Things to do in West Coast Region, South Island: The Best Scenic Walking Areas

Hapuka Estuary Loop Walk-20mins/ 1km. This stunning boardwalk winds around the intertidal area of the Hapuka Estuary. Interpretation boards explain the ecology of the Estuary. A lookout gives you a view of The Open Bay Islands Taumaka and Popotai. Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Department of Conservation, Haast Awarua 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.

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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.

After 10 minutes walk on a four wheel drive road, the track climbs gently then drops to a view of the scenic Tatare Gorge. The track then becomes steep and narrow for the short climb to the Tatare Tunnels. If you wish to explore the tunnels you will need a torch and a raincoat, and you may get wet feet – the water will be ankle deep. The track stops at the old wooden flume at the end of the first tunnel. Know before you go •Check the current 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 at all times.

The first 800 metres of track is along the river stop bank. A short, but steady climb then takes you through rainforest to the top of this granite outcrop, where you will get commanding views of the sea and lowlands to one side, and up the Waiho River to the glacier and Southern Alps Kā Tiritiri o te Moana from the other. The granite of Canavans Knob is much older than the schist rocks of the glacier valley across the Alpine Fault Line, and therefore it survived the scraping of glacier ice 9000 years ago. Getting there 1.2 kilometres south of Franz Josef turn right into a sign-posted car park and the start of the Canavans Knob Walk. Time from car park: 1 hr return Distance from car park: 3.2 km return Alternatively, walk from Franz Josef across the Waiho River Bridge and turn sharp right onto a stop bank. Follow along until you see the track markers for the track. Time from Franz Josef township: 1 hr 40 min return Distance from Franz Josef township: 6.3 km return

Lake Wombat is a fern-lined walk which climbs steadily from the car park through rimu forest to a peaceful lake. Termed a kettle lake, Lake Wombat was formed by the melting of a huge piece of ice left amidst glacial debris about 9000 years ago. This walk offers good opportunities for bird watching if you stop quietly along the way. Getting there Drive or walk south from the Franz Josef Waiau township across the Waiho River bridge and turn left onto the Glacier Access Road or Te Ara a Waiau walkway. Drive or walk for approximately 2 km to where the Lake Wombat Walk begins, signposted on the right side of the road. See www.doc.govt.nz for more information.