Top 10 Free Things to do in West Coast Region, South Island

At the Wilderness Gallery award winning wildlife and landscape photographer Juergen Schacke's stunning photography is complemented by a variety of unique handcrafted giftware by handpicked New Zealand artists - jewellery, woodware, pottery, sculptures, bronze, stone all 100% New Zealand made. Artwork can be packed and shipped worldwide. Lately the Gallery has introduced new artwork from some of New Zealand finest artists: Marc Zuckerman MZ design contemporary woodware, Chris Weaver pottery, Jay Lloyd bronze artist, Mark Dimock wood carver /sculpturer. Aden Hoglund and Peter Bishop- jade carvers.

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.

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.

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.

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

The West Coast Wilderness Trail is a 132 km Grade 2 easy cycle trail that takes the rider through some of the most stunning and diverse scenery the West Coast of the South Island has to offer. The Trail is part of the Great Rides Nga Haerenga network and can be ridden in entirety over 4 days or there are many options available for one day rides and shorter multi day rides.