Top 39 things to do and attractions in Westland Tai Poutini National Park

If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking for an hour to see where a glacier used to be, Franz Josef Glacier walk is your moment. The trail is beautiful — waterfalls, if your lucky —cliffs, and lots of rocks where, once upon a time, ice majestically sat. At the viewing platform, you’ll squint into the distance and maybe spot a tiny patch of ice clinging to the mountain, looking as disappointed as you feel. Still, the walk is scenic, the exercise is free, and you’ll leave with some great photos of… gravel. Lots of gravel.

A beautiful part of the world. It was rainy on the day we came but that didn't mean we missed out on seeing beautiful landscapes.

I can definitely NOT recommend visiting Franz Josef Glacier. What could be one of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural sights has sadly turned into a noisy, commercialized disappointment with tons of gravel. The absolute most ridiculous thing about the visit is the giant sign at the lookout that says, “What can I do against climate change?” — while the air is constantly filled with the deafening roar of tourist helicopters. How can this possibly be taken seriously? It seems the town has built an entire business model around helicopter flights: the standard hike to the glacier is closed for vague “safety” reasons, leaving only two short walks (about 15 minutes in total) with no real glacier view because you’re so far away. It genuinely feels like you’re being pushed into paying for a helicopter ride to see something that used to be accessible on foot. The whole place feels like a helicopter-tour hub rather than a nature destination. Here’s the kicker: a typical sightseeing helicopter burns 60 to 120 litres of fuel per hour, releasing between 185 kg and 500 kg of CO₂ every single hour — the equivalent of 10 to 40 hours of driving a car! And yet right there at the lookout you’re lectured about “what you can do against climate change.” The hypocrisy is unbelievable. Meanwhile, the environmentally friendly alternative — simply walking closer to the glacier — is blocked. Repair the walkways, let visitors hike, and stop pretending helicopter tourism is sustainable. Even the car park gives you an uneasy feeling with its many warning signs about theft and “do not leave any belongings in your car.” Not exactly welcoming. In short: this could be an incredible natural experience, but it’s buried under noise, emissions, gravel and commercialization. A frustrating example of how not to manage a natural wonder.

Franz Josef Glacier The road to the lookout is very well sign-posted and there’s plenty of free parking when you arrive. There are a few walking options from the carpark, we chose the short 15-minute walk to the “View of the Glacier” lookout. We visited in April 2025. Twenty-five years ago my best friend lived in this peaceful part of the world when we were teenagers. She always encouraged me to visit, telling me how the glacier once sat at ground level and how you could walk right up to it. She always said, “You’ll love it here.” Twenty-five years later, I finally made it to Franz Josef and it was a bittersweet experience. It’s incredible to be here at last, but climate change has not been kind to this beautiful part of Aotearoa New Zealand. The glacier has retreated far up the valley, and the only way to see the ancient ice up close now (or what I was expecting) is by helicopter. Next time, that’s exactly what we’ll try to do, weather permitting. I still absolutely recommend making the trip. Go with an open mind, appreciate the landscape for what it is today, and take in what remains of this iconic and truly special place in NZ.

November 2025: Glacier view track is closed. The sign said that due to the river changing course, the track has been washed away. This means that you can’t get anywhere near the glacier viewpoint, and we didn’t see anything but gravel. If you walk up the Sentinel Rock path, you might see a tiny bit of ice. It was still a lovely walk, but disappointing not to see the glacier.

Nothing is more beautiful than this glacier on west coast of New Zealand. A small town of Franz Josef which closes by 6 pm and wakes up in the morning with the frequent helicopters sound. Many agencies taking booking for a helicopter rides for the glacier. They will land on snow for some 7-8 mins in which u can play with snow and get ur photo clicked by the pilot also. Its the same temperature as the base so no need to carry heavy jackets as the helicopter is normally packed. U can use the locker of the agency. They will give u pick up and drop facility for the landing zone. Must do when in that part of the World.

I climbed only a small part of the Glacier as I was on a group tour, Connections 18 - 35. An incredible experience it was. I'm disappointed at the low ratings that some people have given for such a wonderful piece of the natural climate up close.

We were so lucky to have a snow fall in October so we could enjoy having fun in the patches around. Visited the café and the visitors centre

“Mount Cook is beautiful in every way. The drive there is so good with amazing views all around. Snowy mountains, fresh air, and peaceful nature make it feel like heaven. A perfect place to relax and enjoy.”

The trip and hiking to Aoraki / Mt. Cook has been really interesting. The natural beauty and views of the natural environment there has been vibrant and amazing, the glacier there had dated to be thousands plus years old. Temperature drops significantly as you further hike up the altitudes. One of the most visitors and tourist attractive geographical feature in South Island, New Zealand.😍😊

Very nice view. 1st we went at evening and because it bevome sark early, then we come back next day. My kids very happy to play with snow

Loved going up there it's a good change of scenery away from city life

A beautiful outdoor hiking experience. The mountain views,river valleys and trails are absolutely worth the trip.

Lovely place. I went here with a tour. Hoping that I’ll visit the place again and do some camping!

This hike is truly incredible! Along the way, you'll encounter numerous bridges and staircases built into the mountainside. The trail mostly winds through dense jungle, but it eventually opens up to a breathtaking platform with stunning glacier views—weather permitting. Please be cautious on rainy days, as the trail is mostly off-road and can become extremely slippery. At the start, you'll find a warning sign detailing past fatalities on this route, emphasizing that this is not an easy hike. However, on clear days, with proper hiking gear, it's absolutely manageable—and well worth the effort!

A beautiful but challenging hike. Starts easy and get’s harder the closer you come to the end. As we went back down light rain started so it was really slippery and we fell several times. Took us 2,5 hrs to go up und 2,5 hrs down. Make sure you wear GOOD and waterproof hiking shoes.

One of my favourite hikes. Done a lot of hikes, this is one of the most beautiful ones. Not to hard, beautiful scenery along the track and amazing views. Highly recommend it, just take your time and it'll be fine.

Challenging hike but not too hard if you take your time. Lots of uneven ground and walking on and over big stones, there is 3 swing bridges that feel really safe. The trail is very interesting and fun with lots to see along the way. It took me and my partner just over 4 hours to complete the round trip, and we're moderately fit. The Glacier at the end is worth the hike, Do it before it's gone for good!

Really enjoyed this track had no problems doing it a day after heavy rain

An incredible, but challenging hike 🥾🏔️ From the carpark, the start of the walk is about 30 minutes away, then the return hike is 5 hours. This walk is for experienced, well-equipped hikers only! The terrain is challenging, and it's uphill 90% of the way. You have to cross a few waterfalls, make sure your boots are waterproof. As for any hike, plan ahead, check the weather, pack for any eventuality, bring some lunch to enjoy at the top! 🙃 The view from the end point is just fantastic! There are a few view points along the way with great views of the valley. And the suspension bridges, and cliff-side steps make the trek fun! ☺️

roberts point is a really fun day hike through lush forests, along interesting (built) features, and with a great view of the glacier at the end. We did this hike on the 10th of december in the morning, spent about 5 hours on the trail, and encountered multiple others on the hike. There was sufficient space (and toilets) at the car park. The hike itselfs starts out easy, and gradually becomes more intense after the first suspension bridge. Some parts were very slippery, however there is limited danger of falling far down. The path is very rocky and has multiple bridges and stairs, along with some easy rock scrambles. Dont forget to wear some waterproof shoes as you need to cross multiple waterfalls and puddles. Aside from the view of the glacier close to the carpark on the beginning of the hike, the only other view is at the viewing platform at the end of the hike. it is still quite far from the glacier however, and the only way to get closer is by helicopter. The fun of the hike itself makes up for it though and we definitely enjoyed it. I would rate this hike moderate if you are prepared for it, and hard if you come unprepared expecting an easy stroll.

Visiting Mount Cook in winter was a breathtaking experience like no other — the entire landscape was blanketed in pristine snow, with majestic peaks rising through the clouds and reflecting off the icy lake below. The silence of the snowy trails, the crisp mountain air, and the surreal beauty of the surroundings made it feel like a dream. Every turn offered a postcard-perfect view, from the glowing clouds behind the mountains to the untouched white expanses stretching in all directions. It’s a peaceful, magical escape into nature’s raw beauty — truly a must-visit winter wonderland in New Zealand.

