Top Things to do in Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Top Hotels in Westland Tai Poutini National Park
The 10 Best Hiking Trails in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, South Island
When thinking of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, one word should always come to mind: glacier. The speedy Fox and Franz Josef glaciers (both move up to 13 feet each day) are two popular sights and in some places, you can see the ice stretch back down to the sea. When you’re ready to get back to stable ground, walk around Lake Matheson (which also offers excellent birdwatching via kayak) to enjoy stunning views of Mount Cook.
Restaurants in Westland Tai Poutini National Park
1. Roberts Point Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 76 reviews
Starting from the Douglas Bridge, Roberts Point Track winds up the true right of the Waiho (Franz Josef Glacier) Valley, over ice-carved rock and across many side streams to a viewpoint high above the glacial ice. In around an hour the track opens out onto ice smoothed rock outcrops at Hende's Hut. This hut is unsuitable for overnight accommodation, but it does provide a sheltered lunch spot. The track climbs on through open scrubland to a suspension bridge crossing Rope Creek and continues steadily upwards to Roberts Point. The views from here are well worth the effort with the glacier, sheer rock walls, waterfalls and mountain peaks all visible. Time: 5 hr return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; or 5 hr 20 min return from glacier car park Distance: 11 km return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; or 12.3 km return from glacier car park Please contact the Franz Josef Visitor Centre for safety updates before attempting this track.
Reviewed By nzwestie - Hamilton & Waikato Region, New Zealand
Loved this walk. Def recommend it if you have the time. What a surprise to see the glacier when we got to the top. You do have to be careful. We just wore trail shoes, had plenty of water in our camel packs (as that means no carrying of anything) cameral swinging of my neck. We are in our late 50's, took us about 2.15 up and the same down. Sometimes going down is harder than going up. It is a great walk as it has bridges, water crossing, rock climbing etc. We loved it and would def recommend it.
2. Alex Knob Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By ArjenKl - Napier, New Zealand
It’s a big hike through the rainforest to make it to the Alex Knob peak at 1303m. Do the hike only on a clear day to have a better chance of being rewarded with a beautiful view of the Franz Josef qlacier (because weather can always change). We did it in a 6,5 hour return. Sadly we didn’t have a view of the glacier at the top due to clouds.. We saw the glacier on the other two lookouts on the route though! Have some boots with good grip and expect some climbing with your hands! It can be very slippery!
3. Franz Josef Glacier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,579 reviews
Westland Tai Poutini National Park, renowned for its Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and the beautiful walks from 5 minutes to 8 hours that you can do in this area to view these amazing ice features, native forest, wildlife and waterfalls. The track up the Glacier river bed is 5.4 km return via same track Suggested duration 1 hr 30 min •This track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding or landslides – check the latest 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. •No drones allowed.
Reviewed By greg_wanders - Auckland Central, New Zealand
An enjoyable and picturesque walk through the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. From the car park its a 1.5 to 2 hour walk depending on how long you stop for photographs. Several waterfalls all around as you make your way to the glacier wall. The Glacier wall itself is quite a way away from the view point as it is receding, though it is still awesome to be so close. Maybe a good idea to keep this in mind so as to not be disappointed. Combine the glacier valley walk with two short walks from the car park (Sentinel Rock for Panoramic views and Peters Pool for reflections) and you have great day out on the west coast. A great FREE way to enjoy you time by the glacier, although you have the options of helicopter tours or heli hikes to get further up close. Would highly recommend this walk in good weather. If it is raining and you have spare time, I would save it for when you get a break in the weather.
4. Fox Glacier Hiking Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 396 reviews
Reviewed By Explore33983631731 - North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
We drove through the main township of Fox Glacier towards the glacier access road, where there is a huge car park. We had a camper van and there was ample parking in the car park.There was some toilets at the end of the car park, they were clean and maintained. There are lots of different walks around the area with choice of distances clearly marked. The walk to the main glacier was well maintained considering how many people walk on these tracks on a daily basis. We walked for about 15/20 mins and took photos on the way. We were greeted by the most wonderful sight that im sure we will never see again as the glacier is slowly retracting. But to see such an untamed natural wonder was a memory to cherish. The information stated that due to a lot of rainwater recently the lookout point had been pulled back a bit, due to the water making the paths a little unstable. Certainly well worth going
5. Te Ara a Waiau Walkway/Cycleway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
6. Tatare Tunnels Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
After 10 minutes walk on a four wheel drive road, the track climbs gently then drops to a view of the scenic Tatare Gorge. The track then becomes steep and narrow for the short climb to the Tatare Tunnels. If you wish to explore the tunnels you will need a torch and a raincoat, and you may get wet feet – the water will be ankle deep. The track stops at the old wooden flume at the end of the first tunnel. 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.
