Rob Roy Glacier Track

Rob Roy Glacier Track is one of the most rewarding day walks in the Wanaka region, offering an up-close encounter with a hanging glacier without the need for technical climbing. The track winds through beech forest and alpine meadows, culminating in a jaw-dropping view of the Rob Roy Glacier calving ice into a turquoise lake. The roar of avalanches and the sight of ice cliffs make this a sensory feast for hikers.

Highlights & What to See

• Rob Roy Glacier Viewpoint – The main payoff: stand directly opposite the glacier’s terminal face, where you can watch ice chunks break off and crash into the lake below.
• Waterfall Walk – The track passes several cascading waterfalls, including a dramatic swingbridge over a gorge.
• Beech Forest Trail – A lush, mossy forest section with birdlife like tomtits and bellbirds.
• Alpine Meadows – Above the treeline, the landscape opens to tussock and rocky moraine, with panoramic views of the Matukituki Valley.
• Roys Peak – While not on this track, the nearby Roys Peak Track offers a contrasting alpine ridge hike with lake views.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 3–4 hours return for the 10 km track, plus extra time for photo stops and glacier-gazing. The walk is moderate, with some steep sections, but doable for most fit walkers. Start early to avoid afternoon winds and to catch the best light on the glacier. Combine with a morning drive from Wanaka (about 1 hour to the trailhead).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wanaka – Base yourself here for cafés, the lakefront, and the famous That Wanaka Tree.
• Roys Peak – A challenging 5–6 hour hike with iconic views over Lake Wanaka.
• Matukituki Valley – Explore further up the valley for more tramping routes and mountain scenery.
• Haast Pass – A scenic drive through rainforest and waterfalls, heading to the West Coast.
• Treble Cone – In winter, this ski field offers great skiing; in summer, hiking and mountain biking.

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