Westland Tai Poutini National Park

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A glacial valley on the Fox Glacier.

Overview

With colossal mountains, forests and glaciers, Westland Tai Poutini National Park clobbers visitors with its mind-bending proportions. Reaching from the West Coast to the razor peaks of the Southern Alps, the park's supreme attractions are twin glaciers Franz Josef and Fox, served by townships 23km apart. Out of more than 60 glaciers in the park, only these two are easily accessible.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Lake Matheson, South Westland, New Zealand.

    Lake Matheson

    Westland Tai Poutini National Park

    On a good day, the famous 'mirror lake' reflects extraordinary views of distant Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman in its forest-shaded waters. The best time to…

  • Gillespies Beach

    Gillespies Beach

    Westland Tai Poutini National Park

    Follow Cook Flat Rd for its full 21km (the final 12km is narrow, winding and unsealed) to this remote beach, a ruggedly beautiful, wind-blasted length of…

  • Peak Viewpoint

    Peak Viewpoint

    Westland Tai Poutini National Park

    It's a very long way from the actual glacier, but this parking area provides a surprisingly good view over fields to Fox Glacier (weather permitting)…

  • Fox Glacier Lookout

    Fox Glacier Lookout

    Westland Tai Poutini National Park

    On a clear day, this is one of the best land-based positions from which to see Fox Glacier (though its retreat may mean you see just a snippet).

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