Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Very hilly
Native bush
Riverside
Open tussock/grasslands
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +15.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -15.2%
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2:00
Slow
1:30
Moderate
1:00
Fast
From the car park follow the well marked & well trodden route up the Matukituki Valley. After 1.5 kms you'll cross a dramatic swing bridge and enter stunning beech forest.
The next km is a steep uphill grunt but the beauty of the forest will take away all pain. The gradient then eases a little as the trail follows the river upwards to emerge after about 5kms into a high valley. Keep going until you reach an area with information boards - this is the turnaround point but DON'T just turn heel and dash off. Instead take your time to savour the incredible surroundings and, if you're lucky, marvel at the acrobatic skills of the resident kea. Eventually you'll just have to return the way you came though.
The turnaround point of the run is an amazing amphitheatre, inhabited by keas, with stunning views of Rob Roy Glacier and the numerous waterfalls that cascade off it. Quite simply one of the most breathtaking vistas in NZ!
Huge, safe car park with toilets & information board.
52 km
70 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
So long as you turn right on to the swing bridge at 1.5k you can't possibly get lost!
Non-existent.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map
Plenty of water from streams if you're prepared to scramble down a bank to get it. Otherwise carry your own.
Can be icy in winter.
This is a very popular track for day hikers, some of whom are very slow and occupy a lot of track! You're more of a danger to them than vice-versa, so just take your time and be courteous.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Rob Roy Glacier Track
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I did this as a hike rather than a run. For me this is up there with Gertrude Saddle, Lake Marian, and Avalanche Peak as "best day hikes on the South Island". Lots of superlatives I could say about this hike. Instead I'll just say this... if you're in the area, DO IT!
May 2, 2022
A long way to go for a 1-2 hour run, but totally worth it! Enjoyed it much more in winter, the glacier is more impressive with lots of snow on it, and heap of places on the track to fill a bottle. 👍
June 12, 2021
Possibly my favourite trail near Wanaka and that's saying something!! Absolutely stunning and diverse scenery the whole way. Great track too - neither steep and technical, nor flat and boring, and maintained in excellent condition.
January 29, 2019
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