Discovering the Douglas Walk
The Douglas Walk is situated in the Waiho Valley, just north of the Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere terminus. This area has been sculpted by the glacier's movements over the last 250 to 400 years, offering visitors a fascinating view of how plant life gradually reclaims land once covered by ice.
Trail Highlights and Features
The Douglas Walk is a nearly four km return trail that can be accessed from either the main car park at the end of the access road or the Alex Knob Track car park. Early on the trail, walkers will find Peters Pool, a tranquil spot where, on calm days, the Southern Alps are perfectly mirrored in the water.
Continuing along the path, the trail leads to the historic Douglas Bridge, a 140-metre-long suspension bridge spanning the Waiho River. Originally built in 1900 and restored in 1994, both the bridge and the track are named in honour of Charlie Douglas, an early explorer whose influence is evident in several local landmarks.
The Douglas Bridge also serves as the starting point for the Roberts Point Track, which provides for an extended half-day hike.
How to get there
To access the Douglas Walk, take the Franz Josef Glacier access road from State Highway 6 to the main car park at the road end in the Waiho Valley, or begin from the Alex Knob Track car park. Both entry points offer convenient access to this scenic and historically significant trail.
