Top Things to do in Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Top Hotels in Westland Tai Poutini National Park
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, South Island
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 Helicopters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 610 reviews
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.
2. Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 641 reviews
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. HeliServicesNZ Fox & Franz
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 364 reviews
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.
4. Glacier Country Lake Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 90 reviews
Scenic Cruises and Fishing Charters on Lake Mapourika. Locally owned and operated in Franz Josef Glacier. (now: Franz Josef Wilderness Tours)
5. Lake Matheson Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 944 reviews
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. Experience Fox Glacier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Getting up on Fox Glacier is unforgettable, but there’s so much more to explore here too. Enjoy this amazing country on horseback, take in the incredible vistas, wind along the bush-clad Fox River or grab an e-bike and cycle through this remote wilderness on well-formed tracks. The air is different here, so fresh and clean. You’ll feel in touch with nature and a million miles from everyday life. These are authentic kiwi experiences. Arrive, stay and play in Fox Glacier. We look forward to sharing it with you.
Reviewed By melmon159 - Hamburg, Germany
It was our first time riding horses and we had really friendly ones (Willy and Ace), it was a lovely introduction, we loved it! Although it was a cloudy day we still enjoyed the landscape, was nice riding on grass and in the riverbed. Our guide, Angela was very nice and had lots of information for us about the horses and about activities around the South Island. We would recommend the experience!
7. Mountain Helicopters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Mountain Helicopters are based in Fox Glacier, New Zealand. We offer value based scenic flights in Fox Glacier, Franz Josef and Mount Cook. Mountain Helicopters is a locally owned family company that has been operating in the Glacier region since 1998. Our pilots are some of the most experienced on the West Coast and have extensive knowledge of the area offering agricultural and commercial services.
8. Alpine Cinema
9. Monro Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Monro Beach 1hr 20 mins return walk- 4.7km return. An easy walk through coastal forest to the remote Monro Beach. In Spring you may see Fiordland Crested Penguin/ Tawaki crossing the beach to their nesting sites, do not approach or follow these shy birds keeping a distance of at least 30 metres. Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Department of Conservation, Haast 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 at all times.
Reviewed By buckeyetravel - Ohio, United States
If you are traveling to or from Franz Josef and Wanaka or Queenstown you can stop on the west coast and do the Monro Beach hike. It takes about 1.5 hours round trip and the hike is mostly flat with some elevation changes. The path is well maintained and it goes through a coastal forest for most of the walk which is really nice. At the end of the hike you end up at Monro Beach where there are sometime penguins to be seen but outside of the nesting season it is hit or miss. We went in November and the nesting was pretty much done so although the people on the beach when we arrived said they had seen penguins they were now off in the ocean. The beach is a little hard to walk on as there are streams of water to make sure you have hiking shoes or water proof shoes (or don't mind getting wet) if you want to explore the beach. The parking lot for this hike is very small so if you get there late morning to early afternoon the lot may be pretty full and hard to find a spot. I think we arrived around 10 and when we came back it was full. Good hike to do and nice way to break up the long drive.
10. Bruce Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
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.