Reviewed By AndrewW41
Took us 40 minutes to walk into the tunnel entrance, The last section is a narrow gravel walkers track that is up and down the hills, We walked 200meters into the tunnel (with no end in sight) in 100mm deep water most of the way, got back out and google says the tunnel is 500meters long... Cool tunnel about 1-1.5m wide and 2 meters high
7. Copland Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
You must have a booking to before you start this track. failure to do so could result in a fine and no where to sleep for the night. Always check the latest weather updates before starting this track. Getting there Access is off SH 6, 26 km south of Fox Glacier. The turn-off to the car park is well signposted on the northern side of the Karangarua River bridge. Drive approximately150 m down the gravel road to the car park. Buses pass the road end each morning and afternoon and will drop off and pick up pre-booked passengers.
Reviewed By Talsita
One of the best hikes I've been doing and Highly recommended. The track can be challenging for those who aren't really fit, its worth it absolutely and the pools at the end are amazing! I highly recommend visit the pools early in the morning as well. We've been welcomed so nicely by Peter Davis and he gave a 'hut talk' and shared the history of the place which added a lot to the general experience for us and we've loved it! the hut has a very nice view from the dorms and there are heaps of sand-flies so I would recommend stay in the hut which will minimise that. If you can, its worth staying 2 nights and going to Dougles hut (3h hike - a bit more advanced than Copland track).
8. Minnehaha Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
1.2 km easy walking loop track 20 min return. This delightful short walk follows a small stream through the lush rainforest, and loops back to the start point via Te Weheka Walkway/Cycleway. Glow worms may be seen in the forest after dark - take a torch to find your way. Bikes are not permitted on the Minnehaha Walk.
Reviewed By J6301TKdarrenc
A lovely relaxing walk by day amongst the forest; and by night an amazing experience looking at the glow worms scattered along the entire track. We had a full moon and could walk the track safely without any need for lighting. If you don't have the benefit of a full moon and use a torch be sure to cover it so that it dulls the light, otherwise you will miss the glow worms and ruin it for others. A definite must do attraction if you are staying at Fox Glacier.
9. Peters Pool Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
This fully-accessible walk winds through the rainforest to a small kettle lake, which was formed by ice melting amongst glacial moraine about 200 years ago. Enjoy the reflective views of the glacier and mountainpeaks in this tranquil setting. Getting there 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.
Reviewed By HelenaT975 - Tauranga, New Zealand
This track starts from the Franz Josef glacier carpark and leads to a beautiful small pool which reflects the surrounding mountains. Highly recommend checking it out when you are in the area.
10. Moraine Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Moraine Walk. Moraines are the debris of rocks and stones left when a glacier retreats. This easy walk takes you over old moraine surfaces and dramatically reveals how quickly plants establish here, and how the age of the bush reflects the various ages of the glacial moraines which it has colonised. The walk begins on a surface several thousand years old and crosses the AD1600 and AD1750 moraines. Getting there Drive south for 2 km from Fox Glacier Weheka township, and turn left immediately after crossing the Fox River Bridge. The Glacier View Road is narrow and unsealed so drive carefully to the car park at the end of this road.
Reviewed By anitao906 - Mannheim, Germany
We had decided to do the South Side Walk along the Fox River, a gravel road - normally shared by cars, bikes and hikers - leading to a car park and view point. It turned out that the road was blocked for vehicles due to some prior flooding damage. No problem for us as we had intended to go on a short hike... It was an easy walk for quite some time until we reached another "road blocked" sign, this time meant for hikers. The suggested detour was via the Moraine Walk, a narrow path winding through the rain forest. As it had been raining for days this track was not so easy any more and when it was too slippery and muddy I sometimes had to hold on to rocks and trees to keep my balance. BUT the scenery was gorgeous. The lush green, the moss, the fallen trees - we had found an enchanted forest. We reached the car park lookout and went on to the next view point to catch a glimpse of Fox Glacier. The view there may not have been the most spectacular one but the Moraine Walk sure was and I'm glad we had to take this "detour".
