Rob Roy Glacier Hiking Journey

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

12h

Group size

1-4 tourists,
over 18 y.o.

Morning mist still clings to the valley as the trail rises toward the sound of water and wind. Each step pulls you deeper into the wild heart of Mount Aspiring National Park — where the Rob Roy Glacier sparkles above like a secret kept by the mountains. Beneath its icy crown, waterfalls crash, and kea birds echo through the alpine air.

Guided by local experts, you’ll follow forest paths and swing bridges to open meadows where glaciers and sky meet. For those craving more, a scenic flight and glacier landing reveal the untouched highlands of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. The trail winds through lush forest above the roaring Rob Roy Canyon before opening to sweeping views at the treeline.

This 10km return hike suits families and beginner trekkers, with an optional helicopter flight and glacier landing for an elevated adventure. Join us and walk among stone giants!

Price:
4 people - NZ$390
3 people - NZ$450
2 people - NZ$590
1 person - NZ$1,090

National Park Tours

Tim S. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English

Tim is based in Wānaka with his young family. He has been climbing, skiing, and guiding throughout the Southern Alps since arriving in New Zealand from the UK in 2008. He has climbed and skied around the world and in other roles, he mentors, trains, and assesses prospective ski patrollers and mountain guides and is a member of the local Alpine Cliff Rescue team. When not out in the hills guiding or instructing, he will be usually found introducing his young family to the outdoors, away on his own adventures, or out at the local rock climbing crags.

View Tim`s tours

Tour highlights

Flight to the Unknown

Add a breathtaking helicopter ride and glacier landing deep in the Southern Alps

Moments in Motion

Swing bridges, canyon views, and mountain air that feels alive with adventure

Echoes of Ice

Gaze up at the Rob Roy Glacier, a shimmering giant sculpted by centuries of wind and snow

Route details

The Rob Roy Glacier Track offers the most accessible way to witness dramatic alpine landscapes — from cascading waterfalls to towering glaciers — within Mount Aspiring National Park.

In the morning, your guide will either collect you from your accommodation in Wānaka or meet you at the helicopters hangar at Cattle Flat on the Wānaka–Mount Aspiring Road. From there, enjoy a scenic hour’s drive to the beginning of the Rob Roy Glacier Journey — or choose the optional helicopter flight that includes a breathtaking glacier landing.

The trail crosses the West Matukituki Valley and winds through native forest high above the Rob Roy Canyon, gradually opening to alpine meadows framed by cascading waterfalls and the majestic Rob Roy Glacier. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of chances to pause at scenic viewpoints or beside mountain streams to rest and enjoy your packed lunch.

The full return hike takes between three and six hours, with the group arriving back in Wānaka by late afternoon.

Difficulty

Easy

Minimal physical activity. Suitable for everyone regardless of fitness and age

Tour provider's comments

The hike is suitable for anyone comfortable on formed tracks and able to hike 10km in a day. It is a popular hike for young families

It's important to know

The optional scenic flight and glacier landing is run in collaboration with our partners.

The helicopter takes off and travels 20 minutes along the Matukituki Valley, across the Harris Mountains, and deep into the heart of the Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. Crossing in to the Mount Aspiring National Park we land on the Isobel Glacier for a 10-minute landing.

The helicopter will then transport you to the start of the Rob Roy Glacier Hike.