows Rob Roy Stream through beech forest. Enjoy waterfalls and the luxuriant understorey of ferns and mosses. At the tree line, the forest gives way to alpine vegetation and spectacular views of the hanging glaciers beneath Mount Rob Roy.

The glaciers are active - from your safe viewing point you can watch and listen for avalanches and other signs of movement. The walk to the viewing point is mostly uphill, but the incline is gradual. If you eat lunch at the viewing point, be aware that the kea (mountain parrots) can be very persistent but should not be fed.

Getting there

• The track starts at the Raspberry Creek car park, 54 km west of Wānaka on the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road. The last 30 km are unsealed and the last 10 km is subject to washouts and flooded creeks that can be impassable.
• Transport services from Wānaka to the car park are available.

Need to know

• An unstable slip on the lower section of the track has a steep drop-off.
• The weather in this area can be unpredictable and alpine conditions can arrive at any time of year – take appropriate clothing, and check weather and road conditions before you go. Mount aspiring National Park weather forecast.
• This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information and the terrain rating for this track.