Nine great wilderness wonders in South Westland
Secret gems you’ve probably never heard of
Wild, wonderful, unspoiled. You don’t have to go far into South Westland’s great wilderness to experience breathtaking natural wonders.
Much of this vast UNESCO-acclaimed World Heritage Area — officially known as Te Wahipounamu South West New Zealand — is beyond remote, but there are also numerous outstanding features within easy reach.
Get your fill of true wilderness and discover nine of the most accessible nature experiences that you’ve probably never heard of.
Ship Creek lookout tower
Westland wonder #1 — Ship Creek Tauparikākā
For a varied taste of wilderness, take a break and stretch your legs on SH6 north of Haast. Ship Creek is the starting point for two short, photogenic trails. The Kahikatea Swamp Forest Walk (20 min) meanders across boardwalks through a verdant, boggy forest. In contrast, the Dune Lake Trail cuts through windswept sandy dunes to sea and forest views. This coast is part of Tauparikākā Marine Reserve, one of the best places to spot the world’s smallest dolphins — Hector’s dolphin — playing in the surf.
Travel tips: Ship Creek Tauparikākā is on SH6, 20 km north of Haast, 103 km south of Fox Glacier.
Bruce Bay, South Westland
Westland wonder #2 — Bruce Bay
South of the glaciers, the SH6 passes some of New Zealand’s most spectacular beaches. About midway, Mahitahi / Bruce Bay is a magnificent wild beach where the pounding Tasman Sea meets a long stretch of sand fringed by towering forest. Look out for penguin footprints on the beach — rare Tawaki / Fiordland crested penguin nest here. This tiny settlement (Pop: 6-ish) is a place of great cultural significance to Māori, the legendary landing place of the great Polynesian adventurer Maui.
Travel tips: Mahitahi / Bruce Bay is 50 km south of Fox Glacier, 70 km north of Haast. Have your sandfly spray handy.
Lake Paringa, South Westland
Westland wonder #3 — Lake Paringa
Lake Paringa — the northernmost of South Westland’s glacially carved lakes — delivers up a multitude of photo opportunities. On a still day, the lake waters perfectly mirror the surrounding forest and mountains. Take a closer look and you may spot a trout or sea-run salmon. The lake is the start of the 2-3 day Haast to Paringa Cattle Track — an old route populated with 19th century relics.
Travel tips: Lake Paringa is about halfway between Haast and Fox Glacier — 50 km from either.
Lake Gault near Fox Glacier Village
Westland wonder #4 — Lake Gault
For sweeping mountain views slightly off the beaten track, the mirror views at Lake Gault rival nearby Lake Matheson — well worth the 8 km hike up the new track to hilltop views. Lake Gault’s dark, mysterious waters create the perfect canvas for spectacular reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.
Travel tips: The Lake Gault Track starts from the Lake Matheson car park (5 km from Fox Glacier Weheka township). It’s easy walking but allow about 3 hours for the return walk.
Peter's Pool near Franz Josef Village
Westland wonder #5 — Peter’s Pool
This alpine stunner is a great little adventure for the kids. Peter’s Pool is a small kettle lake — formed 200 years ago when melting ice scoured a deep impression in the glacial moraine. The fully-accessible track through rainforest emerges at the lake (1.1 km / 25 min return) revealing shimmering alpine reflections.
Take the longer Douglas Walk/Te Ara A Waiau Walkway (an easy 3.9 km / 60 min return) to see Peter’s Pool and the historic Douglas Bridge.
Travel tips: The Peter’s Pool Track starts at the Franz Josef Glacier Valley car park. Glacier Valley Eco Tours offer guided family-friendly walking tours around Glacier Country.
Callery Gorge, near Franz Josef Village
Westland wonder #6 — Callery Gorge Walk, Franz Josef
Move over Hokitika Gorge, and focus in — the crystal clear, turquoise blue waters flowing through the ruggedly photogenic Callery Gorge are an unmissable highlight. This easy family-friendly walk through bird-filled rainforest and onto a terrace above town, culminates with impressive views from an historic suspension footbridge.
Travel tips: From Franz Josef Waiau town centre, Callery Gorge is a 5.2 km (1 hr 20 min) return walk to the Callery Gorge. For glorious glowworms, check out the walk to the Tartare Tunnels — be prepared for water in the tunnels and take a flashlight.
Ōkārito Trig Walk views
Westland wonder #7 — Ōkārito
Ōkārito sits on the shore of New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland area, framed by lush native rainforest and the snow-capped Southern Alps. It’s a haven for rare wildlife and a destination for those wanting to quietly observe nature. Ōkārito Kayaks can set you up to paddle around the lagoon or climb to Ōkārito Trig (4.2 km / 1.5 hr return) for 360-degree views of the mountains and sea.
Travel tips: Turn off SH6 15 km north of Franz Josef, Ōkārito is another 12 km further on. Okarito Boat Tours run regular guided nature tours on the lagoon.
Waitangitāhuna Wetland Walk, Whataroa
Westland wonder #8 — Waitangitāhuna Wetland Walk
Sweet as and perfect for picnics, the Waitangitāhuna Wetland Walk near Whataroa is a super easy, 20-minute wheelchair / buggy-friendly stroll to spectacular alpine views. The well-formed path and elevated boardwalk pass through regenerating kahikatea forest and expansive flax and tussock wetland, with benches to rest on and interpretation boards.
Travel tips: Whataroa is on SH6, 30 km north of Franz Josef, 103 km south of Hokitika. From Whataroa village, travel 9 km to the Waitangitaona River car park. For an exceptional nature experience, check out White Heron Sanctuary Tours in Whataroa.
Welcome Flat hot pools
Westland wonder #9 — Hot pools at Welcome Flat Hut
It’s a 7-hour hike up to Welcome Flat but post-hike there’s a bonus soak in the natural hot pools. Stay overnight in the Welcome Flat Hut — 31 beds including some with private facilities. This is a true wilderness experience tramping through verdant rainforest, alongside the rushing Copland River, with alpine vistas, swing bridges and some boulder hopping.
Travel tips: The track to Welcome Hut starts 26 km south of Fox Glacier township. It’s 36 km return or 7 hours each way for well-prepared hikers. Pre-book your bed in the Welcome Flat Hut online with the Department of Conservation.