Visiting Mount Cook was absolutely breathtaking! The sheer scale of the mountains and the stunning glaciers left us speechless. The views are epic in every direction, whether you’re close up or admiring from a distance. Even just driving through the area, the scenery is unforgettable. Definitely a must-see for anyone traveling in New Zealand!

Breathtaking place! The views of Mount Cook and surrounding glaciers are absolutely stunning. Great walks, crystal-clear lakes, and perfect photo spots everywhere. A must-visit highlight of New Zealand! 🏔️🇳🇿✨

A truly stunning area, well signposted and laid out walks, car park is busy but that's to be expected. There are easy walks direct from the car park and much harder, whether just due to the sheer number of steps even if short walks! The views are to die for though, and can't be missed in all of NZ!

Stayed at the Hermitage hotel. Superb accommodation and the food, although not cheap, was outstanding. The view from my hotel room was incredible. The staff could not have been more helpful and friendly.

Amazing experience, walked up to the tasman glacier counted the steps there are aprox 338 steps took a while iam not a hiker, but definitely well worth it. The view is amazing

If you are in New Zealand you cannot miss a visit to Mt Cook. The scenery will take your breath away even if you don't reach the summit. There are several routes and you can choose the one that best suits you. Make sure you have the right clothing, put on sunscreen (the sun can be really bad at the top) and the right amount of water. Visit the glacier and you can read about how much it has already shrunk over the years. Maybe it will open your eyes a little to our global environmental situation. I don't think that helicopter tours are environmentally friendly, quite the opposite. We only have one planet and if we want to continue to enjoy its beauty we should take better care of it.

Lake Matheson is one of the most photographed lakes in New Zealand. At Reflection Island you will see the famous view, with the mountains in the backdrop and mirroring in the water. Unfortunately the weather gods were not in our favour and we had clouds the whole time we were there. Nevertheless it was very beautiful and peaceful! Many ducks in this lake as well. Took us about 90 minutes return.

Beautiful setting . 10 mnts to the lake . Service was excellent . Food was great . Our scrambled were at a little too salty but the overall quality of food was great . A must visit place to come and eat and spend sometime in the surroundings 👍

This lake is by far one of the best experiences I have had. It is not my personal favourite lake in the South Island, but due to this being isolated in the West Coast, with stunning views of Mount Cook in the background are what make it fancy. The reflective lake is spectacular, and it really is a mirrored lake. The bush walk to and from Reflection Island is top notch, and easily among the best walks I have done in NZ. It is mostly flat and from memory takes around 30 minutes in one direction. It requires a minimum to moderate level of fitness. I highly recommend this attraction to all who are nearby!

Beautiful walk especially in the evening

We enjoyed a lovely hike around the lake. It’s very tropical and scenic. A reasonable hike that is primarily flat.

The walk around this lake is the perfect place to clear your mind. It's a straightforward walk without any difficulties and a well maintained walkway. The lake is beautifully situated overlooking Fox Glacier and has some of the best views on its surroundings. At the entrance of the walk you're able to sit and enjoy a coffee.

Awesome reflections. Got lucky with the clouds

A recommended to do activity is to take the Helicopter to Fox Glacier, cost a-bit high at 2xx NZD for 30 mins, it stopped on top of the snow also, good place to visit in NZ

Would you believe me if I said you could land on a glacier in New Zealand? 🚁❄️”✨ The moment the helicopter lifted off, my heart was racing — not from fear, but from pure excitement. We soared over lush valleys, climbed above rugged peaks, and suddenly the world below turned into a sea of white and blue. ❄️🧊 Gliding above Fox Glacier felt like flying into another realm — jagged crevasses glowing with icy blues, mountains stretching endlessly, and clouds drifting just beneath us. And then came the most surreal part: the landing. Stepping out onto ancient ice, crunching snow beneath my boots, and spinning in a slow circle just to take in 360° of untouched beauty. It’s one of those adventures that makes you feel small yet wildly alive at the same time — a bucket-list memory I’ll carry forever. 🌍💙

We loved seeing this glacier from many angles. We visited the viewpoint, walked to the base of the glacier, and took a helicopter ride to look at it from the air. It’s majestic beauty is a sight that should not be missed when you are visiting the South Island!! Definitely take the time to see it from as many viewpoints as possible

First time seeing a glacier and riding a helicopter—such an awesome experience, absolutely worth every penny!

Beautiful and fun. Thanks God the weather was nice for our safety and stunning masterpiece. Sadly it will be melted within 10 years.

Very easy and short hike to the glacier from the car park. The Glacier is shrinking on a fast pace. Worth visiting but you can not compare it to the impressive glacier in Iceland, greenland and patagonia.

Wasn't a bad experience overall, got a new view on the helicopter ride, gear provided so you don't really need to bring your own unless you don't like wearing shared gear, the tour itself around 4hours abit longer than I wanted it to be I think 2-3hours good enough anything more you kinda get bored, very friendly staff, freestyling and taking g you around the glacier whilst giving you some educational talks which is nice, ideally bring a pack lunch as it will drag and you'll probably get hungry on on or after the walk then waiting around some more before boarding the helicopter for going back

The absolute highlight of our trip. We loved hearing and seeing the work of Dion and Adele, who both support conservation in the Waitangiroto reserve and the West Coast so passionately. Thank you for your kindness.

I was so excited to do the white heron/kotuku tour at Whataroa. The experience was one of wonder as we observed a large number of white heron in their secluded breeding area. Dion, our guide, shared his extensive knowledge of the forest and the kotuku and happily answered questions thrown his way. The tour was an absolute highlight for me as the kotuku is a rare and beautiful bird and it can only be viewed at this one location at breeding season.

This was my second time visiting the White Heron Sanctuary Tours in Whataroa, and once again it was an incredible experience! Dion was our guide both times, and he continues to impress with his deep knowledge, passion, and friendly nature. He not only shared fascinating insights about the herons and their nesting behaviours, but also took the time to answer all of our questions with patience and enthusiasm. A real highlight on this visit was Dion pointing out some beautiful flowering spider orchids and kiekie flowers along the way – something I would have completely missed without his keen eye. It’s such a special place, and I can’t wait to return again soon to see the baby herons starting to take flight. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the West Coast – it’s a rare and unforgettable experience!

Even in rain this is the most amazing experience. Adele and Dion are very passionate about the work that they are doing and the protection of the sanctuary. A van ride during which you get a recorded commentary about the area and the bird life then a gentle walk through the native bush to the hide. At the hide you spend around an hour observing the kotuku – there are binoculars if you want to use them and Dion also has great wet weather jackets if needed. While in the hide you are quite sheltered – it is a photographer’s heaven

Dion was our guide and he managed to make us all fall in love with the herons. Amazing trip very informative

Doing this tour was one of the things I was most looking forward to on my trip - and it didn't disappoint - it was amazing. I felt like I was in a nature documentary. There were dozens of birds there and I could barely decide who to focus on. Watching a bird go and select a stick, then fly back with it, then have both birds inspect it and decide where to place it in the nest - truly magical

Very informative tour. Our tour guide, Dion, is extremely knowledgeable and friendly.

It's a bit of the main road, but well worth a visit while on the west coast

Pretty river in beautiful glacier country.

Amazing

West Coast Wildlife Centre is an absolute must-visit if you’re in the area. The staff are so passionate and knowledgeable, it’s clear they care a lot about the conservation of local wildlife - especially the endangered kiwi. A lot of work goes into protecting and supporting the local kiwi population, and now the local penguin community too. A visit to the centre as of 18th October ‘25 now includes a walk through the kiwi habitat and the newly opened penguin enclosure, where the team provide a safe space for the little blue penguins who wouldn’t survive in the wild to live their best life. You’ll learn a lot and see some truly adorable local NZ wildlife. 10/10 absolutely recommend.

Really interesting place to visit in Franz Josef. There are lots of outdoorsy activities to get involved with in this area but if you ever the weather is nit so good, or youre lookjbv for something different to do, and recommend this place. We booked the VIP entrance which gave us access to the kiwi egg incubating/ area and hatching and Tuatara back area. You will see kiwis, Tuatara and little penguins on the standard entrance ticket. It was fascinating and the host was full of interesting facts and info. This is not a zoo. The work being done here is in conjunction with Govt departments and is all about conservation. You will learn alot about these unique animals. You get a chance to see kiwis in as near to a natural environment as is possible. As such, I would not recommend for those with toddlers, as the kiwi area is dark and you are expected to be very quiet in order to catch a glimpse. You choice though. However, there are Kororoa / little penguins to make up for it and they're easily accessible. Coffee area and gift shop here too. Would recommend.

