Rob Roy Glacier Track | An Easy Hike With Stellar Views
If you’re looking for a day hike that will knock your socks off, you must add Rob Roy Glacier to your itinerary! The unforgettable adventure kicks off the moment you leave Wanaka and drive into the breathtaking Matukituki Valley, becoming more incredible with every passing moment.
The Matukituki Valley in Mount Aspiring National Park consistently beckons us back with its breathtaking views and over time, we’ve completed almost every main trail within the area. While many of the hikes demand more than a day to complete, the Rob Roy Glacier Track offers a taste of this dramatic landscape in an easy day trip from Wanaka!
The Rob Roy Glacier Track takes you on a journey through enchanting beech forests and allows you to stand beneath one of the most impressive hanging glaciers we’ve witnessed. But the best part is, the hike to Rob Roy Glacier is accessible for anyone from budding adventurers to experienced hikers!
Our comprehensive guide covers all you need to know about hiking the Rob Roy Glacier Track. We’ve included handy tips on getting there, the best times to visit, and what essentials to pack. You’ll also find detailed trail notes with plenty of images to ignite your excitement!
Note: The Rob Roy Glacier Track is currently closed due to bridge upgrades that are underway. These are estimated to be finished by summer 2024/2025, but no definitive date has been given. There is no legitimate alternative track to reach the Rob Roy Glacier lookout, but you can glimpse the monstrous glacier from the West Matukituki Track, about 20 minutes from the car park.
If you’re an experienced hiker and the river levels are very low, there is a place where you can cross the Matukituki River approximately 5 minutes after the bridge (there are older trail markers that mark this spot). This section of the river is broad and usually below knee height, allowing you to cross the various streams with ease. You can then meet up with the track that’s visible from the river, where a picnic seat is located.
However, if the river is flowing fast, dirty in colour, or higher than ankle to knee height, then don’t attempt to cross. If you get swept downstream, you’ll head straight for the fierce boulder-strewn rapids near the bridge.
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Important Information About Hiking The Rob Roy Glacier Track In Mt Aspiring National Park
Quick Statistics For The Rob Roy Glacier Track
Distance
11.5 km return
Time
3 – 4 hrs
Navigation Difficulty
Easy
Trail Difficulty
Moderate
Physical Effort
Moderate
Elevation Gain
472 m
Highest Elevation
765 m
Entrance Fees
None
Facilities
Trailhead: car park, toilet, shelter, untreated water
On The Trail: Toilet between first and second viewpoint
Where Does The Rob Roy Glacier Track Start?
Rob Roy Glacier covers the steep slopes beneath the mighty Rob Roy Peak in Mount Aspiring National Park. Access to the head of Rob Roy Valley, where a viewpoint allows you to gaze up at the imposing hanging glacier, begins from Raspberry Creek Car Park in the Matukituki Valley.
Raspberry Creek Car Park is located at the end of Wanaka Mt Aspiring Rd, approximately an hour’s drive northwest of Wanaka. It features a toilet block, untreated water, and a picnic shelter. This car park is the starting point for many hikes in the Matukituki Valley, such as Aspiring Hut, French Ridge Hut and Shotover Saddle.
How To Get To Raspberry Creek Car Park
While thankfully not as popular as Roys Peak, Rob Roy Glacier still gains its fair share of interest from travellers and locals alike. Although this means you might have to share the peaceful trail with others, it also means that there are public transport and tour options for this hike.
If possible, we still recommend driving to Raspberry Creek Car Park to enjoy the peaceful trail on your own. If you’re in need of a rental car, Discover Cars is our go-to for the best deals and customer service.
Public Transport From Wanaka To Raspberry Creek Car Park
Wanaka Transfers is a reliable, local shuttle company based in Wanaka. They offer shared and private transfers from Wanaka Lakefront to Raspberry Creek Car Park twice a day, operating from the 1st of October to the 30th of June.
Shared Transfers need at least 4 participants and cost $55 NZD per person for a one-way trip. Departures from Wanaka Lakefront are at 8 am and 1:45 pm, with return trips from Raspberry Creek Car Park at 9:15 am and 3 pm daily. Taking the 8 am shuttle gives you ample time to complete the hike to Rob Roy Glacier before the 3 pm return shuttle.
*Prices and times are current as of September 2024, check the Wanaka Transfer website for up-to-date details before planning your trip.
Driving From Wanaka To Raspberry Creek Car Park
The drive to Raspberry Creek Car Park is an adventure in itself, leading you deep into the majestic Matukituki Valley via a winding, partially dirt road laden with fords and corrugation.
To begin, you’ll simply head west out of Wanaka along Wanaka Mt Aspiring Rd. After roughly 22 km, just past the Aspiring Helicopters complex, the road becomes unsealed. Aside from some corrugation and roaming livestock, the drive is easy until the final 10 km. This is where you’ll encounter several fords that you must cross.
During the drier months, the fords are generally shallow enough for 2WD vehicles to easily cross. However, after heavy rain or snowmelt, these can swell and become impassable for smaller cars. For this reason, a 4WD is recommended outside of the summer season.
