What to do and see in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, South Island: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups

April 3, 2022 Tambra Mccollister

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. 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.

2. 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!

3. 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
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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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Franz Josef Glacier Guides

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4.5 based on 2,164 reviews

Franz Josef Glacier Guides

The magnificent Franz Josef Glacier is widely regarded as the gem of New Zealand’s West Coast Glaciers.Franz Josef Glacier Guides gives you the opportunity to experience the most spectacular glacier environment available to the general public anywhere in the world, offering a range of glacier hiking tours to suit all levels of fitness and ability. We make a clear commitment to you that our trip is the most spectacular and rewarding available.

8. Bruce Bay

Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand
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4.5 based on 40 reviews

Bruce Bay

Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States

Bruce Bay was a fantastic stopover from Queenstown to Franz Josef. The beach is clean and worth a stop for clicking some nice pics.

9. Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre (Franz Josef)

69 Cron Street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7856 New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/ce595024dc4a4ebfa95718ed08005511.aspx
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4.5 based on 31 reviews

Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre (Franz Josef)

Department of Conservation Visitor Centre located in Franz Josef Glacier township. Please come and see us for local track and safety information, activity bookings, Great Walk bookings, current local weather, road closures and general conservation information. We also can help you with permits, concessions and hut passes.

10. 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
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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.

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