The Rob Roy track in the West Matukituki Valley has reopened after a lengthy closure.

Department of Conservation (DOC) community ranger Nicole Sutton said it was fantastic to have the track open to the public again.

“DOC staff and contractors have been working hard over the last month to reroute about 450 metres of damaged track,” Nicole said.

A major slip undercut the track in July 2019 and rain in late 2019 and early 2020 damaged it further. 

In order to repair the track, an alternative route needed to be identified and constructed.

“The new alignment goes through native bush and importantly, stays outside the identified rockfall and landslide zones,” Nicole said.

The 10km return track has long been popular with locals and tourists as it offers an easy route into a dramatic alpine landscape that includes snowfields, glaciers, rock cliffs and waterfalls. 

Beginning at the Raspberry Creek car park, 54 km west of Wanaka on the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road, the track climbs from the valley through a small gorge into beech forest, then into alpine vegetation at the head of the valley, with good views of the Rob Roy Glacier.

The new track stays outside the identified rockfall and landslide zones. PHOTO: DOC

“The view of Rob Roy Glacier at the end of the track is simply spectacular and well worth the three-hour return walk to get there,” Nicole said. 

About 20,000 people walk it in a typical year and the “picture-perfect” walk “inspires many people to visit the park,” Nicole said. 

The inquisitive kea is also often seen or heard in the valley and on the track. 

Rob Roy’s remote location has made the repairs challenging and staff were also kept busy ensuring the rest of the track was up to standard in preparation for the reopening, Nicole said.

The track officially opened on Thursday (February 11), DOC said.