The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, South Island

October 22, 2021 Alida England

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. Amaia Luxury Spa

3 Wallace Street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7856 New Zealand +64 3-752 0555 [email protected] http://www.tewaonui.co.nz/amaia-luxury-spa
Excellent
93%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 29 reviews

Amaia Luxury Spa

Amaia Luxury Spa offers outstanding Skin and Body Therapies in a peaceful and relaxed environment. Situated in beautiful Franz Josef Glacier find us tucked away surrounded by beautiful native bush and stunning mountain views, we warmly welcome & invite you.

Reviewed By KarinF714

This was definitely the best massage experience I had all year! The massage therapist listened carefully & massaged exactly according to ones’ preference. The welcome was great & the massage room warm, clean & relaxing. I give this a 10 out of 10. Hands down! Highly recommend if you want a great massage

2. Franz Josef Clay Target Shooting

22 Main Road, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 800 274 668 [email protected] http://www.franzjosefclayshooting.co.nz
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 56 reviews

Franz Josef Clay Target Shooting

We offer an action-packed 'all-weather' activity, shooting undercover in a building designed especially for our environment and your fun and safe shooting experience. We provide all equipment and transport to and from the range. Real guns, real ammunition with tuition provided for beginners and a challenge for experienced shooters. Covered shoes must be worn for this activity.

Reviewed By MickeyBrwne

We were quite lucky it rained today as that prompted us to search for other activities besides our heli hike, when we saw this we decided to give it a go! Vicki picked us up from our hotel and was on time and very friendly, we ended up at the range with a group of 4 older people - we all bonded over shooting targets! Brent provided excellent training and tips, the guns were very easy to use and not at all as intimidating as you might expect - specially with Brent’s tips! Had way too much fun doing this, and I’m thinking of doing it more often when I’m back home in Sydney! Thank you Brent and Vicki! - Mikhail and Vee

3. Waiho Hot Tubs

64 B Cron Street Central Village, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand +64 3-752 0009 [email protected] http://www.waihohottubs.co.nz
Excellent
95%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 20 reviews

Waiho Hot Tubs

Relax with us for an hour in your own private, wood fired, hot tub. Refilled with fresh water for every booking, and with the ability to set your own temperature through cooling or further heating the water, you can't help but enjoy these private pools set in the Franz Josef village rainforest. Ideal for up to 4 adults and a child. Adults only after 6 pm. Find us on Cron Street, Opposite the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre, in the Franz Josef Glacier village.

Reviewed By 248traceys - Hamilton, New Zealand

Yes you are best to book and yes you need to press the buzzer as the young lady seems to be busy cleaning tubs for next guests, but this is so worth the wait and bookings essential. BYO drinks and nibbles, tubs get to about 40 degrees and such an amazing experience. Be patient and enjoy the experience well worth it. Rating 10+++

Lake Matheson Rd, Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7859 New Zealand +64 3-751 0753 [email protected] http://www.lakematheson.com/reflectionz-gallery
Excellent
49%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 75 reviews

ReflectioNZ Gifts & Gallery

ReflectioNZ Gifts and Gallery at Fox Glacier showcases a carefully selected, contemporary range of wares with a New Zealand flavour. This secret gem offers a fantastic selection of products in a modern and relaxing shopping environment at the entrance to the Lake Matheson Walkway. From New Zealand made gifts and artwork to souvenirs, designer merino garments, West Coast greenstone and New Zealand themed jewellery, ReflectioNZ has something for everyone at every budget. Enjoy world-class views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman whilst dining at our contemporary style café next door. One of N.Z.'s greatest scenic icons, Lake Matheson is renowned for its stunning reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. Just five kilometres from Fox Glacier.

Reviewed By DJW20

This shop is out of Fox Glacier next to the carpark for walk to Lake Matheson.It had a huge variety of souvenirs and gifts of good quality, including some lovely silver jewellery.

5. Alpine Cinema

Main Road Alpine Adventure Centre, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0347 http://www.alpinecinema.co.nz
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Alpine Cinema

69 Waiho Flat Road Fox Glacier Highway, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand +64 27 205 4640 [email protected] http://www.tekoha.nz
Excellent
82%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 105 reviews

Te Koha Gallery

Set in our home our studio offers a friendly environment to carve a traditional or contemporary piece of New Zealand Stone - Nephrite Jade, Tangi Wai, Aotea, Rhodonite. Open 7 days a week at our home based studio. People of all ages and nationalities have had the chance to carve their own piece of our culture either as a gift or for themselves. This activity generally takes 1-2 hours depending on what we are carving. No artistic ability is required and people have really surprised themselves with what they have achieved. Its all about putting your energy into our special stones by making it yourself. A very unique souvenir unlike any other either for yourself or as a special gift.

Reviewed By petecross9 - Preston, United Kingdom

Awesome place, lovely people. Highly recommended. Guided through the whole process. Go and support local kiwi businesses ????.

