Rob Roy Glacier Track
A breathtaking hike in Mount Aspiring National Park, offering stunning glacier views, waterfalls, and alpine scenery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light and fewer crowds
Rob Roy Glacier Track
Best Time
Best light and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking hike in Mount Aspiring National Park, offering stunning glacier views, waterfalls, and alpine scenery.
"One of the best tracks we've done so far in New Zealand!"
🚗 4WD Recommended for Road
The 30km gravel road has creek crossings; 4WD offers more confidence, though sedans can manage carefully.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
No water sources on the track. Stay hydrated, especially on the uphill sections.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rob Roy Glacier Viewpoint
Upper Outlook
Witness the majestic Rob Roy Glacier, a truly unforgettable sight. The effort is rewarded with dramatic alpine scenery.
Cascading Waterfalls
Along the Track
Be mesmerized by numerous waterfalls tumbling down cliffs, adding to the trail's natural beauty.
Alpine Meadows and Valleys
Mid-Track
Trek through lush forests and open alpine valleys, offering stunning panoramic views.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
The Road to Rob Roy
Hike Smart, Hike Prepared
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4WD Recommended for Road
The 30km gravel road has creek crossings; 4WD offers more confidence, though sedans can manage carefully.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
No water sources on the track. Stay hydrated, especially on the uphill sections.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The track has rocky sections and can be steep. Hiking boots or sturdy trainers are essential.
☁️ Weather Can Change Fast
Be prepared for rapid weather shifts. Layers are crucial for comfort and safety.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4WD Recommended for Road
The 30km gravel road has creek crossings; 4WD offers more confidence, though sedans can manage carefully.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
No water sources on the track. Stay hydrated, especially on the uphill sections.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The track has rocky sections and can be steep. Hiking boots or sturdy trainers are essential.
☁️ Weather Can Change Fast
Be prepared for rapid weather shifts. Layers are crucial for comfort and safety.
📱 Download Offline Maps
No cell service for hours. Ensure you have offline maps for navigation.
⬆️ Steady Uphill Climb
The hike is mostly uphill to the upper viewpoint. Pace yourself and enjoy the journey.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Rob Roy Glacier Track for its absolutely stunning glacier and waterfall views, calling it one of the best hikes in New Zealand. The moderate difficulty and manageable 3-4 hour duration make it accessible, though the drive on the gravel road and creek crossings can be a challenge for some vehicles. The uphill nature of the track is noted, but the payoff at the viewpoints is universally considered worth the effort.
"Track starts near the car park. Plenty of space to park. Last part of the road is not good and there are some water stream ls that you have to cross with vehicle. So its better to have 4wd. I went with small yaris car and it was fine. But recommend to have a 4wd. View is amazing. Have some hiking poles it will helps when you are coming back. I went during the summer. No idea about how it will be during the winter."
Malitha Basuri
"This is a fantastic hike with stunning scenery from start to finish! The track isn’t too long—about 3 hours for a round trip—making it accessible for most hikers. The parking lot is quite big, so finding a spot was not an issue for us, but we were not there in the Summer busy period. There are toilets available at the start, which is always a plus.
The trail itself is beautiful, with a mix of lush forest, waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain views. There are two main viewpoints: the first one offers a great perspective, but if you hike 30 minutes further, you’ll reach an even more spectacular higher viewpoint. The effort is definitely worth it!
The highlight of the hike is the stunning glacier at the end—an unforgettable sight. Highly recommend this track for anyone looking for a rewarding and scenic adventure!"
Victoria
"One of the best tracks we've done so far in New Zealand! While the beginning might feel a bit slow and uneventful, everything changes once you reach the first viewpoint — that’s when the real beauty begins to unfold. The trail is a steady ascent, so you’ll be climbing uphill the whole way up. On the way back, however, it’s a smooth downhill journey. Along the way, you’ll encounter a mix of stairs and some rocky sections where you'll have to do a bit of scrambling, which adds to the adventure. The glacier is absolutely massive, and the waterfalls along the route are nothing short of breathtaking. The entire hike takes about three hours in total, and the difficulty level is moderate, making it accessible for most people. It's an unforgettable experience that combines stunning natural scenery with a bit of a physical challenge. Only point which is a little annoying is the drive to the track which is around 45 min on a gravel road"
Kristin Faltin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The track is accessed via the Matukituki Valley Road, about a 30km drive from Wanaka. This road is unsealed and corrugated, with several shallow creek crossings. While many cars can manage it, a 4WD is recommended for added security, especially after rain. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour from the main road to the Raspberry Flat Carpark.
The track is generally open year-round, but can be closed due to weather conditions, especially snow and ice in winter. It's always best to check the official DOC (Department of Conservation) website for any alerts or closures before you go.
