This short, easy forest walk passes by a reflective lake and crosses over glacial landforms – it’s suitable for children.
Location
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.
The Track
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.
Track History
Charlie Douglas was a well educated explorer and surveyor of Scottish descent who spent much of his life adventuring in the Glacier Country and South Westland. His surveying achievements are well documented. He has a mountain, glacier, rock bivouac, river, creek and hut named for him.
Know before you go
- Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip.
- Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly.
- Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times.
