Best trails in Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Want to find the best trails in Westland Tai Poutini National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 36 great trails for hiking, walking, and birding and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 15 easy hiking trails in Westland Tai Poutini National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 9 to 3,812 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
Top trails
1
(1430)
•Easy
•2.7 mi
•Est. 1h 12m
An easy walk around the Lake Matheson for all ages and skill levels famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. It's one of the best short walks under the cover of the canopy. Try to go on a clear, sunny day and you'll be able to see gorgeous mirror reflections. Can be crowded at times especially on the lookout platform, but the views are breathtaking. Starting early is recommended. The first section to the Jetty Viewpoint is suitable for assisted wheelchairs. There is a...
2
(1457)
•Hard
•6.7 mi
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...
3
(1238)
•Easy
•4.0 mi
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.
4
(711)
•Hard
•9.6 mi
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.
5
(588)
•Easy
•0.8 mi
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...
7
(347)
•Easy
•3.1 mi
•Est. 1h 27m
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.
8
(392)
•Moderate
•2.4 mi
•Est. 1h 8m
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.
9
(446)
•Hard
•10.4 mi
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...
10
(225)
•Easy
•3.3 mi
•Est. 1h 24m
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Westland Tai Poutini National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Westland Tai Poutini National Park is Lake Matheson Walk, which has a 4.6 star rating from 1,430 reviews. This trail is 2.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 419 ft.
What is the longest trail in Westland Tai Poutini National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Westland Tai Poutini National Park is Copland Track to Architect Creek Hut. This trail is estimated to be 12.7 mi long.
How many trails are in Westland Tai Poutini National Park?
There are 36 trails in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 8,986 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Westland Tai Poutini National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Westland Tai Poutini National Park has you covered. Mount Fox Route boasts the most elevation gain with 3,812 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Alex Knob Track, which will get you 3,592 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Westland Tai Poutini National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 camping trails in Westland Tai Poutini National Park and the most popular is Copland Track to Welcome Flat Hut with an average 4.7 star rating from 446 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Westland Tai Poutini National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 running trails in Westland Tai Poutini National Park and the most popular is Peter's Pool Walk with an average 4.4 star rating from 104 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Westland Tai Poutini National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 biking trails in Westland Tai Poutini National Park and the most popular is Fox Glacier South Side Walkway/Cycleway with an average 4.5 star rating from 1,238 community reviews.