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Blog Posts from Ribbonwood

Our Picks Walks in Glacier Country: Roberts Point Track

13/5/2020

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​Roberts Point Track has great views of the glacier from the viewing platform, rainforest and fascinating historical features.

O
ver the years tramping this track, we have always set off in good weather conditions but invariably the afternoon cloud arrives with hill showers, though the village not far away stays bathed in sun! The track then becomes slippery with slow progress. Whenever we walk it, we have a chance to think about our surroundings, and marvel on the old and new.

Roberts Point track was constructed in 1906, funded by a grant from the “Department of Tourism and Hot Spas”, which was set up to promote tourism. Providing access to the Franz Josef glacier, which was higher and terminated much further down the valley than it is today. A technological feat in track building, 'Hendes Gallery' was a cantilevered or suspended walkway which traversed a steep section of bedrock. This gallery is still in use with the wooden steps replaced in the 90’s. The supports are made of forged iron, driven into holes that were drilled into the bedrock and secured with molten metal and still in excellent condition today. 

The impressive new Roberts Point Swing bridge (111m) replaced a wooden staircase which was destroyed by a rockfall. Swing bridges like these are common on New Zealand tramping tracks. They are suspended from two metal cables, and can span a considerable distance over a river or gorge.
​
A new observation deck and picnic table high above the glacial ice is a welcome respite at the end of the track and affords magnificent views of the Franz Josef glacier, towering rock faces and waterfalls.
Jo looking at the glacier from the Roberts Point viewpoint
The viewpoint with stunning views of the glacier neve
A suspended walkway over bedrock with wooden steps
A suspended walkway over bedrock
Photo shows supports for the walkway over bedrock  of forged iron,
The supports are made of forged iron
The impressive Roberts Point Swing bridge
Old shelter to rest from bygone days
Handcrafted track leads up to one of several bridges to cross
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    Keen on the outdoors, we often hike around our local area so we can pass on all our knowledge about Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

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The Baumann Glacier Room
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The Cottage
Activities in Franz Josef
Ribbonwood B & B accommodation is conveniently located just 5 km from Franz Josef Glacier Village.           
​We are close to the restaurants (some offer a complimentary taxi service to and fro.)
​Ribbonwood is ten kilometres and ten minutes drive from the glacier.​
Our Location
​Corner Greens Road and State Highway 6
Franz Josef Glacier
+64 3 7520072
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stay@ribbonwood.net.nz

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  • Welcome
    • Ribbonwood Voucher
  • Our Rooms
    • The Cottage
    • The Waiho Rooms
  • About
    • Caring for
    • Tiaki - Care for New Zealand
    • Covid-19
  • Breakfast
  • Recommended Activities
    • Tramps and Walks
    • Wildlife
    • Birds >
      • Bird List
  • Contact
  • Blog