Amazing experience! If you have a rainy day in Franz Josef and looking for an indoor activity, book yourselves the vip backstage tour. In our tour, we learned about the kiwi conservation efforts and even got to see a 23 day old kiwi behind glass being weighed, absolutely adorable. All exhibitions were extremely interesting but the regular kiwi and penguin exhibition was the highlight! Kiwis are kept in dark rooms and they were so easy to spot and very active when we visited. Little blue penguins are so social and curious! Could’ve watched them for hours. 10/10 experience.

Part of our organize tour, we visited this wildlife center .. we got to see the blue penguins, the guide gave us so much information about them , very interesting.. then we had to be quiet , we entered a very dark room , no photos allowed but we were lucky enough to see a real kiwi in his habitat .. of course lots of teaching given .. as you exist , a gift shop awaits you..

If you are looking to learn about what makes New Zealand so special this is your place! We did the VIP backstage, which we HIGHLY recommend. Devin was very knowledgeable and most importantly extraordinarily excited about his work! You could feel the passion oozing out of him. Seeing rare species and learning about the hard work this centre is doing to preserve it was amazing. A must do!

An absolutely wonderful place to learn about and see kiwis, the backstage tour where you can see the kiwi eggs and learn more about how they get and incubate them was definitely worth it! Their gift shop also has a vast selection of kiwi and NZ themed items as well. Highly recommend for anyone in the area or driving through. The penguins and extremely unique Tuataras were also really cool!

I have to agree with some of the lower starred reviews. This was a very expensive experience for not a lot of value. We arrived late in the day, on a wet day…the (2) kiwis on show that day were elusive and the penguins were in their burrows so we didn’t get to see them at all. Would have liked to have learnt more about the rescue operation but it was all based on reading panels which weren’t very engaging - more videos of the kiwis programmes would have been better. If you want a decent experience buy the Backstage pass maybe and be there for the penguin feeding - otherwise very $$$$ for what it was. Took all of 15 minutes to see what we could. And sorry but the exhibits are just not modern or interactive enough for the value.

The absolute highlight of our trip to New Zealand. If you're looking for excitement, teamwork, professionalism, animal welfare, and fun, you've come to the right place. From the very first moment, Ian impressed us with his professional, calm, and positive attitude. Ian makes it clear that seeing a kiwi is almost impossible, but that we can do it as a team. The whole tour is based on teamwork, and Ian is a top leader. We never thought the tour would be so exciting and that we would learn so much about kiwis and how to successfully observe animals. Ian makes something very special possible—seeing kiwis in their natural environment. You're not just there to watch, you have to do something yourself to make the sighting a success, and you have to do it in complete darkness and silence—that's what makes it so special. At the end of the day, you feel proud of your team and yourself. We were lucky enough to spot two kiwis (a couple) and are still thrilled by the experience. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we are very grateful for it. We can highly recommend Ian and the tour.

Ian is an exceptional kiwi tour guide (if not THE exceptional kiwi tour guide) and we had such an amazing experience! The special thing about this tour is that it depends on the teamwork and motivation of all the participants to successfully see kiwi. We were given the tools and wisdom needed from Ian in order to see the rare Okarito kiwis! This made the adventure incredibly rewarding. We were lucky enough to hear a kiwi pair make their calls to each other and snuffle (for 45 minutes…!) After patiently waiting into the night, everyone on our tour was able to see both of the kiwis…a surreal and incredible viewing. And only made possible by the expertise of Ian. If you have an opportunity to book this tour, you won’t regret it! We are still buzzing about this night! Thank you Ian! 😊 -Andie & Dane

This trip was amazing. Ian was so informative & engaging right from the get go telling us about the Okarito/Rowi kiwi, their habitat & what we’d be getting involved with over the course of the night. His instructions were clear, concise allowing the small group of us to get the most out of the tour. Of which we did handsomely, by seeing the whole family of kiwis in their natural habitat all without disturbing them in their usual activities. Ian made sure everyone knew what was needed so he could do his best to respectfully spot the kiwi’s. To hear their calls both male/female was just as impressive. This is no ordinary tour but if you want to have a true experience to see the kiwi especially the rarest species of all, not in an enclosure but the wild then this is not to be missed. Ian makes it a wonderful experience, you feel privileged at the end to have participated.

We had such an amazing experience looking for Rowi last night with Ian and the rest of our kiwi crew! We were fortunate enough to hear the call of kiwi mates, to quietly track a kiwi as it walked through the bush, and to finally sight a kiwi running down the forest path in front of us. It was truly an unforgettable experience! I especially appreciated Ian’s sincere respect for the birds and his emphasis on respecting their routine and avoiding disturbance to the birds. This magical night in the bush was a highlight of our trip in the South Island! Would highly recommend to anyone fortunate enough to snag a tour spot! Thanks again, Ian! Zach and Lucy

I'm a bit late in my review but better late than never! I have nothing but the utmost praise to give Ian for the tour and his service. I and my family were coming by outside of his usual tour season but he was kind enough to run a tour for us anyway and let us take our chances. Like any wildlife tour, you will have the best result if you buy into the experience, listen to advice, follow directions, and most of all, respect the wildlife. The directions for this tour may seem specific but they are all for a purpose as kiwis are very sensitive, shy birds and following directions mean you will get the best result. All wildlife tours are somewhat unpredictable and Ian was clear on the realities of what our experience may look like, and for most people it is true that they should temper their expectations. However, we were unbelievably lucky (and some of our luck was made with Ian's experience) and we were able to listen to the kiwis and their baby for over half an hour, and had 3 sightings of the kiwis, sometimes so close you could (but wouldn't) touch them! We didn't even have to wait very long though that's not often the case. In fact, we were so lucky that we ended the tour "early" after having so much success so we could leave the kiwi lovebirds in peace to enjoy the rest of their night undisturbed. I'm a wildlife biologist by trade so I understand how encounters can be and would do anything to have priceless experiences like this, but my family are not involved in that area whatsover and everyone was overjoyed at the tour and the chance to see any kiwis in the wild, let alone one of the rarest species. I paid for the tour as each of their birthday gifts and it was the best gift I could have possibly given them and a highlight of our trip. Everyone was giddy and full of smiles after, and we're not a family that shows much emotion! I can't thank Ian enough for his generosity in sharing this experience with my family. If you're ever up in Townsville across the pond I'll be happy to give you a tour in the Great Barrier Reef. Don't hesitate to book this fantastic (and affordable) tour! You won't regret it, A+!

The tour was an amazing experience. Ian is very passionate and prepared us well for the trip. Standing in the dark, listening for the kiwis, was a very special feeling, and we ended up hearing and seeing two — which was even better than I had imagined. But even if we had been less successful, I think it would have been a unique and worthwhile trip. Thank you Ian and stay quietschfidel! Marlene

If you love nature, hiking, adventure, and wildlife, this tour is a must. We’re beginner birdwatchers from South Korea and joined hoping to see a kiwi, but knowing it’s a wild bird, we were just as happy to learn about night birdwatching from Ian. Luckily, we did get to see one! Watching how Ian guided the team with such care, patience, and respect for wildlife was truly inspiring. We’ll definitely come back for another birdwatching trip in the future. (If you prefer zoos or animal shows, this might not be for you — but if you truly love nature, it’s unforgettable.)

Breath taking views! ~ literally! If you truly want to see the most amazing views, I highly recommend the 'Tasman Glacier View' track! But be ready to climb a lot of stairs! It is listed as 15mins one way, but It definitely doesn't feel that long :) ~ the view is well worth the steps! I didn't get a chance to try the other walks since I arrived late afternoon, but I definitely recommend those who have the time to arrive early morning and to stay much longer than I did!

We did an organised tour here last year. The experience was unforgettable and the views were spectacular. Ensure you wear suitable clothing for hiking around a glacier. The trip also included a helicopter ride there and back. The trip was one of the best activities we did in New Zealand.

A helicopter trip up the valley provided spectacular views of the Tasman glacier and surrounding mountain peaks. Landing on the glacier provided an amazing experience, stepping out onto the snow looking down the valley was memorable and highly recommend.

