Glacier Country

WESTLAND TAI POUTINI NATIONAL PARK

Glacier Country is part of Westland Tai Poutini National Park. A haven for some of the world’s rarest wildlife, this vast wilderness spans alpine-to-coastal environments taking in New Zealand’s highest mountains, longest glaciers, tallest forests, wildest rivers and coastlines. 

Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier — often referred to as the twin glaciers — are among the most accessible glaciers in the world, the only place on earth where glaciers meet coastal rainforest.

Wherever you go in Glacier Country, there’s a well formed walkway or trail leading to an outstanding scenic highlight. Lake Matheson’s famed alpine reflections and Ōkārito’s wildlife-filled waterways are just the start.

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FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER HELI HIKE

Franz Josef is the perfect place to live that bucket list dream of walking on ice, exploring a surreal glacier wonderland of luminous caves, icy towers and crevasses.

Access to the glacier is via a short helicopter flight and a guided hike across the dynamic, beautiful alpine environment. Once you’re up there — fitted out with the right footwear — it’s a surprisingly accessible adventure into a breathtaking environment.

Franz Josef Waiau is a laid-back resort township set against a backdrop of verdant rainforest and snow-capped peaks. This welcoming hub of wildlife conservation, accommodation and hospitality is the beginning of adventures exploring Glacier Country’s natural attractions.

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FOX GLACIER ADVENTURES

A little town with a warm heart, Fox is the gateway to adventure highs — skydiving, hiking, mountain biking and ice climbing. It’s rare to see snow down in Fox — which is barely above sea level — but in the mountains there is constant snow and ice action. 

The main attraction, Fox Glacier, is a dynamic river of ice caught between competing forces as heavy snowfall above battles with melting ice lower down the valley. No two days on the glacier are ever the same as the icescape constantly reshapes.

Guided heli-hiking tours can lift you up onto the glacier for an ice hike (suitable for all abilities and fitness) or a more demanding ice climb. Take a scenic flight over the glacier, a tandem skydive or a walk the trail around Lake Matheson’s serene reflections.  

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WILDLIFE WONDERS

Humans are rare around the tranquil waters of Ōkārito Lagoon — New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland — brims with wildlife encounters unseen elsewhere. The lagoon is home to an extraordinary 70-plus bird species including the stately kōtuku (white heron). 

The world’s rarest kiwi, the Ōkārito or rowi kiwi is also found around here and on the shores of Lake Mapourika, both great spots for kayaking and fishing. Meet the locals on a guided eco boat or kayak tour. 

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GETTING TO GLACIER COUNTRY

Glacier Country is on SH6, about halfway between Hokitika to the north and Haast on the southern end of the West Coast. Franz Josef Glacier township is an easy drive (1 hr 45 min) south from Hokitika; Fox Glacier township is a 1.5 hr drive north of Haast.

It’s a 25-min drive between Franz and Fox. The tiny coastal settlement of Ōkārito is north of Franz Josef (20-min drive).

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