There is no phone reception once you pass Aspiring Helicopters so make sure to check the road conditions and weather forecast before leaving Wanaka. To check the status of the road, visit The Wanaka App Reports page.
Click Here For Directions To Raspberry Creek Car Park
Note: Google Maps estimates that the drive from Wanaka to Raspberry Creek Car Park takes 2 hours, which is quite excessive for the 52 km distance! This would require driving at an average speed of 15 km/hr on the 30 km of dirt road. A more realistic timeframe is 1 hour, or 1.5 hours if you’re not familiar with winding country roads.
How Hard Is The Rob Roy Glacier Hike?
The Rob Roy Glacier Track is a magical hike suitable for various skill levels. It provides a fun challenge for families and beginners and an enjoyable trek for seasoned hikers – with a view at the end that will not disappoint
For the most part, the Rob Roy Glacier Track consists of wide paths and stairs that weave through the dense beech forests and rugged sub-alpine terrain. The ascent is generally gradual, with only a few steeper parts.
That being said, there are occasional rocky streams and rough roots to navigate. But they’re all easily manageable for most. If you’re a beginner, take your time and follow the trail markers along the easiest route.
Navigation On The Rob Roy Glacier Track
Navigating the Rob Roy Glacier Track is straightforward thanks to the well-worn paths and numerous trail markers. Each track junction is clearly signed to help you stay on the right path and you’ll encounter two viewpoints along the way, each providing some information about Rob Roy Glacier.
What To Pack For The Rob Roy Glacier Track
The Rob Roy Glacier Track takes an average of 3 – 4 hours to complete, making it an easy half-day adventure from Wanaka. We suggest packing some food and plenty of water for the journey, as you won’t find any shops or clean drinking water in the Matukituki Valley.
A pair of grippy hiking shoes or trail runners are ideal for this hike, but any pair of runners will suffice if you don’t own any. However, the trail is often icy and muddy in winter, so waterproof hiking boots are more suited at this time – plus, they’ll keep your feet extra warm!
Here is a list of the essentials we recommend packing for the Rob Roy Glacier Track:
- Insect repellent – the sandflies are relentless here, we’ve found that the only thing that works is repellent with 40% DEET.
- 2 – 3 litres of water – you can grab some lightweight, tough and affordable reusable water bottles from Macpac
- High-energy snacks and lunch – something simple like a pre-made wrap and some muesli bars are our go-to for short day hikes
- Emergency beacon – there is no mobile service along this trek so we recommend packing an emergency beacon, you can rent one from the DOC visitor centre or the Macpac store in Wanaka
- First aid kit – it’s always good to have a small first aid kit handy when you’re heading into the mountains
- Rain jacket – this region is notorious for surprise rainstorms
- Warm layer – it can get cold unexpectedly in the mountains, so we recommend carrying a fleece jacket in summer and a down jacket in winter
- Hiking poles – these do wonders in saving energy on the uphill and your knees on the downhill
Best Time To Hike The Rob Roy Glacier Track
The Rob Roy Glacier Track is accessible all year, but the best time to visit is from September to May. In winter, the road to Raspberry Creek Car Park can sometimes close due to ice, snow, or flooded streams. Nonetheless, if you’re an experienced hiker and you have a 4WD then winter will offer an incredible – though slightly more challenging – adventure.
Furthermore, access to the upper lookout is restricted when there is a risk of avalanches. This typically occurs from May to November.
Personally, our favourite times to visit the Rob Roy Glacier Viewpoint are late Autumn or mid-Spring. The trail is often quieter during these times and you have a good chance of witnessing the surrounding mountains capped with snow.
Best Time Of Day To Hike The Rob Roy Glacier Track
For the best experience – and photos – we highly recommend starting your walk to Rob Roy Glacier as early as possible. The morning light illuminates the glacier, providing a breathtaking scene. Not to mention, most visitors will arrive later so you could just have the trail to yourself!
Rob Roy Glacier Track Notes
Raspberry Creek Car Park To The Swing Bridge
Leaving Raspberry Creek Car Park, you’ll jump onto the West Matukituki Track and head west towards Aspiring Hut. Shortly after leaving the car park, you’ll cross over a footbridge and continue following the private farm road that trails alongside the Matukituki River.
After meandering through the lush farm pastures for 1.5 km, you’ll reach a swing bridge and a track junction. While the West Matukituki Track continues west, you’ll cross the swing bridge to join the Rob Roy Glacier Track.
The Swing Bridge To The Lower Rob Roy Glacier Viewpoint
Stop for a moment on the swing bridge to admire the majestic mountain views, beautifully framed by the snaking turquoise river. When you reach the other side, you’ll immediately enter the forested foothills of Homestead Peak and traverse along a wide gravel path to the mouth of Rob Roy Valley.
Before long, you’ll come to a clearing with a seat that overlooks the Matukituki Valley. After taking advantage of this perfect picture spot, continue following the rocky path as it swings north and begins to ascend into a verdant beech forest.
