The Douglas Walk is an easy and interesting Glacier Country walk in the Waiho Valley, north of the Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere terminus. It runs through an area formed 250 to 400 years ago by the glacier's advances and retreats. This has left a roughly 1.5 km flat strip of land between the Waiho River and the access road that shows a progression of various types of plants. These reflect the stage of re-growth behind the retreating ice and soil.
The walk is almost four km return and can be started from the main car park at the end of the access road or from the Alex Knob Track car park. A short distance from the main car park, it passes Peters Pool, which, in calm conditions, perfectly reflects the Southern Alps. The historic Douglas Bridge crosses the Waiho River towards the other end. The bridge is a 140-metre-long suspension built in 1900 but restored in 1994. It and the track are named for an early explorer of the region, Charlie Douglas, whose name appears in several regional features.
The Douglas Bridge is also the start of the Roberts Point Track.
Thanks to Georgia (@the_cornishpixie) and Jan Rozen for the photos.
