Roberts Point Track

Westland Tai Poutini National Park, New Zealand (South Island)

If you're going to be exploring the south island of New Zealand, you have to see a glacier.  Lucky enough for you, there's pretty much two right next to each other as you circle the island - Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier.  If you can splurge, definitely take a helicopter tour that lands on a glacier and preferably, includes a hike on the glacier as part of the package.  We decided that since we found this great hike with a spectacular view of the Franz Josef Glacier, we'd take the helicopter tour of the Fox glacier.  I can tell you we have absolutely no regrets!

Roberts Point Track is not an easy hike.  If you have a fear of heights, you won't like the multiple tall, swaying suspension bridges you have to cross.  If you're not sure-footed, you certainly won't like the wet rocks you have to navigate up and down along part of the trail.  If these things sound like fun to you, you love adventure and you want a hell of a view at the end of your long hike - this one is for you. With the exception of some waterfalls in the distance and a small lake, there's not many features to see on your way up, but then again, this is New Zealand - it's probably already ten times as beautiful as where you came from, so don't go getting picky on me.  The trail is approximately 7.5 miles roundtrip and most of it is uphill.  Make sure to check the weather before you go, and always carry some light rain gear just in case.  This is one view you don't want to miss.  Click HERE for some additional information on the trail.