Lake Wombat Walk
WalkWest CoastOpen
- Grade
- Easy
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Distance
- 3.8 km
- Route
- Return
- Dogs
- No dogs
Access: read before you go
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.
How to pay fees or buy an annual permit.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzDrive 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 2 km to where the Lake Wombat Walk begins, signposted on the right side of the road.
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.
How to pay fees or buy an annual permit.
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. How to pay fees or buy an annual permit .
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 43.40706° S, 170.17328° E
About this place
This short, easy walk leads through a lush rimu forest to the idyllic Lake Wombat - it's a good option for children.
The route
Lake Wombat is a fern-lined walk which climbs steadily from the car park through rimu forest to a peaceful lake. Termed a kettle lake, Lake Wombat was formed by the melting of a huge piece of ice left amidst glacial debris about 9000 years ago. This walk offers good opportunities for bird watching if you stop quietly along the way.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Franz Josef Rainforest Retreat Holiday Park
West Coast • 2.5 km
Franz Josef Rainforest Retreat Holiday Park is a campsite located on the West Coast. The provided data contains no further details regarding specific…
Kea accommodation village
West Coast • 3 km
Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park
West Coast • 3.9 km
Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park is a campsite located in the West Coast region. The provided data does not include specific details about facilities or…
Castle Rocks Hut
Standard • 4 bunks • West Coast • 5.2 km
Castle Rocks Hut is a standard four-bunk hut located in the Glaciers area of the West Coast.
Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Almer Hut
Serviced Alpine • 12 bunks • West Coast • 8 km
Almer Hut is a well-known hut in the West Coast region, situated above Franz Josef Glacier. It offers excellent views down the valley and across to the high…
Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Walks nearby
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).
- DOC Tracks & Trails · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.