Westland Tai Poutini National Park

South Island

Glaciers, Forests and Untamed Coastline

The Westland District, stretching from Hokitika in the north to Haast in the south, covers one of the most scenic and diverse regions of New Zealand’s South Island. This stretch of the West Coast offers towering Southern Alps, lush rainforest, glacier-fed rivers and a dramatic, windswept coastline.

Highlights include Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, where visitors can walk to glacier viewpoints or opt for a heli-hike to explore the ice up close. With native bush walks and wetlands nestled between the mountains and the Tasman Sea, Westland offers a perfect balance of adventure and serenity.

West Coast Wilderness Trail

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Heritage Towns, Trails and Coastal Discoveries

The northern hub of Hokitika is rich in pounamu (greenstone) history and known for its artisan scene and beachside sunsets. Just south, Ross and Harihari offer insight into gold mining heritage. The West Coast Wilderness Trail runs through several of these towns, providing a world-class cycling and walking experience through native forest and scenic backroads.

Further south, the road to Haast delivers remote beaches, rugged river valleys and peaceful rainforest walks. Don’t miss Ōkārito Lagoon, a kayaking and birdwatching haven, or take a detour to Lake Matheson for postcard-perfect reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Westland District is a must for travellers who crave the raw beauty of the South Island.

Smiling woman in front of the Hokitika Clock Tower on a sunny day

Visitor standing on the elevated walkway at Hokitika Treetop Walk surrounded by native rainforest canopy

Person helihiking on Fox Glacier under a bright sun halo in the Southern Alps

Man exploring a vibrant blue ice cave during an ice caving tour on Fox Glacier, West Coast New Zealand

Woman standing on the wooden viewing platform overlooking the reflective waters of Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier, New Zealand

Panoramic view of a valley and alpine lake in Haast UNESCO World Heritage Area, New Zealand

Two women holding freshly caught crayfish outside The Cray Pot in Jackson Bay on New Zealand’s West Coast

View of Hokitika Gorge with turquoise river, lush forest, and a swing bridge in the distance

Person standing on rock ledge above the turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge

Group of people crossing the swing bridge over Hokitika Gorge with turquoise water below

Historic Customs House in Hokitika with a family standing outside

Scenic view of Hokitika River Bridge with snow-capped Southern Alps in the background

Pioneers of Westland statue in front of Stumpers Bar and Café in Hokitika

Man crouched in a creek panning for gold in Ross on the West Coast of New Zealand

Visitor standing outside the historic Bank of New South Wales building in Ross, now home to the Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre

Two white herons perched in a branch near the West Coast Wildnerness Trail

Cyclist riding through flax-lined boardwalk at Mahinapua Creek

Cyclists crossing the full span of Tōtara Bridge on the West Coast Wilderness Trail

Cyclists crossing the Kawhaka bridge on the West Coast Wilderness Trail

Hiker views Franz Josef Glacier through native forest on the Alex Knob Track

Smiling woman kayaking at sunrise on Okarito Lagoon surrounded by mist and forest

Two people kayaking on a crystal-clear creek with orange stones and lush rainforest in Ōkārito on the West Coast of New Zealand

View from a kayak on Lake Mapourika at sunset with vivid pink and orange clouds reflecting on the water.

Woman taking photo of Lake Mapourika during Cruise and Walk tour in West Coast New Zealand

Smiling couple standing together on a forest trail during a Franz Josef Cruise and Walk tour

Group ice climbing during a glacier helihike on Fox Glacier near Franz Josef on the West Coast

Man exploring an ice cave during a helihike at Fox Glacier on the West Coast

Ice climber descending a crevasse on Fox Glacier during a helihike on the West Coast

Two hikers walking through Haast back country surrounded by dramatic alpine valleys and native bush

Two people swimming in a crystal-clear pool beneath a waterfall at Haast Hanging Lakes, West Coast New Zealand

Top Things to Do in Westland District

Explore the best of the West Coast between Hokitika and Haast:

Walk to the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier viewpoints
Fly above the glaciers with a scenic flight or heli-hike
Cycle or walk sections of the West Coast Wilderness Trail
Discover pounamu art and local crafts in Hokitika
Watch the sunset over Hokitika Beach
Paddle Ōkārito Lagoon or walk its peaceful tracks
Visit Lake Matheson for mirror-like mountain reflections
Explore historic gold towns like Ross and Harihari
Drive south from Fox to Haast through untouched landscapes
Spot native birds in forest, lagoon and wetland habitats

Karamea

Fox Glacier

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North Island

South Island

Additional reading

Fox Glacier

Group climbing the ice walls of Franz Josef Glacier with crampons and guides

Discover the best things to do in Fox Glacier New Zealand – from heli-hikes and glacier walks to glow worm trails, e-bike adventures and iconic views at Lake Matheson.

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Franz Josef

Three people enjoying a tea break with a view of Fox Glacier from the valley floor on a guided eco walk

Discover Franz Josef New Zealand – hike on ancient ice, fly over the glacier, soak in rainforest hot pools, and spot rare wildlife on lakes, lagoons, and nature tours.

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Greymouth

Greymouth New Zealand blends wild landscapes with heritage charm. Ride the TranzAlpine, explore Lake Brunner, or cycle the West Coast Wilderness Trail.

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Haast

Haast New Zealand is a wild and scenic destination on the West Coast. From waterfalls and rainforest walks to rare wildlife and coastal drives, it’s perfect for nature lovers seeking off-the-grid exploration.

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Hokitika

Hokitika New Zealand is a creative West Coast gem with wild beaches, glowworms, and greenstone carving. Discover the Treetop Walk, Kiwi Centre, and bike trails.

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West Coast Wilderness Trail

Discover the 139-kilometre West Coast Wilderness Trail, winding through native forests, historic gold towns, and scenic wetlands. This Grade 2 trail offers an unforgettable cycling experience for riders of all skill levels.

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Alex Knob Track sign overlooking Franz Josef Glacier on the West Coast of New Zealand

Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a dramatic mix of glaciers, rainforest, and rugged coast. Discover walks, wildlife and epic scenery on New Zealand’s West Coast.

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