Yes, it's possible to drive a regular car, even a sedan or hatchback, to the Raspberry Flat Carpark. However, be prepared for a bumpy ride on the gravel road and take extra care when crossing the fords. Some travelers have reported making it without issues, while others recommend a 4WD for peace of mind.
There is no direct public transport to the Rob Roy Glacier Track. You will need your own vehicle or to arrange a shuttle service from Wanaka.
The Raspberry Flat Carpark is the trailhead for the Rob Roy Glacier Track and other walks in the area. It's a large parking area with toilets available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Rob Roy Glacier Track and Mount Aspiring National Park is free. There are no admission fees or tickets required for this hike.
The track is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, it's advisable to start your hike with enough daylight to complete it safely. Check DOC for any specific park access times.
Mount Aspiring National Park does not have an entrance fee. Access to the park and its tracks, including the Rob Roy Glacier Track, is free of charge.
No booking is required for the Rob Roy Glacier Track as it is a free, public access trail. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Raspberry Flat Carpark.
No permits are required for day hiking the Rob Roy Glacier Track. It's a popular day hike within Mount Aspiring National Park.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Rob Roy Glacier Track is approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) return and typically takes 3 to 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the viewpoints.
The track is generally considered moderate. It involves a steady uphill climb to the upper viewpoint, with some steeper sections and rocky terrain. It's well-maintained but not smooth.
You'll experience a dramatic alpine landscape with stunning views of cliffs, meadows, waterfalls, rivers, and the impressive Rob Roy Glacier itself. The track winds through forest before opening up to alpine vistas. 
Yes, there are toilets available at the start of the track at the Raspberry Flat Carpark. There are no facilities along the trail itself.
Yes, many find the Rob Roy Glacier Track to be family-friendly due to its moderate difficulty and relatively short duration. However, younger children might find the uphill sections challenging.
📸 📸 Photography
The upper viewpoint offers the most iconic shots of the Rob Roy Glacier. Don't miss the numerous waterfalls along the way, and the alpine meadows provide beautiful landscape photography opportunities.
Morning light often provides softer, more dramatic lighting for the glacier and surrounding peaks. However, the views are stunning throughout the day. Consider the direction of the sun for your desired effect.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient to capture the beauty of the Rob Roy Glacier. However, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive alpine scenery.
Drone usage is generally restricted in New Zealand National Parks to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. Always check the latest DOC regulations before flying a drone.
You can capture wide shots of the glacier against the mountain backdrop, close-ups of the ice formations (from a safe distance), and shots of the glacier's meltwater rivers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The trail offers a mix of forest, waterfalls, and stunning glacier views, keeping younger hikers engaged. However, be prepared for the steady uphill climb, which might require some encouragement for very young children. Ensure everyone has comfortable walking shoes and plenty of snacks and water. The drive on the gravel road can be bumpy, so consider this if traveling with very young children who might be sensitive to motion. 🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
While the gravel road requires careful driving, it's a common route for many road-trippers. Consider it a scenic drive that leads to a spectacular payoff. Many combine this hike with other nearby attractions like the Secret Sauna NZ for a perfect day out. ⛰️ Hikers Seeking Views
+1 The steady ascent rewards you with panoramic vistas that are truly breathtaking. While it's not an extreme trek, it offers enough of a challenge to feel rewarding, especially with the stunning payoff at the upper viewpoint. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Gravel Road
It's crucial to be prepared for a lack of cell service for an extended period during this drive. Downloading offline maps of the area is highly advised.
The drive can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour from the main road to the Raspberry Flat Carpark, so factor this into your timing. Despite the road's condition, the stunning scenery that unfolds as you drive deeper into Mount Aspiring National Park makes the journey worthwhile for many. Key Takeaway: While not impossible in a standard car, a 4WD significantly enhances the ease and peace of mind when tackling the gravel road to Rob Roy Glacier. Always check recent road conditions if possible and drive cautiously.
The Hike: What to Expect on the Trail
+1The trail itself is well-maintained but can be uneven, featuring some rocky sections and wooden staircases.
Pro-Tip: Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and steep in places. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities on the track itself. Layers are essential, as the weather can change quickly in the alpine environment.
Capturing the Glacier's Majesty
Beyond the glacier, the track is dotted with numerous waterfalls that tumble down the sheer rock faces. These offer fantastic opportunities for capturing dynamic shots, especially with a slightly longer exposure to create a silky water effect.
The alpine meadows and valleys also provide picturesque backdrops, with opportunities for landscape photography that showcase the rugged beauty of Mount Aspiring National Park. Photography Tips: Aim for morning light for softer, more dramatic illumination on the glacier. Be mindful of the changing weather; dramatic skies can add to the mood of your photos. Remember to also capture the details – the textures of the rocks, the vibrant green of the moss, and the power of the glacial meltwater.
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