Douglas Walk

Track category

Walking track

Time:

1 hr return

Distance:

3.9 km return

Description

Douglas Bridge. Photo: K Henderson.
Douglas Bridge

The Douglas Walk is an easy forest walk that takes you over glacial landforms formed between 1600 AD and 1750 AD by glacial advances and retreats.

From the glacier road car park, the walk takes you through a succession of vegetation types, each representing a different stage of re-growth behind retreating ice and/or different soil types. Visit Peters Pool, a reflective kettle lake, and the historic Douglas Bridge.

Getting there

Drive or walk south from the Franz Josef Waiau township across the Waiho River bridge and turn left onto the Glacier Access Road or Te Ara a Waiau. Drive or walk for approximately 4 km to the car park at the end of the road.

Places to stay


There are a number of accommodation options in Franz Josef Waiau.

Plan and prepare

  • Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre and i-SITE before starting your trip.
  • Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly.
  • Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times.
  • Dogs are not permitted on this track.

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Weather

NZ weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Track category definitions

Plan and prepare for your trip

Great Walks

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry
all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Safety alerts for West Coast tracks

Contacts

Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 3 752 0796
Address: 13 State Highway 6
Franz Josef Glacier 7856
Email: westlandnpvc@doc.govt.nz
Full office details

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Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai