Westland National Park

Pukaki

A pristine wilderness park featuring rainforests, alpine mountains, and glaciers including both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. The park offers world-class hiking, scenic drives, and untouched natural beauty.

Things to do

• Franz Josef Glacier Walk — Hike across the valley floor to view the terminal face of Franz Josef Glacier, one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world.
• Fox Glacier Trek — A moderate walk leading to the stunning blue ice and crevassed surface of Fox Glacier with alpine scenery throughout.
• Lake Matheson Walk — A scenic 1.5-hour loop walk around a reflective lake offering mirror-like views of the Southern Alps and podocarp forest.
• Glacier helicopter or scenic flight — Experience aerial views of both glaciers, surrounding peaks, and untouched wilderness from above with multiple operators based in the park.
• Coastal walks near Gillespies Beach — Explore pristine West Coast beaches with seal colonies, limestone formations, and access to the Tasman Sea.
• Rainer Falls walk — A short rainforest walk to a beautiful waterfall cascading through native bush near Fox Glacier township.
• West Coast Wildlife Centre — Visit kiwi bird sanctuaries and native wildlife rehabilitation facilities in nearby Franz Josef village.

Food to try

• West Coast whitebait — A local seasonal delicacy (August to November) featuring tiny transparent fish prepared simply fried or in fritters.
• Venison and wild game — Local restaurants serve farm-raised and wild venison sourced from the South Island, often prepared with native herbs.
• Fresh Greenshell mussels — Sourced from New Zealand waters, these mussels appear on menus steamed, smoked, or in pasta dishes.
• Possum meat pie — A unique local specialty using introduced possum as filling, served warm at local cafes and bakeries.
• West Coast craft beer — Local breweries produce distinctive beers reflecting the region's character, widely available at pubs and accommodations.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Māori heritage — The park sits on Ngāi Tahu lands; visit cultural sites respectfully and support iwi-owned tourism operators where possible.
• Weather changes rapidly — The West Coast receives substantial rainfall and conditions shift suddenly; always check forecasts and carry waterproof gear even on clear days.
• Plan ahead for accommodation — Both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier villages fill quickly during peak season; book lodging and major activities well in advance.
• Leave No Trace principles — Stay on marked tracks, pack out all waste, and respect the pristine wilderness; the park's isolation makes human impact particularly visible.