Franz Josef Highway 6 Franz Josef Glacier North, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7856 New Zealand +64 3-752 0611 [email protected] http://franzjosefoasis.co.nz
Excellent
73%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Andris Apse Gallery

This World-Class Gallery showcases the work of Internationally-renowned Landscape Photographer Andris Apse. The Gallery features a Mini-Theatre, Slide-Show and exhibits dramatic panoramas in a serene and professional setting. His breathtaking NZ Landscape images on display are all Limited Editions. The Gallery is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.

8. Glacier Hot Pools

63 Cron Street Glacier Base, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand +64 3-752 0099 [email protected] http://glacierhotpools.co.nz
Excellent
38%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 963 reviews

Glacier Hot Pools

Nestled under nature’s leafy canopy, Glacier Hot Pools provide the perfect spot to let your tinana (body), hinengaro (mind) and wairua (spirit) embrace nature, relax & invigorate. All pools are filled with pure water and heated between 36°C and 40°C. For the cherry on top of the cake – experience a soak in a private pool & a rejuvenating massage or facial.

Reviewed By MachineDDW - County Cork, Ireland

3 gorgeous pools, perfect for these days where the weather is crap. Has an easy layout, with plenty of space for everyone, and is well signposted. Personally I really appreciate the little signs describing the trees and plants which grow surrounding the hotpools, I think they add a lot to the place and make it feel more than other hot pools I've visited in the country.

9. West Coast Wildlife Centre

Cnr Cowan & Cron Streets Bright Green Building, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand +64 3-752 0600 [email protected] http://www.wildkiwi.co.nz/
Excellent
36%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
10%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 967 reviews

West Coast Wildlife Centre

Lonely Planet voted the West Coast Wildlife Centre in the heart of Franz Josef as one of the 12 must see things to visit in New Zealand. This is the largest kiwi hatching facility in the South Island and the "must see" indoor all weather attraction in Franz Josef – home to the official hatching facility for the world's 2 rarest kiwis – the Rowi and Haast Tokoeka. See live kiwi during the day inside our nocturnal house, discover the interactive glacier attraction and West Coast storytelling areas or go behind the scenes on the “Backstage Pass Tour” and see live kiwi chicks and meet the friendly kiwi ranger staff. Numbers are very limited on the 30 minute Backstage Pass Tour so booking are highly recommended to avoid disappointment. The best shopping in Franz Josef can be found here inside the all weather facility -and enjoy free Wi-Fi in the cafe to keep connected to family and friends. Enjoy a coffee or a snack in the cafe – or pick up a pack lunch for your day of adventure. Open from 8.30am daily – 365 days. Set aside 1-2 hours for your visit. All tickets purchased are valid for 24 hours so you can come back and see the kiwi as many times as you like within that period !.

Reviewed By skelfy_2020 - Hamilton, New Zealand

Took the opportunity to visit the wildlife centre and do the backstage pass - the staff were fabulous from the moment we walked in to enquire about ticket options, to the awesome lady (sorry name loss!) who took us on the tour. The tour was extremely insightful, educational and fun! We were lucky enough to see two rowi kiwi chicks up close, and met the tuatara gang! We also spied a couple of kiwis digging about in the enclosure (win win!) The team at this centre do a truly amazing job, and you can see they genuinely care for all of the animals in their care, including those released back into the wild and about educating the public on these beautiful species (I want to work here ????!) Would highly recommended as a must do experience to anyone visiting Franz Josef ❤️

10. Franz Josef i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

63 Cron Street Located in the Glacier Base, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand +64 3-926 2182 [email protected] http://www.glaciercountry.co.nz
Excellent
58%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
1%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 89 reviews

Franz Josef i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Franz Josef Location i-SITE knows all the best things to do, places to stay and ways to get there. Plus they’ll take care of the bookings. Every person who works at i-SITE is a travel expert for their own home town, so they can help you to find the sort of activities, attractions, accommodation and transport that only a local would know. You can be sure that once you have experienced the latest and greatest of what one place has to offer, i-SITE will help connect you with their equally friendly i-SITE colleagues at the next stop on your journey. So whether you’ve come around the world or down the road you can rely on i-SITE for expert local knowledge and bookings throughout New Zealand. •Itinerary planning and information •Bookings nationwide - accommodation, transport, activities, attractions •Free maps, weather & mountain safety information •Local information - events, attractions, restaurants & more!

Reviewed By 399petei

We usually would not think about reviewing tourist information centers. But when you do get such great support without paying money for it, this is worth an exception: We went to the Franz Josef i-Site to find out how we could best spend the limited time we had to visit the glaciers. After checking out the brochures we had the usual problem of too much information and no idea what to decide on. Then went up to the counter and met Joanne. She understood right away what our problem was and guided us through the decision process. She explained why certain bookings would work for us better than others, pointed out the details and pros and cons of the tours and, once we made up our minds, called the companies to make sure the were spots available and that we would be back in time from the first tour to start the second. We left with a booking of two tours (eco hike and scenic flight), which worked really well together and got us a great view of the glaciers from the ground and from above. Both of them were totally worth the dollars spent! With Joanne, we certainly did NOT have the impression that she was trying to sell us something. Instead, she made our problem to her problem and helped us to find the right solution to it. This is the definition of great service - and it made our stay in FJ unforgettable. Thank you Joanne and thank you I-site.

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