Located in Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere and Westland Tai Poutini National Park in the West Coast region
11 km - 12.3 km return via same track
Time: 5 hr return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; or 5 hr 20 min return from glacier car park
Distance: 11 km return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; or 12.3 km return from glacier car park
Starting from the Douglas Bridge, Roberts Point Track winds up the true right of the Waiho (Franz Josef Glacier) Valley, over ice-carved rock and across many side streams to a viewpoint high above the glacial ice. In around an hour the track opens out onto ice smoothed rock outcrops at Hende's Hut. This hut is unsuitable for overnight accommodation, but it does provide a sheltered lunch spot.
The track climbs on through open scrubland to a suspension bridge crossing Rope Creek and continues steadily upwards to Roberts Point. The views from here are well worth the effort with the glacier, sheer rock walls, waterfalls and mountain peaks all visible.
There are two ways to access the Roberts Point Track. You can 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 (Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park) or 4 km (road end car park).
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.
Important safety information
Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre | |
Phone: | +64 3 752 0360 |
Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
Email: | westlandnpvc@doc.govt.nz |
Address: |
69 Cron Street Franz Josef Glacier 7856 |
Postal Address: |
PO Box 14 Franz Josef Glacier 7856 |
Full office details |