Easy walk all the way up to see the lake and close to the glacier. This place is suitable for the entire family.

The route that's closest to the glacier, easy walk, slightly rough towards the end but totally worth it

H e l i c o p t e r L i n e - M t C o o k H e l i - H i k e Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike I joined the glacier hike at Mount Cook a couple of days ago, and it was such an amazing experience! Our guide was very professional, fun, and knowledgeable. She explained so many fascinating geological features along the way, which made the whole journey even more enriching. On top of that, she was experienced and absolutely lovely—truly one of the best guides I’ve ever had. Highly recommended!

Tasman Glacier is located within the Mount Cook National Park and can be seen from a couple treks that start at the end of the Tasman Valley Road. The Blue Pools Trek ascends above the Tasman Lake to a viewpoint where you have decent views of the glacier in the distance. The Tasman Lake and Rivers treks are a bit longer and place you at the end of the lake and mouth of the Tasman River. From here you also see the glacier in the distance but from a lower vantage point. Unfortunately, the glacier is topped with a heavy layer of moraine making it difficult to see well from afar. What is interesting if visiting during warmer months of the year are the icebergs which have broken off from the glacier and slowly made their way towards the mouth of the Tasman River. We very much enjoyed seeing these during our visit this past September. Note: For closer views of the glacier, boat trips can be arranged back in the Mount Cook Village. From the Tasman Lake and River treks, there is a side trail that leads to a jetty where boat trips can be taken on the lake.

Lovely trip around the Okarito lagoon and river. A fascinating trip, we saw so many of the local birds and learnt a huge amount about the area and ecosystem. Our hosts live and breathe the local area and really shared their knowledge and enthusiasm. Tea coffee and homemade biscuits half way was a nice touch and let us experience the sounds of the river without the engine. Highly recommended.

What a beautiful experience that I would highly recommend to anyone exploring New Zealand. We took a boat up river and we were able to see at least 15 different types of birds. I’m not really a bird person, but this experience really opened my eyes to the beauty of God’s creation. Our guides, Paula and Sway (don’t think I spelled your name correctly) were amazing. I learned so much in the time we had together. Thank you.

This is the best trip I have, no one talk about Okarito before! Always Franz & Fox, how could they miss out this place, it is magical! This is a place where Paula and her husband work so hard to reserve this piece of bird lagoon! They love meeting people who show their interest to see and learn about the bird ! I can feel the passionate of this couple toward this land ! While they are strolling us around this lagoon in their small family boat, nice and peaceful, All the info they give show how much they know about this place as I thought they are just showing you off their little house backyard! Along the trip, you get to see different bird life that the nature have arrange for you, all the info and knowledge you learn from Paula, so much fun! At last we get the privilege to stop a while at river to enjoy bird song with hot tea! You must try this, unless you really hate/scare of bird, otherwise anyone would have love this!!

We had a fantastic tour with Paula and Swede who took great care of us and showed us the awesome lagoon and its amazing wildlife - white herons, spoonbills, bellbirds, stilts, shags…. Also, the view of the snow-capped mountains from the lagoon is incredible! Fantastic experience!

Amazing tour of an incredibly beautiful wetland. Knowledgeable and passionate guides, we loved hearing about the local wildlife and conservation projects. It was amazing to see some White Heron in particular as they are particularly rare (and majestic), along with a number of other beautiful birds.

Great experience Lagoon had unusually high water levels so mud flats were flooded so didn't see seabirds. But got to go up high into Bush lined inlets. Beautiful reflections. Saw white herons, shags, spoonbills, juvenile blackswans trying to take off. Cuppa and biscuits provided. Very friendly and informative. Great trip.

Took the 0900 tour of the Estuary. Absolutely loved it. SO worth doing. We'd not have kayaked this far up the estuary. Stunning scenery. Many birds. Several kotuku.Good binoculars provided. Swade a pleasure to be with as he boated us. Well worth doing. A highlight of our okarito experience.

A beautiful spot. Biked there from Franz Joseph.

Driving from Greymouth to Franz Joseph Glacier, we were glad to stop off at this picturesque lake. Perfect spot for a picnic. It looked like you could hire canoes to go off on the lake with a guide (probably booked in advance) The waters were so still and the reflections were amazing.

A nice scenic lake to enjoy a sunset and take pictures

Nice little lake to swim in but beware of the eels

Stunning, beautiful Central to other great spots a great place for families, swimming, kayaking and fishing

Loved kayaking on this visual treat ..... Alone just me and my biwi. Aka wifey

Beautiful scenery try kayaking

This is an area steeped in history with amazing walkways and wildlife. The little boat house acts as an informal information centre with plenty of interpretation boards relaying local stories and history. Find more neat places to explore on our website. Southproud.co.nz

Very quite west coast estuary with a very easy 10km loop walk through beautiful westcoast bush and back along the beach... just make sure you are walking the beach part of this walk at least 2 hours either side of low tide

Beautiful place but too far. Away from anywhere for someone my age

A great walk and excellent home made ice cream

Love it.

So glad we dropped-in to Petr’s gallery. An affable and adept photographer who captures the region’s stunning beauty. Don’t be surprised if several images whisper ‘take me home with you!’

A visit I hadn't counted on at all and it was great. Peter is very nice, helpful and it was great to talk to him. It's amazing what goes on behind the business of being a photographer!

Petr is a true gentleman that has mastered a craft to the enth degree. His work and gallery are beautiful and worth a stop on your way through.

This is definitely an off the beaten path destination gallery well worth the visit to see Petr's extraordinary landscape photography works of art in this unique setting in the wild west coast of NZ. Highly recommended.

I loved Petr's work so much I bought a beautiful soothing photo to hang on my wall. We also stayed with Petr B&B style and spent a lovely evening taking about life and choices in life. Thank you Petr for leaving a lasting impression on our lives.

What a place! If you are able to stop and see this gallery it is worth it. Also getting to speak with Petr was a wonderful experience. He is one of the most gifted landscape photographers I have ever seen. Take a look at his work and I'm sure you will agree.

Absolutely spectacular and carefully curated collection of incredible West Coast photographs. It was amazing to meet Petr and get a taste of the adventures behind his amazing works. A truly talented artist and well worth the visit. Thank you Petr. Your work is inspiring.

Amazing Heli hike tour!! From the moment we arrived, the team was informative, friendly and had our safety and enjoyment in mind. The helicopter ride was spectacular with great views of the Glacier and Valley. Our Helicopter driver made sure everyone was comfortable and kept us informed on what we were seeing. Our hike guide Ryan took us through the Glacier at a pace that was good for everyone. He shared a lot of great information about New Zealand and the Glacier. Once in a lifetime experience that should not be missed if you are in the Mount Cook area. I would do this tour again!

My husband and I were fortunate to have a perfect-weather morning for our heli-hike, and from start to finish the experience was absolutely incredible. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and prepared for everything. Landing on the glacier was breathtaking — crisp white views and knee-deep snow all around. The hike itself was steady and well-paced, with our guide making sure everyone felt safe and comfortable. Partway through, we were told a cloud was moving in and we’d need to leave the glacier. Even then, the team remained calm, professional, and reassuring while getting us safely helicoptered off the ice. An unforgettable adventure — highly recommend!

Outstanding experience - heli hike on Franz Josef glacier! Our terrific guide Jule led us through everything start to finish - from donning gear and safety briefings to leading us out onto the glacier for an amazing hike. The helicopter ride - my very first - gave us a beautiful introduction to the glacier. It had snowed the night before so the area was blanketed in white. The skies were cobalt. Jule explained how the weather can change quickly and how the guides monitor it to ensure safety. She also conveyed safety practices for our hike. We had the best time ever, tromping through the snow and taking in the stunning beauty of it all. We were so impressed with the enthusiasm, safety consciousness, and knowledge of all the staff. This was the experience of a lifetime for me!

The Franz Josef heli-hike was genuinely a once in a lifetime experience and an absolute must do. Sarah was an incredible guide and honestly one of the coolest people I’ve ever met. She made the whole adventure unforgettable.

