Our guided trek on the Rob Roy Glacier walk in the Mt Aspiring National Park..

Just 1 hour from Wanaka is the beautiful Mt Aspiring National Park. Within the park is the Rob Roy Glacier, the 'Jewel of Mt Aspiring National Park'. It is a massive glacier beginning high above on Rob Roy Peak - 2,606 metres, clinging to the ever-steepening mountainside as it descends into the Rob Roy Valley. Thousands of years ago, massive ice movements caused the carving of the Matukituki Valley, which leads back from Mt Aspiring towards Wanaka. In other parts of the world, it may take several days or weeks to trek to places as beautiful as Rob Roy Glacier, but Eco Wanaka Adventures are able to offer this experience in one day in a World Heritage area.

Rob Roy Glacier Guided Walk Trip Information

The day begins with a scenic drive around Lake Wanaka, and into the Matukituki Valley. After driving through several fords, we arrive at Raspberry Hut, an old sheep farmers hut. From here, the guided trekking begins with a 30-minute walk along the banks of the Matukituki River. After entering Mt Aspiring National Park by a swing bridge across the river, the trek steadily climbs into a New Zealand rainforest - a variety of moss, ferns, and shrubs. Often the glacier can be seen through the bush.

After leisurely trekking for 2 hours, the forest drops away and we enter open ground of alpine herbs and flowers, and the glory of the Rob Roy Glacier comes into sight. Here you take time to relax and enjoy one of the best views Mother Nature offers, while eating a picnic lunch. Nearly always, large chunks of ice and snow (sometimes the size of a car) can be seen from a distance dropping 150-300 metres - An incredible sight and sound. A 261 metre waterfall falls cleanly down creating an amazing wind blast . Following lunch, the return walk is all downhill back to the carpark. The end of the day - the beginning of a lifetime memory.

Rob Roy Glacier Gallery

click on any image for an enlarged view and slide show

Quick Facts about the Rob Roy Glacier Walk

• Actual Walking Distance: 10 kms return
• Actual Walking time: 5 hours return
• Altitudes: Lowest 377m/ Highest: 780m
• Seasonality: November-April
• Minimum Numbers: 2 clients (a 2 adult rate applies if only one person)
• Requirements: Reasonable fitness level, sports shoes or trekking boots, small day pack
• Courtesy transport from your Wanaka accommodation
• Lunch is included in the pricing

VIdeos

Bush and glacier views click here	Incredible waterfalls click here	The naughty Kea click here

Costs

Ex-Wanaka: Adult $235, Child (under 15) $155
Ex-Queenstown: Adult $355, Child (under 15) $230
Lunch is included in the price. Prices are valid to 31 March 2011