Rob Roy Glacier walk reopens as bridge build complete

Work to upgrade a suspension bridge over a branch of the Matukituki River has been completed and the popular Rob Roy Track is now open to the public again.

In a statement today, Department of Conservation operations manager Charlie Sklenar says it "is fantastic news ahead of summer".

“Rob Roy is a popular area of Tititea/Mt Aspiring National Park and sees a huge number of visitors, especially during the summer months."

She says engineering advice sought by DOC last year showed the bridge could not sustain its current usage and needed to be fully replaced.

“For the Rob Roy Glacier Track, visitor numbers were projected to increase from their previous daily averages of 180 people. As a result, a safety assessment was made which led to the decision to upgrade the bridge.”

Work to upgrade the Rob Roy suspension bridge included in-depth engineering, geotechnical and design assessments, complex rock drilling and structural work to improve the bridge’s ability to bear weight.

“Engineers have now inspected the completed bridge work and with all testing successfully certified late last week, we are happy to say the bridge is now open again to the public.

“Our field team has now removed the closure signage, and the DOC website has been updated to show that the track has reopened.

“We know people will take the opportunity to make the most of the Rob Roy Track and its upgraded bridge, and we’re looking forward to a great summer."

Meanwhile Ms Sklenar confirms construction work on the Blue Pools Track continues, and the track remains closed.

The route is a busy attraction, capturing many visitors travelling over the Haast Pass from Central Otago to the West Coast.

Like the Rob Roy Track, it was shut abruptly in May 2023.

Now, bad weather has delayed work on two bridges and a raised timber boardwalk connecting them, extending the closure period, Ms Sklenar says.

However she remains committed to having this track reopen this summer too.

Until then, there is no access to the Blue Pools, although a shortened forest walk from the carpark on State Highway 6 north of Makarora remains open.

Main image (Supplied/DOC): A new suspension bridge has been installed on the popular Rob Roy Track.