Maya was our guide and she is lovely and spontaneous, making our trip absolutely exciting and hyped. The weather was spot on, glaciers were blue and shiny, and the Heliride was cool! Everyone wanted to have a photo with Maya at the end…will recommend anyone to have a trip to glaciers with Maya and Franz Josef Glacier Guides and 100% will have a good time. Was secretly hoping that the weather was bad so we get to be “stuck” up there through the night and see the stunning night views and sunset from there😆😆😆

I was extremely impressed by the attention to safety showcased during my heli-hike, which was unfortunately cut short just minutes after it started due to developing cloud coverage, which impedes helicopters from accessing the site. The guide team acted quickly and decisively to ensure we would be able to get off the glacier safely and on time, and issued us a partial refund. We were still able to enjoy about 15-20 minutes on the glacier, and the rides in and out were impressive in and of themselves. I would highly recommend, and only gave them 4 stars because there’s much I didn’t experience so I can’t rate it.

Very much enjoyed the helicopter flight. However, the trip was promoted as a Heli hike, in practice, it is disappointingly a short walk at the pace of the slowest person in the group. Greater differentiation between abilities would enhance the experience for all involved. On the plus side, our trip was unexpectedly affected by the weather closing in, so we had to spend a night camping on the glacier, which was excellent! A great opportunity to see the sunset and sunrise. Credit to the guides who set up camp, and provided all present with warm drinks and hot food, as well as some lovely warm sleeping bags, what a great experience. As an observation, please look at the tents used for the glacier camping, as there are much more suitable mountain tents available, as the tents used are not really suited for adverse alpine conditions, should they arise.... Stronger poles and sown in ground sheets should be standard. Thankfully the weather was calm, and the cloud inversion provided a great view. The unexpected night's camping was much appreciated. Thank you

Such an epic experience! The quad biking tour was heaps of fun from start to finish. The guides were awesome, super clear with instructions and made sure we were all confident before heading off. I rode on the back with my husband and felt completely safe the whole way. Huge bonus points for the wet weather gear, splashing through all that water was the best part!

We thoroughly enjoyed our kayaking experience in September! Ollie was a great guide and gave us lots of interesting information about the lake, Franz Josef and New Zealand in general! He took lots of great photos capturing the dramatic scenery which are great memories of our trip. We loved kayaking up the hidden creek and hearing about all the wildlife in the area. Everything was very well organised with transport provided to and from Franz Josef to the lake. We would highly recommend the kayaking tour to anyone visiting Franz Josef! It is a very unique way to see the fantastic scenery!

Epic experience! The Franz Josef Wilderness quad tour was an absolute blast... forest tracks, rivers, and muddy fun! Loved that they include great photos at no extra cost and make the whole tour feel personal, even in a group. I was a passenger princess but kind of wish I went on my own quad. Maybe next time :) Highly recommend! Brooklyn and Justin 10/10 for guides and customer service!!

What a fantastic morning! Caught a beauty of a brown trout, enjoyed a peaceful cuppa and anzac bikkies on the glassy water and had the whole lake to ourselves! Joe and Carl shared some good fishing tips with us and were patient and encouraging. Their local knowledge of the area was extensive and it was great to hear all about the birds and plants native to the area. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and would recommend booking this one- it’s like getting a nature tour for free! Thank you so much for a memorable experience! Eleanor and Steve

Very friendly and helpful staff and guides. They have a special seat for paraplegics to be able to go kayaking. The guides helped me to get in and out of the kayak. If you use our wheelchair cushion to sit on while kayaking I managed not to get any pressure points after kayaking for 3 hours. Besides the beautiful fotos the guides take of you they have a vast knowledge about the untouched nature.

The Off-Road Adventure Tour exceeded our expectations, and our guides Benji and Karl were fantastic—welcoming, fun, and full of great energy! After our helicopter hike was cancelled, the 5:30 sunset session completely turned our day around and ended up being one of the highlights of our honeymoon. The scenery, the vibes, and the overall experience were unforgettable. Thanks guys!

I had a great time today with Justin as my quad bike guide. I was meant to go skydiving, but it was cancelled due to the weather, so this quad bike tour was a great wet weather pivot! They give safety instructions on how to operate the quad bike and plenty of gear to keep you dry. We rode through the rainforest, forded water, and went over bumpy terrain. A unique activity that I can recommend for a solo/group outing!

Extremely helpful and friendly staff and the views were amazing! Unfortunately due to the weather we weren’t able to land on a glacier but the pilot still did his best to get us right above the glaciers. Well worth the experience. Highly recommend.

Fantastic company and an amazing experience. I did the flyover and although we couldn't make a snow landing because of the conditions it was still an absolutely incredible experience. The feeling of being above the glaciers and snow basins is indescribable. The pilot was great and gave interesting commentary as well. I highly recommend flying with these guys and even if you can't make the landing it is still truly worth doing!

Booking was effortless. We walked in and were met by a friendly team, who gave us a better deal than we found online. We got to fly same day and were given a thorough safety brief. The shuttle was only around the corner and didn't take long to get us to the helicopter take off site. The gentleman who drove us there was very polite. We were a group of four in our helicopter which was fantastic. Mike our pilot shared a great deal of knowledge with us while we flew up and over breathtaking sites! Seeing the glaciers was out of this world and the snow landing was something I can not describe in words as it was beyond incredible. It is something you can not miss! It is that once in a lifetime opportunity. You are in safe hands and won't be disappointed or regret having this phenomenal experience with Glacier Country Helicopters. They are all a wonderful team and will ensure you have the safest, enoyable and most epic journey with them! 😊

🚁❄️ Helicopter Glacier Flight – Absolutely Breathtaking! ❄️🚁 🚁❄️ Helicopter Glacier Flight – Absolutely Breathtaking! ❄️🚁 What an unforgettable experience! Flying over the stunning glacier and landing on the snow was nothing short of amazing. The views were out of this world — sparkling ice, rugged peaks, and that incredible feeling of standing on top of it all. 🏔️✨ The pilot was fantastic, super knowledgeable, and made the whole flight smooth and enjoyable. Standing on the glacier surrounded by pure white snow was one of those moments you’ll never forget — simply breathtaking! 💙 If you ever get the chance, do it — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll be talking about forever!

Truly a must do! Amazing scenery from the helicopter, it's a different experience. Our pilot Mark made it very comfortable and explained about the different mountains. Very helpful as well taking our pictures. Thanks so much for this unforgettable trip!

Absolutely wonderful don’t hesitate book with Glacier County Helicopters, they are a family run company. Thanks guys for putting this morning together we were so amazed by the glaciers, nothing gives more prospective than an actual flyover. Our pilot was so informative. As you can see from the pictures the weather wasn’t behaving however it didn’t take the magic from the experience. Best day of our visit to NZ so far!!!

Thank you to Tim and Mike, what an amazing experience! Truly breathtaking and magical. We flew over Franz Josef, Fox and landed at Middleton until clouds chased us off. Thanks again, all the best and stay safe up there. Sasha-ann ( South Australia)

The room was comfortable and suited our group of four, although it’s technically set up to sleep six. It includes one single bunk bed, three single beds, and a queen bed tucked away in a cozy nook for added privacy. All the beds were clean and comfy, with fresh linen and towels provided. That said, the space did feel a little cramped with so many beds- it left limited room for additional furnishings. We ended up using the extra beds to lay out our luggage. Aside from a small table with three chairs and a bin, there wasn’t much space for bedside tables, storage, shelving or clothing racks of any sort. The room is fully carpeted and heated by a single wall heater, which kept things warm, though it hummed a bit at night. The bathroom was a highlight- very clean and nicely designed, with a spacious white shower, a toilet, and a warm ceiling light/heater. Soap and shampoo were provided, and I appreciated thoughtful touches like good ventilation, bright lighting, towel racks, and a bin. There are two access points to our room- one leading directly to the parking area, and the other to the communal lounge and kitchen just a few steps away, which I loved for its convenience. The shared lounge was spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped. It’s a great spot to relax on the couches with the TV (local channels only) or sit at a table to eat, study, or work- as I did study daily while another guest worked remotely on her laptop with the tv respectfully turned down to a hum. The kitchen was very well-stocked with everything you might need: plenty of crockery (mugs, plates, bowls), pots, non-stick pans, cutlery, two fridges (one large, one small), stovetop, electric kettle, tea, coffee, cleaning products, and more. It’s refreshed every morning by staff. Guests also respectfully clean up after themselves. During breakfast and dinner, it never felt overcrowded. Although with limited heating points in such a large area, it can get cold at night. WiFi was excellent- strong, fast, and accessible throughout the property with no dropouts. We also made use of the laundry facilities, which were perfect for catching up on washing after days of traveling and hiking. This place is very family-friendly, with a separate games room (with billiard table) and an outdoor playground that the kids really enjoyed. Check-in and check-out were a breeze with the easy key drop box system. We stayed here for two nights and although most days were wet and rainy, we really enjoyed our time. We met several lovely families and fellow travellers (from Singapore, the UK, Holland, Germany, and New Zealand), and even bumped into some of them later at nearby tourist spots like the glacier. A welcoming, well-run place- we’d happily return! Here’s a lovely view from the communal kitchen :)

