Rob Roy Track

Rob Roy Track is a 10 km (6.2-mile) out-and-back from Raspberry Creek car park to the upper glacier lookout. The route crosses the West Matukituki valley, swings over the river, climbs through a small gorge and beech forest, then opens into alpine vegetation below Rob Roy Glacier. If you want a full day walk with a close glacier-and-waterfall view, this is a strong pick. The marked time is 3–4 hours; allow 4–5 for a steady pace and time at the viewpoints. The climb is a real part of the day, but the changing scenery keeps it from feeling like one long uphill slog.

The first stretch crosses private farmland. Stay on the marked track and respect gates, stock and the land. After about 15 minutes, a swingbridge crosses the West Matukituki River; it has a user limit, so wait for a clear turn rather than bunching up. Past the bridge, the track enters a small gorge and climbs through shaded beech forest. The path is uneven and rocky in places, with steep drop-offs along sections, so expect to watch your footing on the way down as well as up.

The lower lookout gives you the first view of the glacier. Beyond it, the track climbs into alpine vegetation and the upper lookout faces the glacier, its cliffs and waterfalls across the head of the valley. From May through November, avalanche paths cross the upper section and DOC strongly recommends turning back at the lower lookout. The hazard can exist when the track looks snow-free. Going higher outside that period still calls for checking current avalanche and weather conditions and having the skills and equipment for avalanche terrain. The lower lookout makes a worthwhile shorter return when you don't continue.

Use Raspberry Creek car park, also called Raspberry Flat car park in some listings. It is about 54 km west of Wānaka, roughly an hour and twenty minutes by road. The last 30 km are gravel, and several fords cross the final 10 km. After heavy rain, high water can make them impassable to 2WDs and sometimes even 4WDs, so check road conditions before leaving Wānaka. The track crosses private land on the approach; keep to the route throughout.

Kea are often seen or heard in the valley; don't feed them, and dogs aren't allowed on this track. At the upper lookout, take time to pick out the hanging glacier ice and waterfalls below the cliffs. For a photo, include some of the gorge or valley in the foreground so the glacier's scale comes through. Stop at the signed end: beyond it, steep drop-offs, canyons, unstable ground and fast-flowing water make the terrain dangerous. Shaded parts of the track can also be icy in winter and early spring.