Things to do in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, South Island: The Best Tours

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left. Multiple departure times. Allow 3 hours for your tandem skydive experience.

Inclusions: Round-trip shared transfer from booking office to airport, Tea and Coffee, Use of helmet, gloves, goggles and jumpsuit, Use of skydive equipment, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Photo and Video options (available to purchase), T-shirt and Hoodies (available to purchase)

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left. Multiple departure times. Allow 3 hours for your tandem skydive experience.

Inclusions: Tea and Coffee, Round-trip shared transfer from booking office to airport, Use of skydive equipment, Use of helmet, gloves, goggles and jumpsuit

Exclusions: Photo and Video options (available to purchase), T-shirt and Hoodies (available to purchase)

Step into a haven of tranquility. Nestled among the lush native rain-forest in the heart of Franz Josef, the Glacier Hot Pools provide a truly unique setting for absolute relaxation. The pools are located in the heart of Franz Josef township and are walking distance from most accommodation. Our Private Pools are surrounded by majestic rain-forest and offer total seclusion, naturally. Your Private Pool experience includes private changing facilities with towels and complimentary entry into the Main Pools. After your 45-minute private pool experience, you can shower and change or head out to main pools. Alternatively, you are also welcome to enjoy the main pools before your private booking. The private pools were gifted their names by the local Maori tribe, Te Runanga o Makaawhio: Te Wai Whakahaumanu (reviving waters), Te Wai Whakawai (easing waters) Te Wai Taurima (tending waters). There are spa and massage treatments available onsite as well as a licensed café.

Inclusions: Complimentary entry to the three main pools , Access to Private Cabana and changing facilities, Use of towels, Private Hot Pool for 45 Minutes

Exclusions:

Fox or Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 20 minutes) Fly from our Franz Josef or Fox Glacier Heliport to the top of the Fox or Franz Josef icefall and land on the snow for a fantastic photographic opportunity. This entry level flight will show you why so many are impressed by the sheer crevasses and pinicles that form the ice scapes of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Be sure to book from the correct departure location (Fox or Franz Josef) - book for a Franz Josef departure if you are overnighting at Franz Josef OR book for a Fox Glacier departure if you are overnighting at Fox Glacier.

Inclusions: Snow landing for 20 minutes

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions

A paddleboard experience like no other! A comfortable scenic boat ride before an Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure! SUP amongst the giant rainforest trees amidst the Jurassic rainforest of a kiwi conservation area with Glaciers and Alps as your backdrop.

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Free Photos

Exclusions:

Lake Mapourika holds great stock of New Zealand Brown Trout and Wild Sea-Run Salmon. The calm waters and scenic views will keep all anglers entertained. Our unique comfortable tour boat makes fishing and excellent activity rain or shine.

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Fishing Equipment

Exclusions: Fishing License

Experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier snowfields with a helicopter landing at around 2134 meters (7000 feet). Learn about the stunning landscape as your professional pilot delivers an informative commentary en route. You'll walk along the Main Divide for fantastic views of the Tasman Glacier and Aoraki (Mount Cook) before heading back down towards the lush rainforests at the edge of the Tasman Sea.

Inclusions: Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5 - 10 minutes), Live commentary on board, Pilot guide, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: Items of a personal nature

A unique kayak adventure, only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier! Set out across Lake Mapourika's mirror-like water and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Southern Alps and Glaciers. Lake Mapourika was created by the mighty Franz Josef Glacier as it retreated some 14 000 years ago, now it sits sandwiched between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. The glassy water and unbeatable views make it one of the scenic gems of the West Coast. Explore a kiwi sanctuary set amidst some of the oldest untouched rainforest in Westland! This tour lasts up to three hours and is designed to complete your Glacier Country Experience!

Inclusions: Fully Guided Activity, High Quality Photos, All equipment provided including dry bags, splash jackets and gloves and hats in the winter, Courtesy Transport to and from the Lake, Courtesy pick-ups available on request, Private transportation

Exclusions: Lunch, Food and drinks, unless specified

Twin Glacier Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 30 minutes) This flight gives you the opportunity to discover the scenic wonders of both the Fox and Franz Josef Glacier's. With departures available from Franz Josef or Fox (separate schedules), you will be amazed by the wonderful blue ice of these two beauties as you soar across the snow covered pinnacles onto the snowfields of the Fox or Franz Josef glacier. These catchment areas, or Neve's, accumulate years of Winter snow which over time descends into the lower valley's as the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.

Inclusions: Certified guide

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

The GRAND TOUR including snow landing (allow 40 minutes) The “grand-daddy” of all flights! Explore both glaciers as well as taking in Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. We top this off by landing you on the snow for photo opportunities. As a bonus, weather permitting we cross the main divide for you to view the Tasman Glacier.  This will be your ultimate helicopter scenic flight excursion from Fox or Franz Josef on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Be sure to have plenty of space on your camera memory card and bring your phone as well. You will be amazed by the stunning scenery topped off with the snow landing where you will have the chance to photograph the magnificent scenery. (allow 40 min)

Inclusions: Certified Guide

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)