Image: Jaime Apolonio | Creative Commons
Lake surrounded by trees.
Lake Wombat Walk

Located in Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere and Westland Tai Poutini National Park in the West Coast region

This short, easy walk leads through a lush rimu forest to the idyllic Lake Wombat - it's a good option for children.

Lake Wombat is a fern-lined walk which climbs steadily from the car park through rimu forest to a peaceful lake. 

Termed a kettle lake, Lake Wombat was formed by the melting of a huge piece of ice left amidst glacial debris about 9000 years ago. 

This walk offers good opportunities for bird watching if you stop quietly along the way. 

Car parking fees

Car parking fees apply at Franz Josef Glacier from 15 December 2025.

How to pay fees or buy a permit.

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 2 km to where the Lake Wombat Walk begins, signposted on the right side of the road.

Car parking fees

DOC is charging fees for car parking at Franz Josef Glacier as a pilot from 15 December 2025 to 30 June 2026. 

The fees are $5 per hour or $20 a day. If you arrive and leave within 20 minutes, parking is free. If you plan to stay for longer than 20 minutes you must pay on arrival.

Payment machines that accept debit and credit cards are highly visible at each site. Cash payments are not accepted.

Locals and other car park users can purchase an annual permit. Permits cannot be purchased at the payment machines and need to be purchased online.

How to pay fees or buy an annual permit. 

The lake is named after Jack Irwin, alias Wombat Jack, who sluiced for gold in the area in the 1800s.