Last Updated: 27th May 2025
Roberts Point Track
Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast
Submitted by Mike
Last Updated: 27th May 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 24 ?
Gnarl Factor: 59 ?
12.0km
650m
650m
604m
Last Updated: 27th May 2025
Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast
Submitted by Mike
Last Updated: 27th May 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 24 ?
Gnarl Factor: 59 ?
12.0km
650m
650m
604m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Riverside
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.0%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.0%
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4:00
Slow
3:00
Moderate
2:00
Fast
From the main carpark looking towards the glacier, turn to the left and there is a sign there. At the bottom it says Roberts Point Track.. Head down the lovely manicured trail, watch out for Pete's Pool on your right. Carry on to the next signed intersection (about 1.3km from the start) where you will turn right, head down the steps and over the swingbridge.
At the end of the bridge just follow the trail which at this point is magic... there are a few technical and semi-technical bits, but this part of the track has been recently upgraded and is good going with a steady climb. You will cross lots of streams, pretty much all of them you can cross without wet feet. This continues until you reach the big new swingbridge... its a ripper... then at the other side it all changes. Technical trail blending into no trail at all, just find your way up the rock slide or stream in the direction of the orange triangles. And climb, climb and climb some more. You will reach the old hut, just past that are the amazing steps and then about 2km to the viewing platform... which is as close as you can get to Franz Josef without a chopper!
When you have had a rest, lunch drink etc... turn and retrace your steps.
So many! Waterfalls, a reflection pond, of course one of New Zealands pre-eminent Glaciers, a couple of awesome swingbridges (and a couple of shorter ones for fun)
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Large Carpark
5 km
8 minutes
No
No
Moderate.
Take your time in the latter stages to sight the next triangle. There was also a section where there was no triangle for a while, but the route is straight up the rocky streambed.
Very patchy.
Waterproof leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries
Lots of mountain water... not sure of the drinkability
Stay clear after very heavy rain as the side streams could become dangerous.
Slip and fall hazards on a lot of the trail. There are frequent places where you will have took take the time to work out the best and safest route.
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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Enjoyed the technical challenge and many bridges on this one. Great effort to view ratio!
June 16, 2023
Awesome track, lots of slippery rock! Pretty technical, especially on a wet day, but worth it for the awesome views and cool swing bridges and stairs clinging the cliff 😍
December 15, 2021
Yep technical is definitely true so more of a hike for us than a run. If you’re going for a FKT then definitely do in the dry when there’s been not much rain as otherwise there would be lots of slippery rock to also navigate. Also not a route for those not a fan of heights.
However gorgeous forest and fantastic views of the glacier so definitely worth it :)
February 17, 2021
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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