Westland National Park

Westland National Park is a realm of dramatic contrasts, where the Southern Alps plunge into lush temperate rainforest and tidewater glaciers carve their way toward the sea. This UNESCO World Heritage site, part of Te Wahipounamu, offers some of New Zealand's most accessible glacier hiking, pristine alpine lakes, and a raw, untamed coastline. Whether you're crunching across glacial ice or kayaking among mirrored reflections, this park delivers an unforgettable immersion into nature's power.

Highlights & What to See

• Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers – Walk onto the ice with a guided heli-hike or view them from the terminal face lookout; the valley walks offer free, close-up perspectives.
• Lake Matheson – Famous for its mirror-like reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman; best visited at dawn for still waters and golden light.
• Gillespies Beach – A wild, black-sand beach with a historic gold-mining settlement, seal colonies, and the start of the Copland Track to hot pools.
• Copland Track & Welcome Flat Hot Pools – A backcountry tramp through lush forest to natural hot springs with alpine views; book huts ahead.
• Roberts Point Track – A challenging day hike from Franz Josef with swingbridges and glacier views; a true test of fitness and nerve.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend two to three days exploring the park. This allows one day for a glacier heli-hike or valley walk, a second for Lake Matheson and the coast, and a third for a longer tramp like the Copland Track. If you only have a day, prioritize a glacier walk and a quick stop at Lake Matheson. The park is compact, so you can cover a lot without long drives.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Fox Glacier Township – A small village with accommodation, cafes, and heli-hike operators; the base for Fox Glacier access.
• Franz Josef Glacier Village – Slightly larger, with more dining options and the West Coast Wildlife Centre (kiwi viewing).
• Whataroa – A tiny settlement where you can take a boat tour to see kotuku (white herons) nesting at Okarito Lagoon.
• Haast Pass – A scenic drive through rainforest and waterfalls, connecting to Wanaka and the Otago region.
• Hokitika – A quirky coastal town known for pounamu (greenstone) carving, wild beaches, and the Hokitika Gorge.

Please check official sources for current details.