Walking track to Lake Wombat

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 White Horse Hill from mid-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

The track to Mueller Hut starts near the White Horse Hill car park. DOC is charging fees for car parking at White Horse Hill as a pilot from mid-December 2025 to 30 June 2026. 

The fees are $5 per hour or $25 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.

Note: If you arrive one day and leave the next you will pay car parking fees for two days ($50). If you plan to stay for multiple days ($50 or more) it may be more affordable for you to purchase an annual permit. 

How to pay fees or buy an annual permit.