Conquering the Rob Roy Glacier Track in New Zealand: A Fusion of Adventure and Serenity

Rob Roy Glacier: Our Journey

The Rob Roy Track is truly the perfect blend of adventure and serenity. The stunning vistas will leave you in awe as you navigate each bend: sheep grazing in vibrant green pastures, winding trails through forests, majestic snow-capped cliffs, and the rare sight of an ancient glacier. This trail is relatively easy for most travelers, but the reward of reaching those breathtaking views at the summit is absolutely worth it. Note: We hiked in November (spring) while traveling in a campervan around New Zealand, and it was one of the best days of our trip.

Essential Information About the Rob Roy Track

• Distance: 10 KM round trip
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Trail Type: Out and back
• Facilities: Restrooms available at the parking lot
• Best Time to Go: Start early to enjoy the morning light and avoid crowds.

The Adventure Begins: Before the Hike!

Our journey commenced with a spectacular drive into Mount Aspiring National Park. Even if you don't hike to the destination, this drive is well worth it! It takes about 45 minutes to an hour from Wanaka to the Rob Roy trailhead. Keep in mind that the last 30 km of this road is gravel. Along the way, we had to cross a few river fords (depending on rainfall).

When it rains heavily, some crossings can be deep and require a high vehicle to navigate. If it hasn’t rained in the past 24 hours, things are usually quite manageable. We crossed nine river fords in our Jucy campervan. However, smaller vehicles were turning back; many parked before reaching the trailhead and opted to catch a ride in larger 4WD vehicles.

Stopover: Wishbone Falls

Our favorite stop along the way was Wishbone Falls: two magnificent waterfalls cascading down from the cliffs. We followed a short wooden path across the meadow to get closer to the water. Many people missed this stop, which is a shame because it’s absolutely beautiful!

The Rob Roy Track Trailhead

After conquering the river crossings (a real victory!), we arrived at the spacious Raspberry Creek parking lot, where the trail to Rob Roy Glacier begins. Like most trails in New Zealand, there are restrooms at the start, which is fantastic!

From here, we walked through sheep pastures before following the river to the Matukituki suspension bridge. Remember, this is agricultural land, so always stick to the paths and respect the livestock.

Section 1: From Forest to Lower Viewpoint (1.5–2 hours)

After the suspension bridge, the trail gently ascends through a cool forest. We loved the gnarled tree roots, rocky terrain, and the mystical atmosphere here. You can really feel the vibe of The Lord of the Rings as you walk this path!

Lower Viewpoint

We reached the lower viewpoint first, which has a wooden bench to sit and enjoy the stunning views of the glacier. Many people turn back here, but if the weather permits, we highly recommend continuing to the higher viewpoint. Just an additional 15 minutes of walking brought us there, and it truly was the highlight of the Rob Roy Track.

Section 2: From Lower to Upper Viewpoint (15 minutes)

A final 15-minute climb takes you to a rocky area where you can see: hundreds of waterfalls cascading down, steep cliffs, and Rob Roy Glacier. As the wind blows from the 20,000-year-old glacier, it carries a chilling freshness. So refreshing!

Mount Aspiring looms in the distance, and Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest and most impressive waterfall, comes into view. As the wind blows, the water seems to be blown back up into the sky. Sitting on the rocks here for a while, enjoying the scenery and a picnic is perfect. This is an ideal spot to watch the clouds drift over Mount Aspiring and appreciate the scale of nature. Despite the number of hikers around, it feels incredibly tranquil, as everyone is soaking in the beauty.

Getting to Rob Roy Glacier Track

Because the glacier is located in a remote area, getting here can be challenging, especially with the river crossings along the way. But don’t let this discourage you! This trip is absolutely worth it. Hiking is the best way to access the Rob Roy Glacier Track. The trailhead lies deep within Mount Aspiring National Park, and there is no public transport serving this route.

By Car (Best Option)

We took about 40 minutes to drive from Wānaka in our Jucy campervan (which you can rent here), but the time may vary depending on the depth of the rivers. You’ll experience a long dirt road (about 30 km to the parking lot) and several river crossings (the number can vary, but we crossed nine in November).

Why Choose Rob Roy?

When you arrive, be sure to check the weather conditions before deciding to go, as the river crossings can be hazardous. If you’re unsure of your vehicle’s capabilities, park and walk through the river fords first to check the depth. This is also something locals often do.

If you can’t find a Rob Roy Glacier tour and don’t have your own vehicle, you can join a hiking tour from Wanaka, as there are plenty of beautiful trails to choose from in New Zealand! We highly recommend staying near Rob Roy, as there’s no road from Queenstown, making Wānaka the best option with many fantastic cafes, beautiful lake views, and various accommodation choices.