Westland Tai Poutini National Park

Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a protected area on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island that conserves glaciers, alpine ranges and temperate rainforest. It is notable for containing two of the country’s most accessible valley glaciers and for a sharp transition from high alpine terrain to wet coastal forest.

The park’s main attractions include Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, both valley glaciers that descend from the Southern Alps into forested valleys and attract guided glacier walks, heli-hikes and scenic flights. Other highlights include long backcountry routes such as the Copland Track, which leads to alpine valleys and hot pools, and coastal and valley scenery that appeal to walkers and nature photographers.

Westland Tai Poutini protects glacial systems, river valleys and forested lowlands and has been managed to balance visitor access with conservation of fragile glacier-fed ecosystems. The park lies on the western flank of the Southern Alps between the alpine crest and the Tasman Sea, with the small settlements of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier serving as the main visitor gateways.

• Glacier access: Glacier access and guided tours are seasonal and weather-dependent; heli-tours provide close views where ground access is limited.
• Rapid environmental change: The park contains strong contrasts of glacier, alpine and temperate rainforest environments within a relatively short horizontal distance, so conditions can change rapidly on walks.

What to See #

• Franz Josef Glacier: Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere / Franz Josef Glacier - a valley glacier that flows from the Southern Alps toward temperate rainforest and is one of the park's most-visited attractions.
• Fox Glacier: Te Moeka o Tuawe / Fox Glacier - another major valley glacier that descends close to the rainforest and settlement at Fox Glacier village, popular for guided glacier and heli-hike trips.
• Copland Track: Copland Track and Welcome Flat - a multi-day alpine valley track leading to natural hot pools used by trampers and backcountry hikers.