View the Glacier region walks brochure (PDF, 4590K).
List these tracks by category:
All track categories Easy access short walk Short walk Walking track Great Walk/Easier tramping track Tramping track Route Mountain bike track Horse riding
It’s a 4-hour climb to the top of Alex Knob. The track zigzags up to Rata Lookout for a view of the Franz Josef Glacier. From there follow the marked track to the summit. Category: Tramping track Distance: 17.2 km return Completion Time: 8 hr return
Follow the Callery Gorge Walk as it climbs to a high terrace before descending to the Callery River. Category: Walking track Distance: 5.2 km return Completion Time: 1 hr 20 min
A short climb with rewarding views of the glacier, mountains and river flats. Category: Short walk Distance: 3.2 km return from car park; 6.3 km return from Franz Josef Waiau township Completion Time: 1 hr return from car park; 1 hr 40 mins return from Franz Josef Waiau township
Travelling to Castle Rocks Route requires traversing the lower section of the Franz Josef Glacier Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Ensure that you have the correct equipment and experience to safely undertake this trip. Category: Route Completion Time: 1 – 2 days Alert: Franz Josef Glacier terminal face unstable
This 1 hour 30 minute return walk follows an old glacier access road through rata and kamahi forest to Chalet Lookout. Category: Walking track Distance: 3.6 km return Completion Time: 1 hr 30 min return
The tramp up the Copland valley to Welcome Flat Hut in Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a popular overnight return trip for visitors to the Glacier Region. Natural hot pools at Welcome Flat are an attraction for weary adventurers. Category: Great Walk/Easier tramping track Completion Time: 2 days + Alert: Potential track closures due to severe weather
The Douglas Walk is an easy one-hour forest walk that passes by the Peters Pool viewpoint and crosses several moraines before descending to the bridge across Dolly Creek on the way back to the road. Category: Walking track Distance: 3.9 km return Completion Time: 1 hr return
The Fox Glacier Valley Walk takes 1 hour return and offers spectacular glacier views. Observe all signs and stay behind barriers. Category: Short walk Distance: 2.6 km return Completion Time: 1 hr return
The 40-minute walk to the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier follows a rocky path over riverbed. Only experienced and prepared visitors should attempt climbing on the glacier. Category: Walking track Distance: 5.4 km return Completion Time: 1 hr 30 min return Alert: This track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding or rock fall. Follow all signs and barriers.
A visit to Gillespies Beach offers a scenic drive, lovely views of the Southern Alps Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, an historic cemetery and coastal walks. Category: Walking track ; Tramping track
Harihari Coastal Walkway is one of the most scenic walkways on the West Coast, with spectacular views of forest, rivers, mountains and coastline. Category: Walking track Distance: 7.6 km Completion Time: 2 hr 45 min
The Karangarua and Douglas valleys offer hunters, trampers and mountaineers many challenging opportunities and rewards within the rugged backcountry environment of Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Category: Route Completion Time: 2 days +
Famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mt Tasman and Mt La Perous, at Lake Matheson you can take a 40-minute return walk to the jetty or take 1.5 hours to walk around the lake. Category: Easy access short walk ; Short walk Distance: 1 km return car park to jetty, 2.6 km return lake circuit Completion Time: 40 min return car park to jetty, 1 hr 30 min return lake circuit Alert: Car park construction work
The Lake Wombat Track leads you through a lush rimu forest to the idyllic Lake Wombat. Category: Short walk Distance: 3.8 km return Completion Time: 1 hr 30 min return
This delightful walk follows a stream through the rainforest. Category: Easy access short walk Distance: 1.2 km return Completion Time: 20 min return
This easy walk 2 km south of Fox Glacier township takes you over old moraine surfaces Category: Short walk Distance: 1.4 km return Completion Time: 40 min return
Mount Adams sits on the edge of the Adams Wilderness Area in the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, and is a focal point for travellers along State Highway 6 from Lake Ianthe to Lake Wahapo. Category: Route Completion Time: 2 days
