Roberts Point Track - Franz Josef Glacier Lookout, New Zealand

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The Roberts Point Track to the Roberts Lookout offers the best view of the Franz-Josef Glacier. A moderate hike that reveals a wonderful, uninterrupted view of the glacier from a viewpoint from a wooden platform.

After we arrived on the west coast, we were looking for a hike that would offer the best prospects for the Franz Josef Glacier. After we had spoken to the Doc in the visitor center, we were informed that the Alex Knob route was closed. Our next best option was the Roberts Point Track, which definitely didn't feel like a second -class hike.

In addition to the incredible view from this point, the hike is very pleasant and scenic and scenic and crossed on the way several epic suspension bridges and waterfalls.

  • Alt = "Franz-Josef Glacier by Roberts Point Track">
  • Alt = "Gallery steps on the Roberts Point Track">
  • Alt = "Peters Pools Reflective Pools">

How to get to the Roberts Point Track Trailhead

You can access the Roberts Point Track from two locations. Each place begins with a separate track that quickly leads to Roberts Point Track.

Which of the two starting points you also choose, you will have no problems finding the route. Along all routes, signposts show the way.

Franz-Josef-Gletscher

Leave your car in the parking lot and start at Peter’s Pool Walk. This flows in the middle of the "Douglas Walk" before turning at the "Douglas Bridge" pedestrian bridge, which crosses the Waiho River.

Parking lot Alex Knob/Lake Wombat

This is a small parking lot on the right of Franz Josef Glacier Road, just 3.3 km after crossing the Waiho River Bridge. Start from here on the Douglas Walk and follow the signs to the Roberts Track, which begins at Douglas Bridge.

Robert’s Point route card

Alt = “Roberts-Punkt-Raugenkarte“> Source: Doc

Robert’s Point Track GPX card

Below I inserted the route that I recorded with my Garmin GPS watch. You can download the GPX file by clicking on the download link below.

gpx file: download

Mein Strava: Visit

What you can expect on the Robert’s Point Track

Length of Alex Knob/Lake Wombat or 12.3 km from the parking lot on Franz-Josef Glacier back
Hiking duration: 4.5-5.5 hours
difference in altitude: 680 m total height difference
Difficulty of the hike: Difficult (DOC: Trampelpad for advanced).

The Robert’s Point Track is an in-and-out double-back hike that is suitable for fit hikers in good conditions.

If you break open early in the morning or late afternoon, I recommend that you start the Peters Pool Walk at the Glacier car park. Although it is a little longer, it is worth taking a look at the reflective pools in good conditions.

The beginning of the Roberts Track is quite flat and follows the right side of the Waiho Valley. The route is well maintained at the beginning, but you will quickly notice that the further you will change on the route.

Nevertheless, it is pretty easy to follow the way because it is a fairly popular hike. The Roberts Point Track is also steeper, with almost vertical sections.

Wander-Highlights

View of the Gletschertal

The route meanders through dense local beech forest with short breaks for a clear view of the Franz-Josef-Urstromtal.
Alt = “Peters Pools Walk Franz Josef”>

Roberts Point Track Dunishing bridge

In addition to the glacier view, these rotary bridges were certainly one of my favorite highlights. There are a total of three rotary bridges on the route, each high above the valley below.

My personal favorite was the unique Rope Creek swing bridge, a long and thin bridge that certainly makes the dizziness flow.

  • Alt = "Roberts Point Track Schwenkbrücke">
  • Alt = "Roberts Point Track Schwenkbrücke">

The gallery steps are with platforms that have been screwed into the cliff. This section is really unique and you almost feel like on a via ferrata.
Alt = “Gallery steps on the Roberts Point Track”>

dozens of waterfalls and stream crossings

along the route there are dozens of beautiful waterfalls and brook crossings. Everyone seems to be the perfect place to rest and take a few photos. However, if you did it, you would never be ready in one 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 that indicates that people have died on the Roberts Point route.
Alt = "Waterfall on the Roberts Point Track">

Hende Hütte

If you have already hiked or hiked a bit in New Zealand, the hinge hat will not be too fascinating. However, it is a great place to stop and rest in front of the Gallery Steps.

View of the Franz-Josef Glacier from the Roberts Point Lookout

The last highlight of this hike is of course a view of the Franz Josef Glacier from Roberts Point Lookout.

It is a worthwhile feeling to go up the wooden platform levels after the last steep climb. Turning around on the platform offers the first and only view of the glacier on the hike.

From this viewpoint you can also see the entire Franz Josef Valley and the high waterfalls that flow down the ice rock over the valley.
Alt = “Franz-Josef glacier by Roberts Point Track”>
Alt = “Eisfelsen-Wasserfall on the Franz-Josef Glacier”>
Alt = “Franz-Josef glacier by 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 Schwenkbrücke”>
Alt = “Douglasbrücke Franz Josef”>
Alt = “Roberts Point Track views”>
Alt = “Roberts Point Track Schwenkbrücke”>
Alt = “Waterfall bridge cross on the Roberts Point Track”>
Alt = "Waterfall on the Roberst Point Track">
Alt = “Roberts Punkspur”>
Alt = “Douglas hiking trail”>
Alt = “Peters Pools Reflecting Pools”>
Alt = “Franz-Josef glacier by Roberts Point Track”>
Alt = “Franz-Josef Gletscher”>
Alt = “Franz-Josef Gletscher”>

Further activities on New Zealand's west coast

I hope that you liked this guide to Roberts Point Track and Franz Josef Glacier Lookout. If you are looking for more travel and hiking inspirations for New Zealand, take a look at some of the lower left.

As a starting point for other great hikes, you should definitely see this list of the 31 best hikes on the South Island.

My camera and photo equipment

  • Mirrorless camera: Canon R5
  • drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
  • 360-degree action camera: Insta360 One X2
  • landscape lens: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8l
  • all-round lens: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
  • telephoto lens: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4.5–7.1 l
  • Long action rod: Insta360 Invisible Pole (Bullettime)
  • landscape lens filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
  • camera backpack: F-stop Tilopa
  • Favorite photo accessories: Peak Design Capture Clip

A list of my recommended photo equipment (including what I use and why) can be found in my guide for camera equipment for the trip.

If you want to use one of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my print store or contact me directly for customs deductions from pictures on WE Seek Travel.
Alt = “Roberts Punkspur”>

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