Robert Point Track

Robert Point Track is a rewarding day hike in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, offering dramatic views of the Franz Josef Glacier valley and the Southern Alps. The track climbs through lush rainforest and subalpine scrub before opening to a rocky viewpoint where you can see the glacier's terminal face and the surrounding peaks. It's a less crowded alternative to the glacier walks, providing a quieter, more contemplative experience of this dynamic landscape.

Highlights & What to See

• Glacier Viewpoint: The main reward – a stunning panorama of Franz Josef Glacier, with its icefalls and crevasses visible from a safe distance.
• Rainforest Walk: The lower section passes through dense native bush with ferns, mosses, and rata trees, often dripping with rain – a true West Coast experience.
• Alpine Scenery: On clear days, the views extend to Mount Tasman and Mount Cook, framed by the glacier-carved valley.
• Birdlife: Look for kea, the alpine parrot, especially near the top, and bellbirds in the forest.
• Geological Features: The track reveals glacial moraines and rock formations shaped by the retreating ice.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 4–5 hours return for the full track (8 km round trip). Start early in the morning to avoid afternoon cloud cover that often obscures the glacier views. The track is steep in sections, so pace yourself and take breaks to enjoy the changing vegetation. Most visitors combine this with a morning at the Franz Josef Glacier Centre or a soak at the Glacier Hot Pools in the afternoon.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef Village: Base yourself here for accommodation, dining, and the Glacier Hot Pools – a perfect post-hike treat.
• Fox Glacier: A 30-minute drive south, offering another valley walk and the Lake Matheson mirror lake.
• Okarito Lagoon: Kayak or take a boat tour on this pristine coastal lagoon, home to white herons (kotuku).
• Whataroa River: Jet boat tours through the scenic gorge, often with glacier views.
• Hokitika Gorge: Famous for its turquoise water and swingbridge, about 1.5 hours north.

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