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8 hr
Guided full-day hike through beech rainforest to Rob Roy Glacier, with gourmet lunch and valley views.
Reserve
9 hr 30 min
Abseil, slide and swim through a remote canyon deep inside Mt Aspiring National Park.
Reserve
1 hr 15 min
Circle Mt Aspiring by air, then touch down on a glacier and an alpine saddle.
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The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on this tour remember — all visible on a single visit.
Get up close to this massive icefield at the head of the valley, which features impressive hanging glaciers. The scale of the ice face is immense, rising vertically from the basin floor.
A dramatic rock face where dozens of waterfalls cascade down from the heights. Many are ephemeral and best viewed after rainfall or during peak summer ice-melt.
After emerging from the dense beech forest, you enter this wide, open alpine area. It provides the perfect vantage point for panoramic photography of the surrounding peaks.
The first 8km of the trail winds through lush, root-heavy beech forest. This technical section requires careful footing and navigating around fallen trees and uneven ground.
These paths offer distinct alpine perspectives; most hikers find the Rob Roy Glacier track more accessible, while the earnslaw burn hike tour provides a greater sense of remote exploration.
| Feature | Top pick Earnslaw Burn | Rob Roy Glacier |
|---|---|---|
Difficulty Level |
Very High | Moderate |
Elevation Gain |
~1,000 meters | 400 meters |
Accessibility from Wanaka/Glenorchy |
Glenorchy access via 4WD | Wanaka access via Matukituki Road |
Visual Focus |
Hanging glaciers and waterfalls | Direct glacier face views |
Required Experience |
Advanced navigation | Established trail hiking |
Time Commitment |
8–10 hours | 3–4 hours |
| See tickets → |
Verdict: Select the glacier-focused earnslaw burn hike tour tours if you seek solitude and rugged terrain, or choose the Rob Roy track for a well-marked, efficient alpine outing that requires fewer earnslaw burn hike tour tickets or logistics to enjoy.
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Arrive at the entrance, show your voucher on your phone, and walk in. Most tickets include priority or skip-the-line access.
Practical details for your visit straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are required for the root-filled, muddy forest sections. Layered outdoor clothing is essential as temperatures drop significantly near the glacier.
Carry all necessary safety gear, including a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), in a durable hiking pack. Ensure your gear is waterproofed for stream crossings and rain.
The Earnslaw Burn hike tour offers dramatic glacier and waterfall views, though the enclosed valley limits light; wide-angle lenses and neutral density filters are recommended.
This is a challenging, unmaintained backcountry trek not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Navigational skills are required as the path is often obscured by slips and windfall.
Cell service is unreliable or non-existent in the valley. Rely on physical maps and a GPS or PLB rather than mobile apps.
The Earnslaw Burn hike tour is not recommended for young children. The terrain is physically demanding, features unbridged stream crossings, and lacks basic facilities.
There are no facilities on the Earnslaw Burn hike tour, so pack all food and water. Natural stream water is available but should be treated if you have concerns.
Pets are not permitted on the Earnslaw Burn hike tour due to the track passing through private high-country station land.
The Earnslaw Burn hike tour includes sections through private land; please respect all signage and stay on the marked track or public easements. Permission from Earnslaw Station may be required for specific access areas.
Best time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.
Flexible, no hidden fees.
Entry to the Earnslaw Burn hike tour is 0 NZD (Free entry). There are no cancellation fees for this self-guided public access track.
The track is open 00:00–23:59 daily, though we recommend visiting during daylight. Always check conditions on the official site before beginning your hike.
Yes, entry is 0 NZD (Free entry). Access is open to the public, provided you follow all trail and station rules.
The best arrival window is 07:00–10:00. An early start is essential for this challenging, multi-hour trek to ensure return before dark.
No, the earnslaw burn hike tour is an advanced tramping track requiring strong navigation skills and high physical fitness. It is not recommended for beginners or young children.
You must carry all your own supplies including a PLB, water, food, and high-quality hiking gear. There are no facilities along the trail.
There are no shops or cafes on the track. You must pack all your food and water for the full day, and treat stream water if necessary.
The trailhead is located at Lovers Leap Road, Glenorchy. It is accessible by vehicle, though the road to the start of the trail is gravel.
While you cannot purchase standard earnslaw burn hike tour tickets for the public track, some operators offer helicopter access to the upper valley.
You can combine your visit with stops in Glenorchy township, Lake Wakatipu viewpoints, or scenic photography sessions at Bennett's Bluff.