This campsite is in a beautiful location. You can beat the view of Franz Josef Glacier. 😱 We had a late check in and even though the reception was closed, everything was organized and ready for us to find our site. Very clean and well kept lawns. The cement pads is perfect for the dewy nights and mornings. The kitchen is so easy to maneuver around with tons of burners and sinks. They even had utensils and pots to use which is easier then carting from the trailer. TY!! Can get a bit smelly if someone is cooking something you don't like as the entire eating area is in there as well. The bathrooms were nice and warm and the shower spaces were huge with hooks and a chair to lay your stuff. They had a blow dryer and hand dryer. One thing I wasn't a fan of in the women's washroom is that they have a big window which is lovely to see the view of Franz Josef but at night, the light reflects off the window so you can't see outside but people can stare straight in. I find that a bit of uncomfortable and a bit creepy cause you don't know who's watching you. The showered portion is covered and ok. Would def stay here again and thank you for havi g us. Aimee & Mike Canada

Booked in advance and arrived in pouring rain and low clouds. We’d booked a cabin only so upgraded to an en-suite cabin. The communal toilets and kitchen blocks were modern, clean and warm. Ate at Monsoons in town. Food was delicious. In the morning we had superb views of the glaciers with helicopters buzzing around everywhere. Def stay here again.

Absolutely awesome spot, staff are very lovely on arrival process was made easy and simple the staff member was new and still happened to give brilliant service Management was brilliant even tho he had a few concerns about my 3x dogs . But we're very accommodating 10/10 for service Place is excellently cleaned, kitchen, toilets , commons area are hygienic well preserved 10/10 Overall experience 10/10

Good laundry room. Lots of spaces for campervans. Kitchen had no exhaust which made it smell a lot during cooking. No hairdryers in men toilet

Stayed for six nights in my Snowy River caravan . Wonderful young family . Kept the camp ground and facilities clean and tidy. A credit to their commitment ensuring your stay is hassle free.

0 accomodation for cancellations, poor effort. Pretty grubby to take 100% then book the room again no doubt.

We only completed the bush walk that lasts maybe 20 minutes in each direction with a viewing platform. The glacier has obviously been affected over the many years with earthquakes and climate change etc. Even if you opt not to take a helicopter tour up into the glacier directly, this is an amazing experience and one of a kind. Yes, you can only go up to a certain point as the rest of the track is closed but it is what it is. This spot, Lake Matheson and Fox Glacier are three iconic points in the West Coast Region and for good reason.

Lovely walk from the car park to the viewing point. Very scenic, we did it in a light drizzle, wearing jeans, sneakers, and a jacket, under an umbrella. It is well with. The debris field / river bed is easy to walk on.

The walk to the viewing point at Franz Josef is quite good. It's a little up and down but it's not too hard if you're sure on your feet and reasonably mobile and fit. While you're still quite a way from the glaciers edge at the main viewing point it's worth the effort in my view. There's some good information panels along the way and you get a sense of how far the glacier has retreated in the last 100 and 10 (or so) years. The natural beauty and sheer size of the area it used to fill is mind boggling in itself. There are numerous waterfalls along the way as well if the weather has been right for them.

Excellent walk. A bit more demanding then Fox Glacier however well worth it as you get pretty close up to Franz Josef (about 1 km) which is quite close considering all the loose rocks surrounding the area. A river bed walk and a few river crossings by foot are on the agenda. Not too difficult even for the untrained. One thing though - use proper shoes as the uneven terrain can cause injuries if you use flip flops or similar. Experienced Even a bit of wildlife on the way. Awesome.

I enjoyed the journey and environment but not the crowds. Quite a contrast from my last visit over 20 years ago, when we could touch it without paying a fee. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could enjoy this place without all the human noise. Best tip: go before 0800hrs or after 1800hrs to avoid the incessant chopper noise walloping down the glacier valley. And perhaps all the bus loads of noisy tourists attending for their token photo opportunity. Lifesaving tip: Follow department of conservation advice. In October 2018, it was an easier gradient to walk than Fox Glacier.

The track takes a good while but you will still be far away from it. You don't need to get to the end of the trail to see it. You can see it from the car park, from Sentinel Rock (around 30-40 minutes return trip up another track), at the end of the Forest Walk (45 minutes return) or from the very end of the track (2 hours return). The signs say it takes a little less to get there but I would say it's a bit optimistic. Especially considering you will stop for the views or rest a little and take photos. If it's sunny, bring sunscreen and if it's rainy, a raincoat since there won't be places to hide. The only advantage of doing the full track is that you will see some waterfalls on the way but they are soon after you finish the Forest Walk. It's still a nice track but if you have been in Iceland or Switzerland, very close to glaciers, this won't be especially impressive.

We hiked in very rainy weather which led to these views, still beautiful but just couldn't see much at all. We walked out to Peters Pool also which was a little underwhelming really but its again because of the weather. Still worth the hike though.

Would have to agree with other reviews. The walk itself doesn't have too many views, and the end product is the river mouth you can see from the road/bridge down to the glacier. There is an old bridge to take some cool photos whilst it's quiet, alongside going down to the riverbed itself to have a little wonder

We really enjoyed the walk to this bridge! Pure nature and a nice and challenging path. Even saw a dear with cub in the wilderness.

Great walk and great view from bridge

Beware this is not accessible from the Terrace walk. Terrace walk ends with some red tape before it meets the callery gorge track, I assume there has been some landslips.

Beautiful. I love seeing nature at its best

Not much to see on the walk and the bridge isn't that much to see either.

(Translated by Google) A short hike with a great ending point. Doable even in bad weather. (Original) Kurzer Weg mit tollem Endpunkt. Auch bei schlechtem Wetter machbar

Great mountain - deserves more credit for the ceaseless mahi put in over the eons

(Translated by Google) The tour in a buggy car at the foot of the mountain (near Tasman Lake) is interesting. You may also see wild rabbits and Mount Cook Lily. (Original) 麓（タスマン湖の近く）をバギーカーで行くツアーは面白いです。野うさぎや、マウント・クック・リリー（花）も見れたりします。

(Translated by Google) Magnificent mountain range in which you will find Mount Cook, the highest point of New Zealand or the Franz Josef Glacier, the Fox Glacier The helicopter flight is definitely worth the detour (Original) Magnifique chaîne de montagnes dans laquelle vous y trouverez le mont Cook , le point culminant de Nouvelle Zelande ou encore le Franz Josef Glacier , le Fox Glacier Le vol en hélicoptère en vaut vraiment le détour

(Translated by Google) Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak I'll have to try it next year 12 nights and 13 days security training 10 months of making and doing Gian (Original) 뉴질랜드 최고봉쿡산 내년에 도전해봐야겠다 몸만들고12박13일경비 도만들고 하는기안10개월

(Translated by Google) It was really hard. Don't go! (Original) 정말 힘들었어요 가지마세요!

The Lake Matheson walk is an absolutely breathtaking experience, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area. This 6.5 km round trip took us about 2 hours to complete, including time to soak in the stunning viewpoints. The trail itself is well-maintained, winding through lush native forest with towering trees and ferns that create a serene, almost magical atmosphere. The highlight, without a doubt, is the reflection lake and the iconic viewpoint. On a calm day, the still waters perfectly mirror the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, including the majestic Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, offering a postcard-worthy scene that left us speechless. The overcast sky added a dramatic touch to the landscape, enhancing the reflective quality of the lake. The gradual incline and flat sections make it manageable for most fitness levels, though sturdy shoes are a plus given the gravel paths and occasional muddy spots. Whether you're a nature lover or just after that perfect photo, this walk delivers. A truly brilliant way to connect with New Zealand's natural beauty!

