Best trails in Westland Tai Poutini National Park

Discover a place rich with stories and natural history at Lake Matheson, also known as Te Ara Kairaumati. This area was a traditional food-gathering place (mahinga kai) for local Māori. The lake itself was formed thousands of years ago when the Fox Glacier retreated, leaving a perfect basin behind. As you walk the track, you're following in the footsteps of those who have treasured this spot for generations. It’s a truly special place to connect with the landscape and its past.

It is an amazing track to a viewing platform (605 m) from where you can see part of the terminal face of Franz Josef Glacier. The track is challenging and very steep in sections. A nice variety of ups and downs and different terrain keeps it technical and interesting. Always follow the orange markers to stay on the track. There are 4 bridged stream crossings (including the longest swing bridge on the West Coast!) and 4 unbridged stream crossings. Don’t do the track on a rainy day or after...

The Fox Glacier South Side Walk is a nice stroll alongside the river walk to glacier viewpoints with moraine trail side addition. Expect a steady climb up the wide gravel road until reaching the old top car park, then a switchback descent for dramatic views across towards the bolder field, cone, and distant glacier. Return the same way via the moraine walkway for a stunning narrow gravel trail through pristine forest.

This is a steep and challenging track to the top Alex Knob with spectacular views of the Franz Josef Glacier from the Rata and Christmas Lookout. A lot of rocks and roots along the trail which makes it more fun and keeps your mind going. Make sure to get there early as the clouds roll in about noon and really obscure the view. Don’t do it when it rains, will be very slippery.

The Franz Josef Glacier Walk takes you deep into the valley carved by the glacier. You'll be surrounded by ancient podocarp rainforest, with towering rimu and kahikatea trees that have stood for centuries. The track leads to a viewing area of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, offering a stunning look at this ever-changing river of ice. As the glacier is always on the move, it's important to keep a safe distance. For an even better view of the valley, the Sentinel Rock Walk is a short, sharp climb...

Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Walk used to be a longer walk. Unfortunately, the river has cut off access up the valley, so it is not possible to go further on foot. You can still walk a short distance through the rainforest to the viewing area to get at least some glimpses of the top of the glacier. If you’d like to see more of the glacier, take the Alex Knob or Roberts Point hikes when the weather is good. This track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding, or...

This is a fairly pretty little rainforest trail with a chance for deer sightings. Culminates with a good lookout from a bridge over the rushing Callery River. The track starts no more than a few hundred metres from most accommodation in town, so it’s a good way to start a morning or finish an evening.

Beautiful vistas, lush moss covering rocks and trees, waterfalls, streams, rivers, and best of all, natural hot pools. This walk takes you to Welcome Flat Hut, located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park in the West Coast region. Please note that bookings are required to stay at the hut – more information about hut fees and bookings is available at...

The Sentinel Rock Walk takes you from Franz Josef Glacier Access Road car park to a viewpoint located in the Waiho River valley, where you will enjoy beautiful views of the glacier. It's a well-maintained track with a sharp climb at the end. There are interesting information boards about the glacial retreat at the viewpoint.

Tatare Tunnels Walk near Franz Josef township is a short hike with gradual elevation changes along a river. The tunnel at the trail's end is open to entering but is closed at the exit on the other side, requiring you to exit the way you came in. Bring waterproof shoes and a flashlight for the tunnel as it used to be an aqueduct and a shallow pool of cold water covers most of the tunnel floor.