Mount Fox Route is just 3 km south of the town of Fox Glacier. The challenging 3 - 3.5 hour climb to the top is only suitable for experienced and properly equipped trampers. Category: Route Distance: 7.4 km return Completion Time: 8 hr return
The Ōkārito Lagoon Kayak Trail allows you to explore the area from your kayak. On this self-guided kayak trail you will learn some of the secrets of the area and gain a new appreciation of this large wetland system. Category: Short walk Distance: Up to 12 km Completion Time: 1 - 3 hours
North of the Franz Josef Township sits the coastal settlement of Ōkārito and the Ōkārito Lagoon. The lagoon is home to more than 76 species of native birds including the kōtuku/white heron and royal spoonbills. Category: Easy access short walk ; Walking track
Pakihi Walk climbs through kamahi and rimu forest to a platform lookout. It’s a 30-minute return trip. Category: Short walk Distance: 1 km return Completion Time: 30 min
This is an easy, accessible walk to a small kettle lake which was formed by ice melting amongst glacial moraine about 200 years ago. Category: Easy access short walk Distance: 1.2 km return from car park Completion Time: 25 min return from car park
Take this pleasant short walk for a view of the glacier and the opportunity to cross a historic swing bridge. Category: Walking track Distance: 1.5 km return Completion Time: 40 min return
This fully accessible walk takes visitors on a short journey through the rainforest to a great view of Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe. Category: Easy access short walk Distance: 800 m return Completion Time: 20 min return
The Roberts Point Track requires a good level of fitness. After walking one hour you will reach Hende's Hut. From there the track continues to climb on to Roberts Point where the glacier views are spectacular. Category: Tramping track Distance: 11 km return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; 12.3 km return from glacier car park Completion Time: 5 hr return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; 5 hr 20 min return from glacier car park Alert: Track closed
Just a short distance south of the Franz Josef township you will come to the Sentinel Rock Walk. The Sentinel Rock Lookout offers impressive views of the glacier, the valley and Waiho River. Category: Short walk Distance: 900 m return Completion Time: 20 min return
The 80-minute return Tatare Tunnels Walk follows an old 4WD road then the tracks climbs to the old water tunnels. You will need a torch and raincoat to explore the tunnels. Category: Walking track Distance: 3.6 km return Completion Time: 1 hr 20 min return
On this dual use track you can walk or cycle to the Franz Josef Glacier carpark from Franz Josef township. Category: Walking track ; Mountain biking - Easy Distance: 8.7 km Completion Time: Walk: 2 hr return Cycle: 1 hr return
On this dual use track you can walk or cycle to the Fox Glacier carpark from Fox Glacier township. Category: Walking track ; Mountain biking - Easy Distance: 8.4 km Completion Time: Walk: 2 hr 20 min return, Cycle: 1 hr return
Follow the Terrace Walk as it winds through forest and goes by remnants of past goldmining operations. Take a torch at night to see glow-worms in the forest. Category: Short walk Distance: 1.8 km return from car park Completion Time: 30 min return from car park
The Upper Copland Valley Track provides access to Douglas Rock Hut. It is suitable for well-equipped and experienced backcountry trampers and mountaineers only. Category: Tramping track ; Route Completion Time: 3 days +
The Waitangitaona Wetland Walk is an easy walk through a regenerating kahikatea forest and flax wetland to a viewing platform with spectacular views of the Southern Alps, Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. Category: Easy access short walk Completion Time: 20 min
The Wanganui River valley lies just to the north of Harihari on the South Island’s West Coast and provides rugged backcountry opportunities for those with suitable skills and experience. Category: Tramping track ; Route Completion Time: 3 days + Alert: Severe flood damage
The Whataroa, Butler and Perth river valleys tracks and routes provide rugged backcountry opportunities for those with suitable skills and experience. Category: Tramping track ; Route Completion Time: 3 days +
The Willberg Walk is located in Harihari. There are two track entrances, both visible on the side of State Highway 6 near the centre of town - the track can be walked in either direction. Category: Short walk Distance: 1.4 km Completion Time: 30 min
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