This moderate hike reveals a magnificent uninterrupted view of the Glacier from a wooden platform viewpoint on the South Island of New Zealand.
After arriving on the West Coast, we were on the lookout for a hike that would offer the best views of Franz Josef Glacier. After speaking to the DOC at the visitor center we were told that the Alex Knob track was closed. Our next best option was the Roberts Point Track, which definitely didn’t feel like a second-rate hike.
Roberts Lookout offers the best views of Franz Josef Glacier out of all the nearby tracks. The hike is very enjoyable and scenic, crossing several epic suspension bridges and waterfalls along the way.
How to Get to the Roberts Point Trailhead
You can access the Roberts Point Track from two locations. Each location starts with a separate track that quickly joins up to the Roberts Point Track.
Whichever of the two start points you choose, you won't have much trouble finding the route. There are signposts along all the tracks indicating the way.
Franz Josef Glacier Car Park
Leave your car at the car park and begin at the Peter's Pool Walk. This joins up to the midpoint of "Douglas Walk" Before turning off at the "Douglas Bridge" walking bridge crossing the Waiho River.
Location: Franz Josef Rd
Alex Knob/Lake Wombat Car Park
This is a small car park on the right side of Franz Josef Glacier Road, just 3.3 km after crossing the Waiho River Bridge. From here, start on the Douglas Walk and follow signs to Roberts Track, which starts at the Douglas Bridge.
Location: Alex Knob Carpark
Robert's Point Track GPX Map
Below I've included the track that I took using my Garmin GPS watch. You can download the GPX file by clicking the download link below.
What to Expect on The Robert's Point Track
- Hike Length: 11 km return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park or 12.3 km return from Franz Josef Glacier car park
- Hike Duration: 4.5-5.5 hours
- Hike Elevation: 680 m total elevation gain
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate - difficult (DOC: advanced tramping track).
The Robert's Point track is an in-and-out double-back hike that is suitable to fit hikers in good conditions.
If you're leaving early in the morning or late in the afternoon, then I'd recommend starting at the glacier car park on the Peters Pool walk. Although it's a little bit longer, checking out the reflective pools is well worth it in good weather conditions.
The start of Roberts Track is fairly flat, following the true right of the Waiho Valley. The track is well-maintained at the start. However, you'll quickly notice that this changes the further you progress along the track.
Still, following the track is fairly straightforward, because it's a pretty popular hike however it does begin to steepen, with sections almost vertical. The trail is clearly marked so you will have no problems with navigation.
Tip: There are many large roots on the trail (we joked that these were potential ankle-breakers) so be sure to keep your eyes on the track!
Hike Highlights on the Robert's Point Trail
1. Glacial Valley Views
The track winds up the valley through dense native beech forest with brief breaks for uninterrupted views of the Franz Josef glacial valley.
Tip: We spotted some wild deer walking along the river so keep an eye out!
2. Swinging Bridges
Besides the glacial lookout, these swing bridges were certainly a highlight. There are a total of three swing bridges on the track, each high above the valley below.
My personal favourite was the unique Rope Creek swing bridge, which is a long and thin bridge that's sure to get vertigo going.
Note to self: Don't swing on the bridge when your hangry partner is in front! (give trail snacks first).
3. Gallery Steps
The Gallery Steps are platformed steps that have been bolted into the side of the cliff. This section is really unique, and it almost feels like you're on a via ferrata track. This part of the track is quite narrow and allows one person to pass at a time.
4. Waterfalls and Stream Crossings
Along the track, there are dozens of beautiful waterfalls and stream crossings. Each seems like the perfect place to rest and take some photos. However, if you did then you'd never finish in a day!
While these sections are scenic, they can understandably be very dangerous in rainy or icy conditions. In fact, there's a sign at the start of the track warning that people have died on the Roberts Point track.
5. Hendes Hut
If you've done a bit of hiking or tramping in New Zealand already, then the Hendes Hut won't be overly intriguing. However, it does make a great place to stop and have a rest before the Gallery Steps.
Get Clean Drinking Water on Your Hike
I take the Grayl GeoPress Purifier Bottle on every hike and use it as my go-to source for filtering water all over the world. I've even used it to drink tap water in India!
Compare how the GeoPress stacks up against the best water bottle filters on the market.
View of Franz Josef Glacier From the Roberts Point Lookout
The final pièce de résistance of this hike is, of course, the Franz Josef Glacier view from the Roberts Point Lookout.
It's a rewarding feeling after the final steep climb to walk up the wooden platform steps. Turning around on the platform offers the first and only view of the glacier on the hike.
From this viewpoint, you'll also see the entire Franz Josef valley, as well as the tall waterfalls flowing down the ice-rock across the valley.
Update: Studies show from 2008-2023 the Franz Josef Glacier has retreated 1.56 km due to climate change!
Packing List for the Hike
This isn't a short hike so it is best to be prepared and pack correctly!
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Head Torch (I always pack this no matter day or night)
- Muesli Bar or other Trail snacks
- Sturdy boots or trail runners
- Lightweight clothing
- Rain Jacket
- Warm layers
- Camera - read my guide to camera gear for hiking & travel
Quick Tips for the Trail
Below I've also included some quick tips to help you plan a day of hiking the Sealy Tarns track.
- Start early for sunrise views
- Check Franz Josef weather updates
- Prepare for an icy, slippery trail
- Notify somebody of your intentions (DOC)
- Be prepared for swift changes in weather
More Photos from the Roberts Point Track
I hope that you enjoyed this guide to the Roberts Point track and Franz Josef Glacier lookout.
If you're looking for more New Zealand travel and hiking inspiration, check out some of the links below.
- 36 Amazing Places to Visit in the South Island - my most comprehensive travel guide that is useful to help you find the best places to visit on your trip to the South Island
- Top Things to Do in Queenstown: Explore Queenstown's top hikes, epic adrenaline activities, and hidden gems.
- South Island's Best Hikes: I hiked over 50 trails in New Zealand. Here's my curated list of the most breathtaking hikes across New Zealand's South Island.
- Arthur's Pass Travel Guide: Dive into the heart of Arthur's Pass with my guide to the best places to visit.
- Best Mount Cook National Park Hikes: A hiking guide to the most scenic trails beneath Mount Cook.
- Best Views of Mount Cook: Discover the top spots to witness New Zealand's Aoraki peak in all its glory.
- Epic Things to do at Milford Sound: Explore 21 unique ideas get inspired to visit Milford Sound!
- Catlins' Hidden Gems: Uncover the Catlins' best-kept secrets, from waterfalls to wild coastlines.
- Accommodation Resources: Plan where to stay in Queenstown and discover the amazing Tekapo Lake Hotels.
