An easy circuit walk through a wetland near the town of Glenorchy, at the very picturesque northern end of Lake Wakatipu.
Glenorchy Walkway is a flat and relatively short circuit walk through a wetland near the town of Glenorchy, at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu. It’s a spectacular area, and this walk is a good option if you want to stretch your legs surrounded by many high mountains. The track is constructed the whole way, and entirely flat, so you don’t need any special gear. Continue reading “Glenorchy Walkway, Glenorchy NZ”
Two lakes for the price of one on the Isthmus Peak Track, with excellent views of both Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea on this somewhat similar walk to the now super famous Roys Peak Track.
The Isthmus Peak Track is a much less crowded alternative to the now super famous Roys Peak Track, although I’ve heard it’s getting more popular. There are excellent views of both Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea, and a good portion of the walk is on high ground in a conservation area.
A pleasant walk through attractive beech forest to good views of a glacial valley and up to the Humboldt Mountains near Mt Bonpland.
The Glacier Burn Track crosses the Glacier Burn early on, and then climbs up through attractive beech forest to good views of a glacial valley and up to the Humboldt Mountains near Mt Bonpland. Continue reading “Glacier Burn Track, near Glenorchy NZ”
Access to close up views of the spectacular Rob Roy Glacier for only moderate effort on this popular walk in Mt Aspiring National Park near Wanaka.
The Rob Roy Glacier Track was one of the first walks we did in New Zealand, and provides access to excellent views of the Roy Roy Glacier. There are impressive waterfalls along the way, as well as picturesque scenes in the West Matukituki Valley. The drive in is also nice, so there’s lots to recommend this walk.
On the drive in. Matukituki River West Branch on the drive in.
Nevertheless, friends who walked this with us in 2014 preferred the Routeburn Track to Flats Hut. But the views at the end of this walk are pretty spectacular, so I think it’s worth doing for those alone. It’s a fairly popular track so consider doing it on a weekday or out of season. Track notes at the end.
Rob Roy Glacier Track: The Scenery
We did this walk in 2008, 2012 and 2014, so I’ve included pictures from each of those occasions. Don’t be confused by the apparent change of weather conditions.
The trusty Landcruiser at the start. Apparently there have been thefts at this car park, so they recommend you take your valuables with you.
Crossing the Matukituki River West Branch. Matukituki River West Branch Matukituki River West Branch
We had friends with us in 2014. Sophia having a rest. West Matukituki Valley.
Some sense of scale in this shot. A 261m drop on this waterfall. The 261m high waterfall unofficially named Bridal Veil Falls. (A lot of waterfalls have that name it seems). Bridal Veil Falls (in 2008). Rob Roy Glacier A close up of the glacier. Sophia backed by the glacier.
Lots of waterfalls running off the glacier. This kea looks like it is posing for a portrait painting. Kea close up.
I want what you’re having. Warm, lush colours. Different colours in 2008. On the way back.
Track Notes
An obvious track the whole way.
The DOC website has basic information on the walk. It’s about an hour from Wanaka, and over 2 hours from Queenstown. There’s a few streams to ford on the drive in so they recommend a four wheel drive if there’s been heavy rain (or maybe snow melt?).
Easy access to an arid alpine plateau on the Old Woman Range in Central Otago, with many tors & views of nearby mountains.
I realised the other day that I hadn’t posted all of my NZ walks to date. This is the walk I missed: A longish but mostly flat walk to the tops of the Old Woman Range, an arid alpine plateau near Cromwell in Central Otago. There were many tors along the way, and views of nearby mountains. Continue reading “Duffers Saddle to the Old Woman Range, Central Otago NZ”