We didn’t manage to catch the famous mirror reflection at Lake Matheson, but it was still such a beautiful experience. The walk itself is peaceful and full of natural beauty, and even on a cloudy day the views are worth every step. There are several great spots for photos along the track, and the café and gift shop at the start are a nice bonus. A few stairs along the way, but nothing too difficult. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the Fox Glacier area!

I visited Lake Matheson on a prefect sunny day 🌞,and the whole experience was breathtaking. The weather was clear and the hight light the reflection on the lake were absolutely stunning just like in the postcard i felt overwhelmed by the beaty of nature ✨️ all around me, the walking track is well maintained and easy to follow it took proximately 1.5 hrs to complete at relaxed absolutely love it ❤️recommended

Really nice walk even on a cloudy day. You need clear skies too see the mountains though. Kea were lurking on the roof of the cafe causing trouble.

Comfortable walk with a great view, a full round takes 1 hour, there are areas with benches with lake view, great for a quick snack and rest

Do time your visit to get clear reflection from the lake. Walking track varies on which options you choose. Going right till the end requires longer hours. And if you have a few more stops to make on your day plan, I suggest the first look-out should give you the picture.

The Lake Matheson path is superbly maintained and a pleasure to walk. There is ample parking at the trailhead, and the route itself is beautifully laid out, winding through forests of tree ferns before opening to the lake’s mirrored views. The paths are in excellent condition throughout, with clear and consistent signage. The posted walking times seem geared toward those taking a very leisurely pace, but the terrain is easy and well graded. Benches are thoughtfully placed at the top of each incline, exactly where you would want them. It is one of those walks where every practical detail has been quietly and expertly considered.

I would still give this 5 stars despite the fact that you can only see the glacier from afar. The viewpoint could also be better as it is literally at ground level in a forest, unlike Franz Josef which is at a reasonable height. The best thing about this experience is definitely the walk, and the workout. It is generally quite flat from the Carpark to the viewing area, which a hill at the very end. The West Coast region of the South Island never fails to impress though as this is some of the best nature I have seen in my life.

Nice walk, took as around 7 hours to walk to Welcome Flat Hut. Not very easy walk, lots of rocks and bolders on the path. Always be careful where you put your shoes. To stay in the hut, reservation needed (DOC)

It's true that at the end of the hike the glacier is a bit far but the view keeps being awesome. It can be a bit long walk but it's really worth it!

I went on a day when many parts of the trail were closed for pest control... should have checked ahead of time🙄 The valley walks are quite easy and lovely.

The glacier is about 2km away, but the view along the path still makes the trip great.

Fox glacier. As an ADS accreedited tour guide, I do come here often, or whenever we have time and the visitors are fit for a 50min walk. lots of springs on the way, makes a perfect environment. Visitors do like these if they can make it to the top. Over the years this track has changed quite a lot. When I first walked in in 2016, we could walked to very far... I hope we can still see this glacier in 10 years time. It is definitely worth walking this time, just like last time and the time before.

I didn't have time to do the whole walk (1:20hr) but I sure enjoyed the wide path, beautiful rainforest, and flowing river to get there. Free. Ample room for crowds.

What a great track! It was a rainy day in Franz Josef, but you can do this track anyway. There was about 10cm of water in the tunnel, so remember to wear waterproof shoes.

What an unexpected adventure! Walk leading to the cave is bit rocky but nothing too dangerous. Part of the walk is currently closed, but we were able to get to the end of the first cave, then it stops with wooden beam. The tunel itself is filled ankle hight with cold water, it’s doable barefoot. Right at the end is nice surprice in the shape of glow worms. Highly recommended track.

Great hike, about 1 hr 20m return. Tunnels at the end of the hike very creepy, ankle deep in water and absolutely no light. Would recommend if you love hiking and history, as well as an adventure!

This was an unexpected amazing pitstop. If you love scenic walks with a sense of adventure this is for you. Our round trip was 1hr 15mins and we really took our time in the tunnel. The tunnel is super comfortable in terms of width and height for the average folk. It was winter when we went so I imagine the water was icy, we wore ankle boots and our feet stayed dry. To those who want to see glowworms, occasionally turn off your lights and look up. We saw soo many and it was truly magical!

Fantastic!! Did it with my 5 & 3.5 year old. 55 mins to the tunnel slow walking gentle climb beautiful bush. 15 mins each way to end of tunnel where there’s glow worms. Took our gumboots which was perfect. Head torches necessary. Ankle deep water mostly. 2hr 40 min total for us. Do it!! Kekrerū & even a white fantail.

The DOC return time is about accurate. You follow a well maintained old 4WD track up to some man-made tunnels. If you're lucky enough, you can spot some cave wetā in their unique habitat. And of course, there are glow worms further down the tunnel. Bring jandals and a good head torch. The water is pretty cold, but we went in April and didn't find it as icy as some have claimed. The walk in the tunnel itself isn't very long, as a section has been closed off. It definitely gives you a sense of adventure.

Amazing tunnel walk, ankle deep water on a good day so open shoes are recommended if you are going in, the water is pretty cold but only gets ankle deep at the deepest part. The ending of the tunnel has been fully boarded up and you can't leave the end of the tunnel any more which is a shame but safety is important. Would definitely recommend this walk to everyone so long as you can get up the short but steep hike

I’ve travelled extensively across the South Island for 2 months and visited many information centres, but the ranger, a lady from this centre, was by far the most informative and knowledgeable person I’ve met. She not only had deep insight into the local area but also provided valuable information about other regions of New Zealand. Her kindness and willingness to share made me feel truly welcome in Franz Josef 😊❤️. Thanks to her, my visit was even more enjoyable. I’ll definitely return in the future!

The restaurant itself was lovely and the staff were nice. The food let them down. We ordered the pork crackling to start. These didn’t have much flavour and were really hard to eat. Felt like they were going to break my teeth. I had the ribs and my partner had the beef and bacon burger. The portions are just too big. Me and my partner could have shared my ribs meal for sure. The taste wasn’t too bad, pretty average.

Amazing staff and experience here. Christina was so helpful and literally so patient. Highly recommend stopping here before heading out for a tramp!

We would like to thank the young woman who was staffing the desk this morning, November 14. Our heli-hike was canceled due to weather so we walked down to chat with her about other options. She pointed us in the direction of some great hikes, gave inside information not otherwise on the maps and then gave us more information about our future destinations. She was outstanding and reflects on the DOC and country wonderfully. Thank you.

We came to the visitor center to get information about hiking. The girl who helped us today, November 4th, around 9 am, I think deserves an award for being the best employee at Doc! Haha, she helped us a lot and gave us all the information we needed.

The Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre is located on Cron Street and is open from 8.30am to 5pm daily. This is a good place and opportunity to find information and maps on area hikes, weather, road conditions and other general travel information you might need. There are also gifts, souvenirs and plenty of brochures for other areas of South Island that you may intend to visit during your travels. Staff are on hand to answer travel related questions you have. Note: the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre is located in the same building as the local i-Site, which can also help you will activity and tour arrangements as well as local accommodation and dining options.

Some good walks to the viewing point and in the area of the glacier

19/11/23: Gift shop now located inside the Matheson Café. This building is closed. Opening hours of café 8:30am-3pm. Could see a few items through the windows but much smaller amount than would've been in gift shop. If you're looking for a wide range of gifts then I'd recommend visiting one of the gift shops in Franz Josef instead.

Very nice gift shop with unique items you don't see at other gift shops. Definitely worth a visit! Had a nice chat to the lady that worked there.

Not too expensive but gallery is a little disappointing, especially in such an inspirational place there's some room for improvement

Gallery is a bit of a stretch but this is a good gift shop with a nice range of reasonably priced items. Some usual tourist tat but plenty of quality items too. Lovely prints by Bridget Hall available here.

Nice gift shop with quality items at different price points. Friendly lady at the register

Disappointing. Sign on door says closed, open at 8:30am. Guess not open anymore. 3:00pm Monday so hours need updating on Google profile. No hours in window. Menu looks good though and would be a beautiful spot if open.

Lots of souvenirs. Some deals to be had if you look around, managed to find a decent beanie at a good price. Friendly staff.

Dozens and dozens of glow worms were easily visible along the walk. I'd highly recommend waiting until a couple hours after sunset to let the idiots (loudly talking and using bright white torches to ruin everyone's night vision) clear out first. Also heard Morepork calling.

