Rob Roy Track
Located in Matukituki Valley area and Mount Aspiring National Park in the Otago region
Introduction
This track offers an easy route into a dramatic alpine landscape that includes snowfields, glaciers, sheer rock cliffs and waterfalls. Older children should be able to complete the track.10 km return via same track
Seasonal restrictions
Access is restricted to the lower lookout when avalanche danger is present May to November.
Dog access
Image gallery
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Swing bridge at the start of the Rob Roy Track Image: Sandra Vallaure | Creative Commons
![Swing bridge at the start of the Rob Roy Track.]( "Swing bridge at the start of the Rob Roy Track.")
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Beech forest on the Rob Roy Track Image: Shellie Evans ©
![Beech forest on the Rob Roy Track]( "Beech forest on the Rob Roy Track")
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Rob Roy Track Image: Sandra Vallaure | Creative Commons
![Rob Roy Track.]( "Rob Roy Track.")
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Kea on Rob Roy Track Image: Matthew Flynn | Creative Commons
![Kea on Rob Roy Track.]( "Kea on Rob Roy Track.")
About 15 minutes from the Raspberry Flat car park, cross a swing bridge across the West Matukituki River. The track climbs through a small gorge into beech forest, then into alpine vegetation at the head of the valley, with good views of the Rob Roy Glacier.
Sections of the track have steep drop-offs. Take care when crossing.
The track starts at the Raspberry Creek car park, 54 km west of Wanaka on the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road. The last 30 km are unsealed. The last 10 km is a fine weather road only and subject to washouts and flooded creeks that can be impassable – check road conditions before you leave.
The drive takes about an hour. Transport services from Wanaka to the car park are available.
Weather in this area can be unpredictable and alpine conditions can arrive at any time of year – take appropriate clothing, and check weather and road conditions before you go. Mount aspiring National Park weather forecast – NIWA website.
Swing bridges: There's a limit to the number people allowed on the swing bridges at any one time – be prepared to wait at each end if numbers allowed have been reached.
Be avalanche alert: This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information and the terrain rating for this track.
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date and time to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
- Private property: This track crosses private land. Respect the landowner's livestock and property. Stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land, leave gates as you find them and use stiles where provided.
- Livestock can be unpredictable - avoid disturbing stock when travelling through the valley.
The playful and inquisitive kea, with its harsh ‘kee-a’ call, is often seen and/or heard in the valley (don’t feed them).
Contacts
| Tititea / Mount Aspiring National Park Office | |
| Phone: | 0272696871 |
| Fax: | 03 4437660 |
| Email: | wanakavc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
1 Ballantyne Road Wanaka 9305 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 93 Wanaka 9343 |
| Full office details | |