Robert’s Point

Robert’s Point, Franz Josef

I decided to spend an extra day in Franz Josef and do a hike. Most of my friends were heading to the next town on the bus so we parted ways for the time being. I asked Ben, the guide from the kayaking trip yesterday on any recommended walks and he mentioned that Rob’s Point was a great hike. I looked into this and decided to give it a go.

I got a shuttle to the car park and the driver gave me some safety information. The hike should take 5 hours and so I booked a return shuttle for 5pm believing that to be plenty of time. Oh, was I mistaken! I was expecting the path to stay consistent but it got very rough and VERY uneven and I even had to climb a little. It felt more like tramping in some sense. I had the correct walking shoes, plenty of water and food so I was okay. I got lost a couple of times but with a little common sense (i.e don't keep going, back track and find the way or if not, go back to where you started), I made it to the top! It took slightly longer than expected as I had stopped a few times to take pictures and take in the place, and if I’m being honest, I’m not the strongest uphill climber! 

Starting out... looks ok so far!

Peter's Pool.

 One of the scenic stops right at the start was Peter’s Pool. A kind of bog that reflects the gorgeous mountain peaks and was named after a 9 year old boy who went camping there a long, long time ago. It's my understanding that these pools become so reflective due to the amount of decomposing plants that make the water stagnant and dark in colour and therefore, reflective. Not quite sure I explained that one all that well but I ain't no scientist! ;)

Rob's Point track from this point on! Be prepared!

Waterfall across the river.

The hike consisted of 3 swing bridges (not a fan, given my slight fear of heights!), numerous creeks to cross and lots of rocky uneven terrain.

One of THREE swing bridges! eek!

Crossing a creek. One of many.

Crappy pic but I really like this narrow little path!

Uneven and steep!

One of the most challenging bits for me was the narrow man-made walk way along the side of the mountain. Wow, no one told me about that!!! I do have a fear of heights but I have some kind of control over it. I just took a deep breath and didn't look down. I even recorded it on camera so I can see what I had accomplished and maybe missed out on as I was just looking at my destination the whole time!

Eek!

Nearly there! About 30 mins-ish from the top.

Some waterfalls along the way.

The top of the hike was amazing and felt very rewarding. I could see from the top, the helicopters going to and from the glacier with the heli-hike tours and I can take in just how immense and grand this glacier is.

Views from the top!

Now, the hike up was all fine, the harrowing part came when I realised the time and after sitting at the top having my lunch I knew I wasn’t going to make the 5pm shuttle. The lady said not to worry if that happens as there will be one at 6pm and that if I don’t turn up for that they will consider me search and rescue. I started hiking back down (I say down but it was up and down and each time it started going up my legs were aching tremendously!) and managed to get to the shuttle at 5.55pm!

This was taken long before the dredded walk back!

All was well and I can honestly say I have never power walked like that ever before!  I feel a sense of accomplishment for having done this and the views were gorgeous but let’s just say I’ve checked that off my bucket list and I shall not do a hike like that alone again! ;)

-Sherin x