Last Updated on: 18 May 2026

Lake wombat is an easy interesting forest walk that will take you around 1 hr & 30 mins.

Some people would call it a tarn not a lake that sits below Alex Knob, 1300 mt. This lake is a kettle lake, formed around 9,000 years ago when a huge chunk of glacial ice was left behind in the debris as the Franz Josef Glacier retreated, and slowly melted in place.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Franz Josef
  • Distance: 3.8 km
  • Time needed: 1 Hour 30 Minutes Return
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Wheelchair Access: No
  • Route: Double back
  • Elevation: 250m
  • Wet Feet: No
  • Toilets: No
  • Dogs: No
  • Mobile Coverage: No

Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

I was pleased to see an abundance of bird life on the Lake Wombat walk. The song of the Bellbird & Tui, filled the bush and the grey Warbler and the friendly Fantail fluttered around my head looking for insects that I might have disturbed as I walk along the track.

Track Quality

The track to Lake Wombat was very enjoyable track to walk, not completely flat, just a couple of short easy up hill climbs. This walk is just right for you to experience the rugged West Coast bush for the first time without walking for hours at a time.

Hazards

It can get very cold, always take a warm, waterproof jacket as the weather can change rapidly. You might need insect repellent for those annoying sand flies!

Transport

You’ll need to drive yourself or walk from Franz Josef town.

Water

Take your own drinking water with you.

Driving Instructions

Drive or walk south from the Franz Josef town across the Waiho River bridge and turn left onto the Glacier Access Road. Then it’s approximately 2 km to where the Lake Wombat Walk begins, signposted on the right side of the road. Parking fees apply at the Alex Knob/Lake Wombat carpark. DOC charges $5 per hour or $20 per day by card only, no cash. Arriving and leaving within 20 minutes is free. Check the DOC website for current details as the pilot scheme may change after June 2026.

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

Plenty of great cafes and restaurants in Franz Josef town.

Area & Trail History

The lake was named after after Jack Irwin, his nickname was Wombat Jack. Wombat Jack lived in his hut beside the Waiho River while seeking his fortune in gold.

Map Location

Points of interest along the walk​

Lake Wombat Walk, Franz Josef
The start of Lake Wombat Walk
Lake Wombat Walk

Point 1: Starting Point

The carpark is around 2 km in on the right, on the Franz Josef Glacier road. The carpark is a small one so get in early. Don’t cross the road to the other walkway, just walk into the bush and follow the well formed track.

Walking & Cycling Track
Lake Wombat Walk, Franz Josef
Turnoff to Alex knob

Point 2: Alex Knob Turnoff

Within minutes of leaving the car park you will cross a walking and cycle track that runs up to the Franz Josef Glacier Carpark, and then you will cross over a small bridge. The next point of interest is the turn off to Alex Knob track, an eight hour walk to a height of 1300 mt.

Lake Wombat Walk
Lake Wombat
Lake Wombat Walk, Franz Josef

Point 3: Lake Wombat

From the Alex Knob track turn off you only have fifteen minutes to reach wombat Lake. Today there was no mirror effect on Lake Wombat because the wind was up and causing light ripples across the lake. But I could still sit down in the sun and listen to the birds singing in the trees while I enjoyed a hot cup of coffee and a biscuit. No, even that was short lived. The non stop noise from the choppers flying up to the Franz Josef Glacier Car park put an end to that.