Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, South Island

October 31, 2021 Misti Hsu

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. Glacier Country Lake Tours

Excellent
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5.0 based on 90 reviews

Glacier Country Lake Tours

Scenic Cruises and Fishing Charters on Lake Mapourika. Locally owned and operated in Franz Josef Glacier. (now: Franz Josef Wilderness Tours)

2. Franz Josef Wilderness Tours

Excellent
92%
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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!

3. Air Safaris

Excellent
98%
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5.0 based on 104 reviews

Air Safaris

Our fixed wing scenic flights promise an incredible view of the mighty Franz and Fox Glaciers and rugged Westland National Park before traversing Mount Cook to explore the vast Mount Cook National Park. Every seat a window seat – get the big picture! Experience breathtaking alpine scenery on an exciting scenic glacier flight with Air Safaris from their base at Franz Josef in Westland National Park on the West Coast - a must-do South Island tourist attraction.

4. Skydive Franz

Excellent
91%
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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.

5. Glacier Valley Eco Tours

Excellent
88%
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5.0 based on 433 reviews

Glacier Valley Eco Tours

Glacier Valley Eco Tours is small local family owner/operator business based in Franz Josef Glacier. We specialise in small informative guided walking tours in and around our Glacier Country NZ. We offer trips to Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers, as well as the iconic Lake Matheson, and Okarito township, as well as full day tours and combo tours. We can tailor trips to suit you. Small group sizes (10 max) and families welcome, no age restriction. We offer nature tours off the beaten path of public tracks in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, which includes loads of information on geology, glaciology, history, local flora & fauna. We currently have 100% NZ guides who all bring different qualities to our clients experience - they maybe Story Tellers, Geologists, Botonists or Ecologists. We offer free use of our wet weather gear on all our tours, including raincoats, overtrousers, umbrellas, as well as walking poles and boots if required. On all our tours we provide tea, coffee & biscuits.

6. Roberts Point Track

Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/4e55aa3e2b3c4ed7bcc216328065e48d.aspx
Excellent
82%
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5.0 based on 76 reviews

Roberts Point Track

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.

7. Alex Knob Track

Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/west-coast/places/westland-tai-poutini-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/alex-knob-track/
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Alex Knob Track

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!

8. 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
Excellent
61%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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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.

9. The Helicopter Line West Coast

Excellent
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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. Te Ara a Waiau Walkway/Cycleway

Westland Tai Poutini National Park, West Coast, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/d00301a3d63b49e5bc571a197ef0b044.aspx
Excellent
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

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