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Hiking the Rob Roy Glacier Track

Updated on October 6, 2020

This article may contain affiliate links. This means that when you click on products we recommend through a link, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. For more information, please read our disclaimer page.

New Zealand is a hiker’s paradise. If you’re wondering about things to do in Wanaka, this is it! Rob Roy Glacier Track is a phenomenal hike.

With an extensive network of well-maintained tracks throughout the country, it’s all about “tramping” in New Zealand…multi-day backpack trips between strategically located alpine huts.

You’re not a hardcore backpacker? No worries! It’s easy to enjoy an incredibly scenic day here as we did recently.

Update October 2020: Sadly, Rob Roy Glacier track is closed as a section of the track is at risk for collapse. Check updates from the Mount Aspiring Park website here.

Rob Roy Glacier Track

The Rob Roy Glacier Track hike begins in the West Matukituki Valley at the gateway to the gorgeous Mount Aspiring National Park, which is located in the Southern Alps of the South Island of New Zealand, just north of Fiordland.

It’s one of the many New Zealand conservation areas that were filming locations for Lord of the Rings…when Gandalf rides up to Isengaard in Nan Curunir.  It’s just a one hour drive north, along a stretch of unpaved gravely road at the end.

It was the most stunning, scenic hike of my life. Here’s my review…

Rob Roy Valley
Spectacular views of Rob Roy Valley included.

It was a walk through a wonderland of crystal clear rivers, unbroken Alpine forests, and snow-capped mountain peaks. Across quaint swing bridges and past grazing sheep.

We watched a calf nurse while mama cow drank from a stream.

And were stopped briefly at the outset while we waited for this crowd to clear the track….

sheep on Rob Roy Glacier track

And these guys.

more sheep

Then we crossed the Rob Roy stream…

Rob Roy stream

via this swinging bridge into a dense beech forest.

suspension bridge over Rob Roy stream

We listened to trickling glacial streams and the wily Kea birds calling as we climbed, climbed, climbed past subalpine fields and sheer valley walls until we finally rounded a bend to see this: Rob Roy Glacier!

Mount Rob Roy
Rob Roy Glacier

Wowza. What a pay-off!

I’m happy to say it was downhill on the way back. And this may be the most welcome bench I’ve ever encountered.

Rob Roy valley
Rob Roy Valley

Total hike: 10km/6.2 miles, 3 to 4 hours

If you go: 

Te Wahipounamu (South West New Zealand), one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere, was designated as a World Heritage Area by UNESCO in 1990.

The Department of Conservation manages four alpine huts in this valley. For complete maps and details about multi-day tramping in Mount Aspiring National Park, see here.

For more details about a day hike on the Rob Roy Glacier Track, you’ll find information here.

Looking for other amazing experiences on New Zealand’s scenic South Island? Check out my review of our incredible Doubtful Sound overnight cruise or consider a multi-day hike on the Routeburn Track. Don’t miss Mount Cook National Park!

And finally, find more South Island destination inspiration in this travel photo diary.

Read more here:

• Into the Wilderness: A Review of Real Journey’s Magical Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

• Fox Glacier Helihike: A New Zealand Adventure

• New Zealand North Island Itinerary: 7 Magical Days

 

Like this post? Pin it for later!

  • Looking for things to do in Wanaka, New Zealand? Check out our guide to hiking the incredible Rob Roy Glacier Track and plan your next tramping trip! Visit stunning filming locations from the Lord of the Rings movies, take in picturesque views, and enjoy this scenic New Zealand wonder. #RobRoyGlacierHike #NewZealand #Wanaka #Travel #Hiking #OutdoorTravel #LordOfTheRings #RobRoyGlacierTrack #RobRoyGlacier
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through certain links..

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Hi! I’m Chris. Full-time San Diego-based freelance writer and fifty-something mom on a Mission Possible: to see the world in spite of time, money, and other life limitations. I’m about smart planning to stretch your travel dollar without sacrificing comfort…connecting with locals through immersive travel…and enriching my life through delicious foods, new experiences, and deep appreciation for the beauty in our world today. Are you in?

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