We break our road trip south to explore Roberts Point Track, which climbs to a spectacular view of the Franz Josef Glacier. I’ve just about recovered from discovering my newly purchased and unopened Chocolate Hobnobs and Cadbury Chocolate Flake Bites were left behind in the motel fridge.
The walk begins at Peter’s Pool, a tranquil spot of breathless beauty.
We soon reach Douglas Bridge, suspended above the ice melt water of the Waiho River. In 2021, two tourists drowned in the river after ignoring warning signs and attempting to wade across.
The swing bridges have varying load capacities and amusing signs to match.
Helicopters pass periodically overhead, ferrying people up and onto the glacier. I’m half expecting “Ride of the Valkyries” to boom out from Apocalypse Now.
The Roberts Point Swing Bridge is magnificent. A young couple let us pass as the man steadies himself for the crossing, uncomfortable with heights — good luck!
This is all very well, but how many men can cross safely?
Hende’s Hut, a corrugated iron hut built in 1906 under the supervision of local blacksmith Peter Hende, was used as a manufacturing forge to produce steel for Hende’s Gallery, an amazing walkway attached to the cliff face, supported by iron bars driven into the rock, built by men hanging down from the cliff. There’s one passing place — not for the faint-hearted.
The final section is tiring, scrambling up smooth rocks. I wouldn’t like to hike this in wet weather.
The trail narrows through the trees, where a young woman with poles picks her way slowly. After several minutes queued up behind her, she seems oblivious to us and trail etiquette. Finally, Hayley asks if we can pass and she steps aside.
The viewpoint is a lovely wooden platform with benches along each side and a central table. A perfect spot for lunch and to admire the view.
Trail hogger arrives and, with barely a glance up the valley, pulls out her phone and talks loudly for the next 20 minutes. Why are you here?
Sadly, the glacier has receded 500m in the past five years. How long until it’s no longer visible from the viewpoint?
The descent is much easier than coming up. What a fantastic day hike. New Zealand is my sort of country, even before I consider the rugby.
Date of walk: Sunday 16 February 2025.
Walk distance: 8 miles.
Looks like a good one Tony, receding glaciers the world over unfortunately
Yes, very sad. My son said this winter was terrible for snow up in Scotland.
That opening shot is a stunner. I hope it took your mind off the abandoned hobnobs. Trail Hogger sounds like a charmer!
I can see why it’s your kind of country! What a spectacular trail.