This is hands down my favourite hike around here. I've done it quite a few times, and it'll never get old. The effort to reward ratio on this hike is unreal - it's a relatively easy track, yet you'll see insanely beautiful views; glaciers and waterfalls! The track starts from Raspberry Flat Carpark and is around 5 km each way, so it’s a solid half-day adventure without being too full-on. The incline is steady but manageable, and the whole walk winds through beautiful beech forest with that classic bright-blue river running right beside you.

About halfway in, you’ll reach a little clearing that gives you a sneak peek of what’s ahead — glimpses of waterfalls and a hint of the glacier sitting in the distance!!! But nothing really prepares you for the view at the end. The forest suddenly opens up, and you’re standing right in front of this massive glacier framed by rugged peaks on all sides!! It’s one of those places that genuinely makes you stop and take it all in — the scale, the silence, the colours. I love to take my coffee pot and lunch out with me and sit at the glacier for a couple hours to take it all in.

You don’t need to be a serious hiker to do it, and the reward is unreal. Just be aware the road out to the carpark is gravel and includes a few ford crossings so I'd recommend a 4x4 car to get out here (and check your rental cars restrictions, some companies dont allow the cars out here unfortunately).

If you only have time for one hike whilst you're here in Wanaka, I'd choose this over Roys Peak (thats just how good it is!). Have fun ♥️