The trail weaves beneath the shady canopy, with roots and loose rock sporadically scattered across the path. As you continue to gain elevation, you’ll catch glimpses of the cavernous gorge beside you, where enormous boulders form an obstacle course for the glacial-blue stream flowing towards the Matukituki River.
You’ll pass several small creeks along the way, all of which were easy to cross without getting our feet wet, and climb a winding set of steps before finally arriving at the first viewpoint after another 3 km.
The Lower Viewpoint To The Upper Viewpoint
While you caught snippets of Rob Roy Glacier on the way to the first viewpoint, they are nothing compared to what you’ll witness from this small clearing. An enormous waterfall free falls from the precipitous cliff beneath Rob Roy Peak, with the extensive hanging glacier filling the steep slope behind.
After enjoying the views and having a brief rest on the bench seats at the lower viewpoint, head back to the track to start the last 1.5 km to the upper viewpoint. The trail becomes slightly more challenging from this point on, with additional rocks and roots thrown in, but it’s all a thousand times worth it for what’s to come!
You’ll navigate through a boulder-strewn stream, carefully picking your path and following the orange trail markers to find the easiest route. Eventually, you’ll reach a second bouldered section and emerge into a clearing, where the gigantic glacier dominates the horizon.
You’ll wander along for another 500 m, trying not to trip as you gape at the soaring mountains, until arriving at the final viewpoint after roughly 1.5 – 2 hours.
Exploring The Upper Rob Roy Glacier Viewpoint
All around you, waterfalls plunge from the grey rock faces beneath the Rob Roy Glacier. If you’re lucky, you may hear the glacier cracking and groaning, or even witness a small avalanche tumbling down its icy slopes.
The grassy expanse allows for easy exploration around the head of Rob Roy Valley, allowing you to gain various perspectives of the breathtaking landscape. Just remember to be mindful of fragile vegetation and stick to rocks or worn paths.
Returning To The Trailhead
When you can finally tear yourself away from the magical landscape, return along the same track back to the Raspberry Creek Car Park. You’ll find a drop toilet 500 m from the upper viewpoint, but you may need to pack your own toilet paper.
The walk back to the car park was a little faster compared to the walk to Rob Roy Glacier and we completed the return journey in 3.5 hours – including plenty of stops along the way to admire the magnificent vistas.
Other Important Information For Hiking The Rob Roy Glacier Track
Leave No Trace
The Matukituki Valley is a truly breathtaking display of glacial activity and home to scores of thriving native forests. To ensure that we protect this beautiful landscape and allow the vegetation to thrive, we need to all do our part by leaving no trace.
It’s as simple as taking your rubbish with you – including food scraps and tissues – and using the toilets available at the car park and along the track. Furthermore, stay on the trail as much as possible, and if you can’t, walk on rocks and grass to avoid damaging fragile plants.
For more information on how to limit your footprint and protect our natural environments, check out our guide to understanding the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.
Where To Stay Near The Rob Roy Glacier Track
The closest town to the Rob Roy Glacier trailhead is Wanaka, which happens to be our favourite place in New Zealand! You could easily dedicate a week to Wanaka, exploring its trails and the many activities available in the area.
Alternatively, Queenstown is just two hours from Raspberry Creek Car Park, making a day trip to Rob Roy Glacier quite feasible. Queenstown is a popular base for travellers exploring New Zealand’s South Island, equipped with an airport and plenty of fun and adventurous things to do nearby.
Our top recommendation for places to stay in Wanaka is The Hidden Spring, an adorable and budget-friendly studio apartment just a few minutes drive from the town centre.
For more suggestions and advice on the best areas to stay in Wanaka, check out our guide to finding the best places to stay in Wanaka.
Camping Near Rob Roy Glacier
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to camping near the Rob Roy Glacier trailhead. In fact, you can free-camp directly at the trailhead in Raspberry Creek Car Park if you’re travelling in a certified self-contained campervan! This is the ideal option if you want to experience sunrise from the upper viewpoint.
However, if you’d rather be closer to Wanaka and enjoy some creature comforts like a hot shower, we recommend staying at Glendhu Bay Holiday Park. It’s an affordable caravan park situated on Lake Wanaka, between Wanaka and the Matukituki Valley.
For more information about where to camp near Wanaka, take a look at our guide to the best campsites in Wanaka next.
Final Thoughts
Rob Roy Glacier was one of our absolute favourite day hikes near Wanaka. Everything from the drive to the trailhead to the diverse views on the trail blew us away. If possible, we highly recommend spending more time in the Matukituki Valley and including the Rob Roy Glacier Track as a side trip.
For beginners or those stepping into intermediate hiking, consider staying overnight at Aspiring Hut, and visiting Rob Roy Glacier either on your way there or back. If you’re an experienced hiker, take your pick from French Ridge Hut, Liverpool Hut, Shotover Saddle, or Cascade Saddle, listed in order from easiest to most challenging.
We hope you found our guide to hiking the Rob Roy Glacier Track insightful. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out by dropping a comment below or contacting us via Instagram DMs.
Happy Hiking 🙂