We walked this in daylight and it was a beautiful woodland with a level path, we then headed back in the evening - grateful for the nearly full moon and enjoyed such a wonderful magical site - the glow worms were such a special experience.

glow worms after dark. Bring a torch, even better if you have red light. You can see the glow worm very well when it is pitch black

Good place to visit after dinner, there were glow worms with less than 5 mins walk. But better to bring a red light torch as the trail is dark, but glow worms will not appear when there is white lights and you eye need time to get used to dark to see glow worms. Rainy days can try too. They usually appear in the left side after passing the bridge. Have been staying in Fox Glacier for 2 nights, and visit there both nights. Watching glow worms with no cost.

A gorgeous walk through a rain forest. Trail is on the edge of town. Easy and beautiful

This was a gem. The podicarp forest has been covered with moss, the trunks and the broken shrub parts overgrown with different types. It feels like walking through a land before time or fairyland - I kept expecting a dinosaur or Oberon to step around the next bend. An absolutely lovely experience that I highly recommend - so much return for only a 20 minute walk.

Fantastic walk on a wonderfully level pathway, the trees are wonderful, lots of different shapes and sizes. The walk out to the edge of the Fox river was lovely. If you’re staying in Fox Glacier town or fancy a nice stop off for a walk then I would definitely recommend this walk.

Stated as an Easy walk, it's a full on 40 mins+ and the same on the return. The start is on a gravel path that climbs steadily. The first wooden bridge passes over a lovely little waterfall which cascades over moss covered boulders. From here the trail becomes rocks, tree roots and fairly narrow and steep for the rest of the walk. The swing bridge over the gorge is blocked at the other end but you can walk over to get a view down to the river. Be prepared for a real hike on the way back! Such a varied walk. With a great view as your reward.

Easy to moderate walk, a few steep sections and about 40min each way. Ok in the wet if you use normal caution. After rains the river will be a very light grey. Access is easy because the entrance is on the edge of Franz Josef town near the wildlife center.

This walk takes roughly 40 mins - an hour each way. It starts off walking up a fairly steep hill for the first half. This part of the track is very wide and smooth. At the highest point, there is a great view of the Waiho river in the valley. The second half of the track starts heading downhill towards the gorge. This half of the track is significantly more narrow and rocky but still pretty good. The track ends with a swing bridge to nowhere. While the bride is barricaded at the far end it is still accessible to walk over the gorge and admire the blur water and interesting rocks of the bank. Even on a rainy day (which is when we did it) it is still a pleasant trach and awesome view at the end

Nice easy access short walk from the town. The first half out is pretty dull, eide track suitable for vehicles but the second part is much prettier

very beautiful walk that is well worth the 90 minute trip. Starts by following old mining track up through native forest, we were very amused to see "explosives" sign, no idea what they would be used for. At the end of the gravelly road it becomes a narrow track, you are never far from the sound of running water or native fauna. Truly beautiful native forest is fabulous. at times the track is very steep, so although it is realatively short, you do need to be sure footed. Ends on a picturesque swing bridge overlooking the entrance to Franz Josef Glacier. very pleased we did it!

Lots of up and down walking but soooooo worth it in the end. The gorge is stunning.

Medium walk, bit of hard work for first 10min on the return leg, but ok overall

A great walk through a forest to a secluded beach which is a breeding ground for penguins. Unfortunately we didn't see any penguins on our visit, but the walk and the beach were worth it in any case. It took approx 1h 20m for a walk out and back again, with a few minutes spent at the beach. It was doable in trainers, and was mostly flat with an even walking surface.

Fantastic place and a nice path ( 1h45 min return) to reach it, but unfortunately it wasn’t possible to see any penguins. Parking is available at the beginning of the trail.

The walk is lovely. Bring long sleeves for the sand flies. It took us 20 minutes to see one penguin travel from the hillside to the ocean.

Not a fantastic beach unless you like sandflies or you're fortunately enough to be there when the penguins are not out at sea, but worth visiting for the amazing trek along the rainforest path that leads to the beach, including the bouncy bridge! Allow 45 minutes each way for the walk.

This hidden beach, nestled beyond a 40-minute walk through a local jungle, offers a unique and secluded escape from the typical tourist spots. The journey itself adds an adventurous touch, making the arrival at the beach even more rewarding. What sets this destination apart is the rare opportunity to witness penguins, creating a magical experience, especially until early December. If you're seeking tranquility, a touch of adventure, and the chance to marvel at nature's wonders, this off-the-beaten-path beach is a hidden gem worth exploring.

I had an amazing experience on the best hike imaginable, through lush jungle leading to a stunning beach. Be sure to bring some spray to fend off the sand flies. With a bit of luck, you might even spot penguins! The trail was easy to navigate, taking only 1.5 hours round trip. Restroom facilities available at the parking area.

A must do activity if you travel Haast - Fox Glacier or visa versa. The walk through the magic forest is very pleasant and you might spot special birds. The beach is beautiful with spectacular rocks and some months (July- November) you can see pinguïns.

Great easy walk with minimal grade, the giant tree ferns are absolutely epic! Please note that the path is currently closed about 500m in from the road which appears to be a land slip. This was as of 21 June 2025.

Beautiful free nature trail through a rain forest. Saw glow worms and fan tail birds. It's a quick lovely walk through the woods.

A FREE experience just a short stroll from your accommodation. Walked to the end of the track and saw some glow worms there whilst sitting on the bench. Turn off your torch and let your eye adjust to see the little blue glow. On the way back we found an upturned tree that had heaps more and got an upclose view of them.

Well, I guess it depends on what you’re looking for, but if you want just a nice light walk with a steep hill at the end, that will take you approximately 30 to 40 minutes, this is the trail for you. I heard a lot of beautiful bird sounds, and it was so lush and green in there. And, it used to hook up to the Callery Gorge Walk, but no longer does and is taped off. There was probably some kind of a mudslide or something?

Drizzling but nice short walk. Air is refreshing, easy and manageable

Very short walk of about 30 minutes or less. Night time, a lot of glow worms to see, for free.

The terrace walk itself is only about 10 minutes in before it's roped off. We found remanents of a track and had to bushwack & climb up a waterfall (about 30 mins) before we could get back up to the main track to the bridge. Walked back along the river which was beautiful, but very hot on a sunny day

The Church of Our Lady of the Alps is a small Catholic church located along State Highway 6 just as you enter the Franz Josef Village. Built in 1951, this is a single hall building of simple construction. The interior of the church is nice. The interior is simple and modest. I liked the stained-glass windows. Given the convenient location, its easy to pass by for a quick 2-3 minute visit to see the The Church of Our Lady of the Alps. Note: There is a Saturday mass held at the church at 5pm on the first weekend of each month. Note. With short walking distance, there is also the historic Anglican Church of St. James. It is also worth a quick look-see if you enjoy visiting churches and old buildings during your travels.

Worth to visit and pray.

A must see church if staying at Franz Josef or traveling through.

Nice

Lovely service

(Translated by Google) You can easily pay a visit to the white wooden Catholic church at the southern end of the small town of Franz Josef with beautiful stained glass windows. (Original) Der weißen katholischen Holzkirche am südlichen Ende des kleinen Ortes Franz Josef mit schönen Buntglasfenstern kann man ruhig einen Besuch abstatten.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful church in the town (Original) 小鎮上美麗的教堂

Nice view of the alps and glacier easy walk up in the sheltered bush. Seems pretty quiet most of the time!

If you're restricted on time, I would recommend giving this one a miss and focusing your effort towards other rewarding walks (e.g. Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson). The walk is quite steep, mostly uphill and the pay off is just a slightly higher view of the glacier (you see just a little more of the ice) from view. In retrospect I wouldn't have done this. Unless you're a fan of uphill walking; I would overlook this one. Also important: there is a sign PARALLEL to the street the car park is on. So you'll have to look out for it as you drive. I nearly missed it.

Great small walk although very humid as in among the trees so take some water! Really good view of Franz Josef glacier from the top.

Nice view up top. If you have time. Not a must do.

Disappointing trek. Bad view of the glacier and the sea. For a short walk just go the the Franz Jospeh glacier valley

A fantastic little walk. The Kea also hang around this area at times. Search 'Yellow Dog on a little journey' on youtube for a really good video of the track.

It's a shorter hike than most in the area but it's beautiful all the same