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Roberts Point Track – Franz Josef Glacier Lookout, New Zealand
The Roberts Point Track to Roberts Lookout offers the best views of the Franz Josef Glacier of any nearby track. A moderate hike that reveals magnificent, uninterrupted views of the glacier from a wooden platform overlook. After arriving on the west coast, we looked for a hike that would offer the best views of the Franz Josef Glacier. After speaking with the DOC at the visitor center, we were informed that the Alex Knob trail was closed. Our next best option was the Roberts Point Track, which definitely didn't feel like a second rate hike. In addition to the incredible views from this point…
Roberts Point Track – Franz Josef Glacier Lookout, New Zealand
The Roberts Point Track to Roberts Lookout offers the best views of the Franz Josef Glacier of any nearby track. A moderate hike that reveals magnificent, uninterrupted views of the glacier from a wooden platform overlook.
After arriving on the west coast, we looked for a hike that would offer the best views of the Franz Josef Glacier. After speaking with the DOC at the visitor center, we were informed that the Alex Knob trail was closed. Our next best option was the Roberts Point Track, which definitely didn't feel like a second rate hike.
In addition to the incredible views from this point, the hike is very pleasant and scenic, crossing several epic suspension bridges and waterfalls along the way.
- alt=“FRANZ-JOSEF-GLETSCHER VON ROBERTS POINT TRACK“>
- alt=“GALERIE SCHRITTE AUF DER ROBERTS POINT TRACK“>
- alt=“PETERS POOLS REFLEKTIERENDE POOLS“>
How to get to the Roberts Point Track Trailhead
You can access the Roberts Point Track from two locations. Each location begins with a separate track that quickly leads to the Roberts Point Track.
Whichever of the two starting points you choose, you will have no problems finding the route. Signposts show the way along all routes.
Leave your car in the car park and start at Peter’s Pool Walk. This joins the middle of Douglas Walk before turning at the Douglas Bridge footbridge that crosses the Waiho River.
This is a small parking lot 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 the signs for the Roberts Track, which starts at Douglas Bridge.
Robert's Point route map
alt=“Roberts Point Route Map “>Source: DOC
Robert's Point Track GPX map
Below I have included the route I recorded with my Garmin GPS watch. You can download the GPX file by clicking the download link below.
GPX file: Download
My Strava: Visit
What to expect on the Robert’s Point Track
The Robert's Point Track is an in-and-out double-back hike suitable for fit hikers in good conditions.
If you're heading out early in the morning or late afternoon, I recommend starting the Peters Pool Walk at the glacier car park. Although it's a little longer, if conditions are good it's worth checking out the reflecting pools.
The start of the Roberts Track is fairly flat and follows the right side of the Waiho Valley. The track is well maintained at the start, but you will quickly notice that this changes as you progress along the track.
Still, it's pretty easy to follow the trail as it's a pretty popular hike. The Roberts Point Track also becomes steeper, with almost vertical sections.
Hiking highlights
View of the glacier valley
The route winds through dense native beech forest up the valley with short breaks for a clear view of the Franz Josef Urstromtal.
alt=“PETERS POOLS WALK FRANZ JOSEF”>
Roberts Point Track swing bridge
In addition to the view of the glacier, these swing bridges were certainly one of my favorite highlights. There are a total of three swing bridges along the route, each high above the valley below.
My personal favorite was Rope Creek's unique swing bridge, a long and thin bridge that is sure to get the vertigo flowing.
- alt=“ROBERTS POINT TRACK SCHWENKBRÜCKE“>
- alt=“ROBERTS POINT TRACK SCHWENKBRÜCKE“>
Gallery steps
The Gallery Steps are platformed steps screwed into the side of the cliff. This section is really unique and you almost feel like you are on a via ferrata.
alt=“GALLERY STEPS ON THE ROBERTS POINT TRACK”>
Dozens of waterfalls and stream crossings
There are dozens of beautiful waterfalls and stream crossings along the route. Each seems to be the perfect place to rest and take some photos. However, if you did, you would never finish in a day!
Although these sections are scenic, they can understandably be very dangerous in rain or ice. In fact, there is a sign at the beginning of the route indicating that people have died on the route from Roberts Point.
alt="WATERFALL ON THE ROBERTS POINT TRACK">
Hende's hut
If you've done a bit of walking or hiking in New Zealand, Hendes Hut won't be too fascinating. However, it is a great place to stop and rest before the Gallery Steps.
View of Franz Josef Glacier from Roberts Point Lookout
The final highlight of this hike is of course the view of the Franz Josef Glacier from Roberts Point Lookout.
It's a rewarding feeling to walk up the wooden platform steps after the final steep climb. Turning around on the platform provides the first and only view of the glacier on the hike.
From this viewpoint you can also see the entire Franz Josef Valley as well as the high waterfalls that flow down the ice cliffs across the valley.
alt="FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER FROM ROBERTS POINT TRACK">
alt="ICE ROCK WATERFALL ON THE FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER">
alt=“FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER FROM ROBERT’S POINT TRACK”>
RELATED: MOUNT FOX SUMMIT HIKE WITH A VIEW OF FOX GLACIER
More photos from Roberts Point Track
alt="ROBERTS POINT TRACK SWING BRIDGE">
alt="DOUGLASBRÜCKE FRANZ JOSEF">
alt=“ROBERTS POINT TRACK VIEWS”>
alt="ROBERTS POINT TRACK SWING BRIDGE">
alt=“WATERFALL BRIDGE CROSSING ON THE ROBERTS POINT TRACK”>
alt="WATERFALL ON THE ROBERST POINT TRACK">
alt=“ROBERT’S POINT TRACK”>
alt="DOUGLAS HIKING TRAIL">
alt=“PETERS POOLS REFLECTING POOLS”>
alt="FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER FROM ROBERTS POINT TRACK">
alt="FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER">
alt="FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER">
More activities on New Zealand's west coast
I hope you enjoyed this guide to 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.
For a starting point for more great hikes, be sure to check out this list of the 31 best hikes in the South Island.
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- Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
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alt=“ROBERT’S POINT TRACK”>
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