Glacier Burn Waterfalls

 

Glacier Burn Waterfalls

Probably the most beautiful glacier waterfalls in a daily-walkable distance, Glacier Burn Waterfalls are found at the end of the Glacier Burn Track in Mt Aspiring National Park. Despite the fact that the road is suitable for 4WD vehicles and the track is quite a difficult tramping one, the waterfalls and the views worth it. Off the beaten track adventure!

Driving and walking conditions

GPS of the view point: S 44 26' 51.216" E 168 47' 38.808"
Parking: Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd, Mt Aspiring
Vehicle type: 4WD vehicle recommended Track type: Tramping track
Road type:29km of Gravel Road (poor road surface) Return track duration: 4hrs 30min

Waterfall parameters

Waterfall height: 100m Type of the waterfall: Glacier

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
GPS:          S 44 26' 51.216" E 168 47' 38.808"
Parking:     Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd, Mt Aspiring
Access:     4hrs 30min return walk


Walking and driving instructions

 

Glacier Burn Waterfalls are roughly a 1.5-hours’ drive away from Wanaka. Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd is a gravel road with huge holes and cracks on it as well as multiple creek's fords. There is an official sign at the road entrance saying that it's not a public road, the road is maintained by DOC and DOC takes no liability for the vehicles entering to this road. This road is unsuitable for low wheel-base vehicles and we highly recommend a 4-WD vehicle for this trip.

From Wanaka follow Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd for 47.5km until you see a small car park (on the right hand side) and a bridge over the Matukituki River. Leave your car here. There are no facilities there. If you drive for 4 more kilometres, then you'll reach the official Raspberry Flat carpark with all the facilities there (toilets, tables, etc.).

Cross the Matukituki River via a bridge, then turn right and follow the official track. First part of the track (about 1-1.5 hours) is relatively easy but requires a couple of river crossing, and goes through a leasehold farm land. Please respect this and do not disturb the stock. Here, you'll find beautiful views of the river and Wishbone Falls.

As soon as you reach a tracks’ junction the situation will change. The main track still goes through the private land, but Glacier Burn track brunches out from it and jumps into the bush. A gentle climb starts from here. Lots of roots and descends, hence the track is recommended for experienced trampers only. In 30-45 minutes you reach the end of the track and the Glacier Burn riverbed. Disappointedly, you won't see any waterfalls from this point. Don't know why DOC finishes the track here. Don't stay here, instead follow one of many un-official tracks until you get the best view.

At the end of the track you'll find a spot suitable for a picnic and it's a great place to have a rest in a good weather.

Return via the same track, or experienced trampers can return back to the junction and continue on to the track up to Ages Biv. It will take about 2 days to complete this trip.


Waterfalls nearby

Wishbone Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     2min return walk
Driving:   1.8 km (3 mins)

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Glenfinnan Stream Waterfall

Rating:       ⭐
Access:     2min return walk
Driving:   5.2 km (9 mins)

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Bridal Veil Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     4hrs 30min return walk
Driving:   4.2 km (7 mins)

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Rob Roy Waterfalls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     4hrs 30min return walk
Driving:   4.2 km (7 mins)

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