Douglas Walk
Alerts
NIWA weather risks
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Forecast point: Franz Josef Glacier (230m) · 0.4km away
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
This short, easy forest walk passes by a reflective lake and crosses over glacial landforms - it's suitable for children.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
The Douglas Walk takes you over glacial landforms formed between 1600 AD and 1750 AD by glacial advances and retreats.
From the glacier road car park, the walk takes you through a succession of vegetation types, each representing a different stage of re-growth behind retreating ice and/or different soil types.
Visit Peters Pool, a reflective kettle lake, and the historic Douglas Bridge.
Getting there
Drive or walk south from the Franz Josef/Waiau township across the Waiho River bridge and turn left onto the Glacier Access Road or Te Ara a Waiau.
Drive or walk for approximately 4 km to the car park at the end of the road.
Car parking fees
DOC charges fees for car parking at Franz Josef Glacier.
The fees are $2.50 per half hour or $20 a day. If you arrive and leave within 10 minutes, parking is free. If you plan to stay for longer than 10 minutes you must pay on arrival.
Payment machines that accept debit and credit cards are highly visible at each site. Cash payments are not accepted.
Locals and other car park users can purchase an annual permit. Permits cannot be purchased at the payment machines and need to be purchased online.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track