The 10 Best Things to do for Honeymoon in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, South Island

December 31, 2021 Esmeralda Fenner

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. HeliServicesNZ Fox & Franz

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5.0 based on 364 reviews

HeliServicesNZ Fox & Franz

Glaciers are one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. Fox Glacier and Franz Josef are internationally-renowned glaciers that attract visitors from around the world every year. Fly up over the ice, and see pinnacles, crevasses, seracs, and the deep blue ice of glacier country. Walk-ins welcome.

2. Glacier Helicopters

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5.0 based on 610 reviews

Glacier Helicopters

Glacier Helicopters offers a range of scenic helicopter flights from 20 minutes to 40 minutes. Charter flights are available and can vary from 20 minutes to several hours duration. Flights depart from Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Our flights encompass the Mount Cook National Park, and both Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Glacier landings are our specialty. Our helicopter flights allow people with limited time to “get away from it all” and experience area of New Zealand’s wilderness renowned for its outstanding natural beauty.

3. Skydive Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

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5.0 based on 277 reviews

Skydive Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

"With a backdrop of the Southern Alps, Glaciers, Rainforest and the Ocean, it's hard to imagine a better place to jump out of a plane than Fox Glacier" Quote from The Lonely Planet.We have to agree! You can choose from 13,000ft or 16,500ft with a range of photo and video options to choose from and a great friendly crew, we guarantee you a jump to remember.

4. Franz Josef Wilderness Tours

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5.0 based on 641 reviews

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours

A unique lake adventure across Lake Mapourika, created by the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. We experience amazing panoramic views of the glaciers and southern alps, mirror like water and also explore a Kiwi Conservation area amongst some of Westland's oldest untouched rainforest. Free photos are included with each tour!

5. Skydive Franz

Excellent
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5.0 based on 306 reviews

Skydive Franz

New Zealand's Highest Tandem Skydive - 19,000ft. Be surrounded by Aoraki/ Mount Cook & Tasman, Franz & Fox Glaciers, Rainforest & Ocean for your Skydive. Our Friendly team and epic surroundings provide simply the best skydiving experience available in New Zealand! Choose From: 9000ft, 20+ seconds freefall, 13,000ft - 50+ seconds free-fall 16,500ft - 65+ seconds free-fall 19,000ft - 80+ seconds free-fall All of these options include a scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier and a 6-8 minute parachute ride. We use the world's most advanced and most comfortable parachute systems.Our aircraft is maintained and operated to the highest standard in the industry. Photo & DVD options available.

6. Glacier Country Helicopters

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5.0 based on 119 reviews

Glacier Country Helicopters

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company in Franz Josef. Husband and wife team Gus & Poppy started the company in January 2014 and are both experienced pilots themselves. We offer both scenic helicopter flights over the glaciers in the Southern Alps with snow landings and private charters. We have a small fleet of fantastic helicopters including AS350B2 Squirrels & a MD520N. All aircraft are maintained to high standards. We use modern technology including equipping all our aircraft with V2Track systems that use satellite tracking so ground staff are in contact with pilots at all times. Our team of highly skilled pilots have extensive experience flying in the unique mountain environment we operate in and we have been awarded the Qualmark Silver Sustainable Tourism Business Award. Our company and pilots all have outstanding safety records and we are certified under the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) so you know you'll be in good hands flying with us!

7. Franz Josef Glacier

Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/c02d801031244638bce00a807bfe071d.aspx
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4.5 based on 3,579 reviews

Franz Josef Glacier

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.

8. Lake Matheson Walk

Lake Matheson Road, Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/fd215e48ea01469f9667bd927fdb3ce4.aspx
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4.5 based on 944 reviews

Lake Matheson Walk

Lake Matheson is nestled in ancient forest and is famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Its excellent reflecting properties are due to the dark brown colour of the water – the result of organic matter leached from the humus of the forest floor. Dawn and dusk are the best times to enjoy the reflections in the lake. Time: 1 hr 30 min return Getting there: Turn onto Cook Flat Road in the middle of Fox Glacier Weheka township. Travel 5 km along this road then turn right onto the side road to Lake Matheson.

Reviewed By KayM637 - Devonport, New Zealand

Make sure you do this walk on a sunny day, otherwise you will not get the mirrow affect of the Lake for photos. The loop track took us 1 1/2 hrs and has been upgraded and extened since 2005 with board walks and a walk to the island on the lake.

9. The Helicopter Line West Coast

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4.5 based on 503 reviews

The Helicopter Line West Coast

Discover the magnificent phenomenon of the glaciers. Experienced helicopter pilots share their knowledge whilst overflying the dramatic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and snowfields, exposing extraordinary colours of ice flow, ice caves and pinnacles in this largely inaccessible alpine region. All flights feature a snow landing. Alternatively combine a scenic helicopter flight with an unforgettable guided helihike amongst the glacial ice formations with the professional and experienced Franz Josef Glacier Guides.

10. Fox Glacier Guiding

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4.5 based on 1,635 reviews

Fox Glacier Guiding

It's our privilege to guide you on the West Coast's largest and less crowded glacier. It is one of New Zealand's truly natural wonders. Whether you are walking, heli-hiking or ice-climbing with us in this incredible environment, we can promise you a memory you'll cherish. We have a long guiding history on the glacier (guided walks first started in 1928). Those years of accumulated knowledge and experience mean we are able to guide you with complete confidence. You can rest assured we take your safety and comfort very seriously. Come and enjoy our friendly West Coast hospitality, experience the mighty Fox Glacier with us and create a lifetime memory. We have glacier trips suitable for most fitness levels and ages including children from 9 yrs.

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