West Coast Cycling - Glacier Country
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Te Ara a Waiau Walkway/Cycleway
Located in Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere and Westland Tai Poutini National Park in the West Coast region
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Track overview
8.7 km return via same track
Walking and tramping
2 hrEasy: Walking trackMountain biking
1 hrEasy: Grade 2Dog access
No dogs
About this track
Description
Cyclist on Te Ara a Waiau Walkway/Cycleway
Pick up the track on the right hand side of the road outside the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre and i-SITE, before crossing and then going under the Waiho River bridge.
The track then runs along the left hand edge of the Glacier Access Road for approximately 1.7 km on a sealed lane marked for walkers and cyclists. Keep off the road lanes.
Approaching the Rata Grove, a gravel track heads into the forest on the left hand side of the road for a short time, before re-emerging from the forest and crossing the Glacier Valley Access Road. Take care to give way to all traffic and cross carefully.
Once across the road the track winds its way easily up the valley through lush rainforest with abundant birdlife. The track crosses the Lake Wombat Walk just minutes from the road crossing – take care at this intersection also, cyclists watch for walkers crossing! Views of the mountains and upper valley are possible at times as you head up the valley.
Cyclists must leave their bikes at the bike rack at the end of Te Ara a Waiau – there is no bike access on any other tracks in the area.
Getting there
Te Ara a Waiau starts from SH6 just outside the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre and i-SITE.
Mountain biking
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Know before you go
- Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre and i-SITE before starting your trip.
- Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly.
- Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times.
Te Weheka Walkway/Cycleway
Located in Fox Glacier area and Westland Tai Poutini National Park in the West Coast region
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Introduction
Walk or cycle through bush from Fox Glacier township to the Fox Glacier car park.Track overview
8.4 km return via same track
Walking and tramping
2 hr 20 minEasy: Walking trackMountain biking
1 hrEasy: Grade 2Dog access
No dogs
About this track
Description
Pick up the track on the left hand side of SH6 south of the Bella Vista Motel. The track enters the forest and follows SH6 for 400 m before turning east and heading into the Fox Glacier Valley. Along this first section of track the Minnehaha Track leaves and then re-joins Te Weheka Walkway/Cycleway. Take care at the intersections with the Minnehaha Track – cyclists watch for walkers crossing!
As the track heads up valley it climbs steadily but easily. It joins and then leaves the Fox Glacier Access Road in two places, running along the left hand edge of the road for short distances on a sealed lane marked for walkers and cyclists. Keep off the vehicle lanes.
Cyclist on Te Weheka
Where the track joins the Glacier Access Road for the second time, you can cross the road (take care to give way to all traffic and cross carefully) and after leaving your bikes at the car park you can visit the historic swing bridge crossing the Fox River.
Re-joining Te Weheka Walkway/Cycleway after the Historic Bridge the track continues on the sealed lane for 500 m before re-entering the forest for the last time. After a short distance the track re-joins the road for the last section to the glacier valley car park. This section of road (known as the causeway) is unsealed, and walkers and cyclists must share space with vehicles. Take care!
Cyclists must leave their bikes at the bike rack at the end of Te Weheka – there is no bike access on any other tracks in the area.
Getting there
Te Weheka starts from SH6 just south of the Bella Vista Motel on the main road of Fox Glacier township.
Mountain biking
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Know before you go
- Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre and i-SITE before starting your trip.
- Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly.
- Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times.
