Hiking Rob Roy Glacier

If there’s a walk that got me excited even more to hike in New Zealand, it would be the Rob Roy Glacier day hike in Mt. Aspiring National Park.  It’s about one hour from Wanaka and certainly a must do when visiting.

Why did I get so excited? Well as you know I’m a Canadian prairie girl.  I’ve spent 26 years of my life in snow for 5 to 6 months of each of those years.  Snow was a big part of my life and as crazy as it sounds, being away from it for a few years, I kind of miss it.  Especially when it’s happily draped over these massive majestic things called mountains, which I was never used to seeing growing up.  So even just driving towards Mt Aspiring Park and seeing all this beauty, I was really taken aback. A loss for words, which for me is odd.  Just ask my boyfriend. The best part is that it got even better!

You might be thinking, ok, great, mountains with snow but it goes a little deeper than that.  At least for me.  As you get a little older, you really appreciate things.  When you find yourself in a moment where you have no words for the beauty in front of you, then you know it’s big and it really moves you.

I didn’t know what to expect on this walk but as you can tell the end results really blew me away!

The track starts at Raspberry Creek car park, 54 km west of Wanaka.  Most of the road is a gravel road with the last 10 km being a fine weathered road.  It is easily flooded and subject to wash outs.  We were lucky when we went as we were driving a truck but part of the road was washed out and unfortunately not passable for cars.   There is a shuttle service available from Wanaka though that is able to get you there and let you know of road conditions!

On the way to the car park!

You cross a swing bridge before you start the gradual ascent up hill with a good track. I misunderstood the Doc information when it said ‘easy walking track’.  I thought that meant the hike was rated easy.  I wouldn’t say so though. I certainly put on a bit of a sweat walking at a good steady pace uphill.

Start off with the swing bridge

There is a lovely spot to sit and have a drink about half way up the track. You get a little preview of what’s to come so don’t stop now!  Soon you’ll be out of the forest, through a little bit of a rocky rubble section and witnessing nature’s pure beauty for yourself!

Peak look from the lower lookout!

You may or may not be greeted by Kea birds at the top.  Don’t feed them!  As beautiful as they are, they’re cheeky little buggers and will try and steal your belongings!  If you don’t see one you might hear one!  Sadly we didn’t.  We headed up around 9:30 and all ready the track was getting busy.  I would suggest going as early as you can!

The walk really was pure New Zealand– beach forest, river valleys, glaciers, mountains, lush and green.  It simply was amazing!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Distance: 10km return on the same track
Elevation: ~500 meters
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (achievable by older children)
Track: mostly easy, some rocky parts

Restrictions:
– avalanche warnings from May to November
– no dogs
– this track crosses private land so be respectful of land and livestock
— DO NOT FEED THE KEA BIRDS

Be prepared:
– toilets at the beginning and end of the track
– bring PLENTY of water
– sunscreen
– snacks (or even bring lunch for the top!)

Clothing: be sure to bring a long sleeve or jacket even in the summer.  They are alpine condition and the weather can change quickly. A good idea is to layer clothing- t-shirt, long sleeve, jacket. Bring a hat and make sure you have good footwear!

New Zealand is gorgeous country and it’s our job to preserve it. If you bring garbage up, take it with you. Please respect the land, livestock and track rules.

I hope Rob Roy Glacier as inspired to you to check it out for yourself! If you have already tell me about it! Happy Hiking!

xo.Lauren

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