Glacier Country

Westland Tai Poutini National Park is at the heart of Glacier Country and is part of Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand, a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Its diverse landscape extends from the the Southern Alps, through lush rainforest to pristine wetlands and the wild beaches of the West Coast.

The National Park offers some of the best walking and hiking in New Zealand. It has short, easy trails to spectacular scenic viewpoints suitable for everyone, to half day walks and more challenging full day or multi-day tramping adventures.

Download our guide to the best walks in Glacier Country, check out the Department of Conservation website for comprehensive details about walking and hiking tracks, or visit the Department Conservation Visitor Centre in Franz Josef for more information.

Westland Tai Poutini National Park is one of last remaining places in the world that includes complete mountains-to-the-sea landscapes, and its temperate rainforests are some of the most extensive found anywhere in the world. The National Park’s diverse habitats are home to a variety of endangered species like the rowi kiwi, kea, kotuku white heron and the tawaki Fiordland crested penguin. Rare Hector’s dolphins and fur seals can also be seen along coastline.