Activities in Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Tracks and walks
Guided glacier walks
If you want to get closer to, or onto the glaciers, the safe way is to book a guided trip from Fox Glacier Weheka or Franz Josef Waiau. Guided operators operate in each village and provide a safe, informative way to get up close and personal with these amazing rivers of ice.
Mountaineering and ski touring
The high peaks within the park are a mecca for mountaineers, but are only suitable for the fit and experienced. There are five huts within the park which cater for climbers and ski-tourers.
Mountain biking
There are two tracks in Westland Tai Poutini National Park where bikes allowed – Te Ara a Waiau walkway/cycleway (Franz Josef Waiau) and Te Weheka walkway/cycleway (Fox Glacier Weheka). These joint use tracks enable legal, partially off-road bike access from the respective townships to the glacier valley road end car parks. Bike access is not permitted on any adjoining tracks or up to the glaciers.
Mountain biking is also allowed on formed roads in the park – the North Ōkārito and Saltwater forests (north of Franz Josef Waiau) provide good opportunities.
Kayaking
Kayaking is available on many lakes and rivers in the park, and there is a self-guided kayak trail on the Ōkārito Lagoon.
Specialist activities: Gold fossicking
A recreational gold fossicking area is located on the Waiho River bed in the general area between the Callery Gorge suspension bridge and the Waiho River road bridge. You are welcome to try your luck at finding gold with a gold pan or sluice box. No licence is required but your respect is appreciated.
Accessing the gold fossicking area:
- off SH6 at the Waiho River bridge, approximately 200 metres south of the Franz Josef Waiau village. Access is up the true right of the Waiho River, and dependent on river conditions you may be able to get as far as the Callery Bridge from this access point.
- using the Franz Josef Glacier road which provides access to the section of the gold fossicking area on the true left of the Waiho River.
Do not attempt to cross the Callery or Waiho Rivers on foot as both are very swift, cold and dangerous. Use the Waiho Road bridge.
A map of the area can be obtained from the Crown Minerals website. Please check the map carefully as the gold fossicking area is not marked.
Enquire at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre for more details.
Read the gold fossicking care code.
Other activities
Scenic flights operate over the glaciers and alpine snowfields, and sky diving operates from both Franz Josef Waiau and Fox Glacier Weheka. Many other tourism opportunities operate in, or just adjacent to, the park boundaries including boat, kayak and quad bike tours. Bookings can be made directly with operators or through the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitors Centre and i-SITE.
Kiwi Ranger programme
Pick up a free Kiwi Ranger booklet full of fun and interactive activities. These designed to get you out and about exploring the Franz Josef Waiau Area – learning more about our unique features and special places along the way. More about Kiwi Ranger - Franz Josef Waiau Area
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Guided activities and tours