Roberts Point Track : Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This challenging day hike to Roberts Point provides spectacular views of Franz Josef Glacier and the surrounding mountains. It requires good fitness and is best suited to experienced hikers.

This DOC directory entry covers **Roberts Point Track ** in West Coast, within Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere / Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 12.3 km return via same track
• Walking time: 5 hr 20 min return
• DOC grade: Advanced

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This track is best attempted in fine weather, due to unbridged stream crossings and rock slabs that are very slippery when wet/icy.

Car park to Hende’s Hut

The hike begins at the Franz Josef Glacier car park. Follow Douglas Walk, which is an easy, well-formed walking track, until you reach Douglas Bridge across the Waiho River.

Once you cross Douglas Bridge, this is the start of Roberts Point Track. It is a tramping track so is much rougher and less formed than Douglas Walk. There are many tree roots, rocks and slippery sections. You will need good fitness, sturdy hiking boots with good grip and confidence walking on tricky terrain.

Not long after crossing Douglas Bridge there is an unbridged crossing of Hugh Creek. This is the first of many unbridged creek crossings and they are not safe to cross in all conditions. Assess them carefully before crossing and only cross if you are confident that you can do so safely. If the creeks are running high, it is better to try this track another day.

The track winds up the true right of the Waiho (Franz Josef Glacier) Valley, over ice-carved rock and across many side streams to a viewpoint high above the glacial ice.

In around an hour, the track opens out onto ice smoothed rock outcrops at Hende's Hut. This historic hut is unsuitable for overnight accommodation, but it does provide a sheltered lunch spot.

Hende’s Hut to Roberts Point

After Hende’s Hut, the track leads along the historic Hende’s Gallery. This cantilevered and suspended balcony was originally constructed in 1907.

The track climbs through open scrubland to a high suspension bridge crossing Rope Creek. The track then continues steadily upwards to Roberts Point.

The views from the final lookout are well worth the effort with the glacier, sheer rock walls, waterfalls and mountain peaks all visible. Note that this is a lookout only and the track does not provide access onto the glacier.

The track passes over smooth, slippery slabs of rock in various places, particularly from Hende’s Hut onwards. These can be treacherous when wet or icy, approach them with caution and walk very carefully.

This is a dynamic landscape with many hazards, and several people have lost their lives on this hike. Stay on the track and the viewing platform to avoid steep drop-offs. Never attempt to cross the Waiho River without a bridge.

Understand if you are ready for Roberts Point Track

Watch the NZ Mountain Safety Council’s walk-through video which takes you through how to prepare for this track. Including facilities, key decision points, hazards and typical conditions for the area.

Getting there

This hike begins at the Franz Josef Glacier car park. You can drive or walk south from the Franz Josef/Waiau township across the Waiho River bridge and turn left onto the Glacier Access Road or Te Ara a Waiau. Drive or walk for approximately 4 km to the glacier car park.

Car parking fees

DOC charges fees for car parking at Franz Josef Glacier.

The fees are $2.50 per half hour or $20 a day. If you arrive and leave within 10 minutes, parking is free. If you plan to stay for longer than 10 minutes you must pay on arrival.

Payment machines that accept debit and credit cards are highly visible at each site. Cash payments are not accepted.

Locals and other car park users can purchase an annual permit. Permits cannot be purchased at the payment machines and need to be purchased online.

How to pay fees or buy an annual permit.

Know before you go

Make sure you have the skills and fitness for this hike

Roberts Point Track is a challenging hike. The track requires a good level of fitness and it is very slippery in places. Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential, as is the skill to hike safely on uneven, slippery terrain.

Check the weather and choose a dry day for the hike

Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip.

There are unbridged stream crossings and slippery sections on the track, so it is best to choose another track during/after rain.

Pack the right gear

Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly.

Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times.

Stay on the marked track

There are steep drops off the track. Do not attempt to climb down to the main river from any point on the track.

Take care when crossing side streams, never cross the Waiho River

There are many unbridged stream crossings on this track. They can be dangerous during/after rain. Be careful and turn back if you are not confident they are safe to cross.

If the creeks rise during your walk and become impassable, do not attempt to cross. Instead, wait for them to drop – this often happens quickly.

Never attempt to cross the Waiho River without a bridge.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.