Westland District: Glaciers, Rainforest and Lagoons

In Westland District, glacier landscapes meet rainforest, lakes and wetlands. Experiences range from short walks and scenic trails to a challenging full-day hike, guided nature tours and water sports. You can tailor your stay to the landscapes and activities that interest you most.

Glacier Landscapes, Forest and Trails

Near the settlement of Fox Glacier, a dynamic glacier landscape surrounded by forest creates a striking setting. It can be reached by car from the State Highway and on foot. In Fox Glacier Valley, hiking and cycling options offer different views of the glacier valley.

The trails vary considerably in character and difficulty. The Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Walk is a short walk through rainforest with views of the Franz Josef Glacier valley. The Peters Pool Walk is also short and easy; it is fully accessible and leads through rainforest to a small tarn with reflective views of the glacier valley and mountains. For those planning a longer hike, the Roberts Point Track offers a challenging full-day hike with views of the Franz Josef Glacier and surrounding mountains.

At Lake Matheson, an easy loop track offers a different kind of nature experience: on calm, clear days, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman are reflected in the still water. The Lake Gault Track is a historic walking trail through an ancient rimu forest, offering panoramic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. When choosing a trail, you can weigh the occasional reflections on the lake against the panoramic views from the forest and the varying demands of the glacier trails.

Lagoons and Wildlife Watching

Ōkārito River Mouth Lagoon is the largest unmodified wetland on the West Coast and is home to a diverse range of birdlife. Kayaks are available for hire there, and guided tours offer opportunities to observe the birds and landscape. Night tours to see rowi kiwi in their natural habitat are also among the experiences in Ōkārito; more than 200 rowi kiwi live there. Activities and tour availability may change, so it is advisable to check before travelling.

Guided nature tours are offered in Whataroa during the summer months. The only breeding colony of kōtuku, or white herons, in New Zealand is located on the banks of the Waitangiroto River. Tours also visit an exposed section of the Alpine Fault. If you are looking for a white-water experience rather than a guided nature tour, you can include the Whataroa River in your plans, with its one-day trip through three spectacular gorges.

For a walk after dark, the Terrace Walk through the rainforest offers the chance to see glow-worms; it is also considered a good option for children. Nature experiences therefore vary not only by landscape, but also by time of day, season and type of activity.

Cycling, Water and Regional Highlights

Kumara is part of the West Coast Wilderness Trail. The West Coast Wilderness Trail is 136 kilometres long and takes four days to cycle through Kumara, Hokitika and Ross. This offers a different time commitment from the individual walks and hiking trails. Lake Kaniere, with its calm waters and proximity to the State Highway, is suitable for water sports.

Hokitika hosts the Wildfoods Festival every year. As dates and the programme can change, it is worth checking the latest event schedule. The Hokitika Gorge Walk is also in Hokitika: from the car park, a wheelchair-accessible path leads one way to the viewing platform. The path to the viewing platform is 150 metres long; the walk takes four minutes. Access information may change after weather events or track work, so check before your visit.

In Ross, the Ross Goldfields Information & Heritage Centre combines gold panning in the centre with access to the DOC gold fossicking area at Jones Creek. Gold was first discovered there in 1865, and small gold flakes are still occasionally found. If you plan to try this activity, check the latest booking and operating details before your visit. Together with the trails, lagoons and cycling options, this offers a range of activities from short outings to full-day experiences.

Discover more destinations: Franz Josef Glacier, Bruce Bay, Kokatahi, Kakapotahi, Otira, Okarito, Ross, Fox Glacier, Whataroa, Haast, Hokitika.

View the broader travel overview: West Coast.