Journey back in time to the Ice Age
There are more than 60 glaciers in the Westland/Tai Poutini National Park. Two
of them - the Fox and the Franz Josef - are the only glaciers in the world to
flow down to temperate rainforest.
The glaciers stem from snowfields high in the Southern Alps, but Maori legend
explains their existence more poetically. It is said that a beautiful girl named
Hinehukatere loved the mountains in this park and encouraged her lover, Tawe,
to climb them with her. He slipped and fell to his death and Hinehukatere's tears
formed the glaciers. The area is known as "Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere" - the tears
of the avalanche girl.
Key Highlights
| The kea, New Zealand's native alpine parrot, has a wicked sense of humour |
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From peaks that are over 3000 metres high to lowland rainforest at the edge of
the Tasman Sea, this park is an exquisitely beautiful slice of wilderness.
For many travellers, the fast-moving Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are the primary
reason to visit. They move up to four metres every day, which in the glacier world
is uncommonly rapid (the Tasman Glacier, on the eastern side of the great divide,
moves at only 650 millimetres a day). At the foot of each glacier, you can hear
the grinding, crushing sounds of ancient ice forcing itself down the time-worn
valleys.
Between the glaciers and the sea, the park is a bird watcher's paradise. Rainforest
and large areas of wetland shelter rare species such as the Okarito Brown Kiwi,
Southern Crested Grebe (kamana) and White Heron (kotuku).
Accommodation
In the park
For climbers and ski-tourers, the Department of Conservation offers a series
of alpine huts high in the park. Hikers walking to the hot pools at Welcome Flat
can book overnight accommodation in a 'Serviced Alpine' DOC hikers' hut.
Around the park
The towns of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef provide a full range of accommodation
- from backpacker lodges to luxury hotels. You'll also find a good range of restaurants,
cafes and tour companies specialising in guided glacier walks and other forms
of adventure.
Key Activities
On and over the glaciers
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| Ice walking, Fox Glacier, Westland National Park |
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There are several ways to experience the glaciers. You can walk to the terminus
of either glacier, or hike through the bush to a viewing point. Another option
is to join a guided glacier walk - ice climbing equipment is provided. Or you
can take to the air and see the glaciers from a helicopter or small plane.
Backcountry walks
The one day trek to the Welcome Flat hot pools requires a moderate level of fitness
and outdoor experience. You'll need to stay overnight in the DOC hut (a hut ticket
is required) before returning the next day. Mountaineering experience is essential
for the historic Copland Track, which crosses the great divide.
Birdwatching
During the nesting season, local guides can take you to see the beautiful kotuku
(white herons) in the Waitangi Roto Nature Reserve. Kayaking on lakes, or the
Okarito lagoon, is another way to spy on the bird life.
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www.newzealand.com Pages
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Other Sites
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西部国家公园(WESTLAND NATIONAL PARK)
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Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
Yes, it's cold, but it can also be comfortably dry and sunny. The sandflies are quieter at this time of the year too. Add an extra layer of polar fleece and go glacier walking when the ice is at its hardest.
Key Tips
- Westland is famous for its rainfall - always be prepared for wet weather.
- Having said that, there are many clear, sunny days - an average of 1860 sunshine hours annually.
- Summer days range from 10 to 21°C. Winter days range from 2-12° C.
- If you enjoy a soak at the Welcome Flat hot pools, don't put your head under the water (amoebic meningitis risk).
- The Department of Conservation Visitor Centre in Franz Josef will help you to understand the local environment.
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