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The Westland National Park is a national park in the west of the South islandNew Zealand. He is part of the World natural heritageTe Wahipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, which also includes the national parks of Mt Cook, Fiordland and Mount Aspiring. At the heart of the park are two glaciers that seem to plunge from the snow-covered heights of the Southern Alps into the rainforest of the coastal plain: the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
background
Westland National Park Tourist Information
History, if applicable
landscape
Flora and fauna
climate
getting there
Both glaciers are located on the west coast of New Zealand and are part of tour bus routes, e.g. B. Kiwi Experience. By car, you can either come from the north Greymouth or from the south over Haast. From Mt. Cook National Park there are sightseeing flights over Mount Cook and the glaciers, some of which you can get out of on the firn fields in the mountains.
Tourist Attractions
The Franz Josef Glacier
- Franz Josef Glacier. The main attraction are the two glaciers, which are very accessible. The Franz-Josef-Glacier is a little better visited because a small town has developed there that offers more accommodation and more restaurants than on the Fox Glacier. The village looks like a village in the European Alps, which is partly due to the fantastic view of the New Zealand Alps but also to the targeted design of the houses. The actual glacier can be reached by turning south of the village to the glacier parking lot. After about 5 km of driving on a small road you will reach the parking lot, where there is also an information desk. You can now walk to the glacier gate by following the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk (1 hour 20 minutes there and back). There is a notice board along the way that uses photos to document the development of the glacier. The path ends just before the lower end of the glacier. The barriers attached here should not be climbed, as chunks of ice can constantly break off the glacier and the glacier gate can collapse. If you want to explore the glacier up close, you can take part in a guided tour (see activities) over the glacier.
Changes in the Franz Josef Glacier
- In the information center in Franz Josef you can find a picture that shows the changes in the Franz Josef Glacier from 1865 to the present day. You can see that the glacier was the smallest in size around 1970 and learn why no conclusions can be drawn about climate changes from it.
- Fox Glacier
- Lanthe Matahi Lake
- Mapourika lake
- Gillespies Beach
activities
- hike
- A large number of hiking trails have been created in Westland National Park. Detailed maps are available in the DOC Visitor Centers in Franz Josef and on the Fox Glacier. There you can also get tickets for overnight stays in the park huts, hunting permits and souvenirs.
- On the Franz Josef Glacier
- The Douglas Walk is a small circular route over the glacier moraines and leads through various vegetation zones that document how nature recaptures the areas of the melted glacier. The trail goes past the Douglas suspension bridge that spans the Waiho River, and on Peter's pool, a small lake in which the glacier is picturesquely reflected. You should plan about an hour for the circular route.
- The Roberts Point Track branches off from Douglas Walk. Alternatively, you can also start directly from the village of Franz Josef, but should then plan four additional hours. The path leads along the north side of the glacier valley through the rainforest. Suspension bridges, slippery river crossings and galleries provide variety. After 9 km and an altitude of 600 meters you will reach the Roberts Point from which you have a beautiful view of the glacier and watch the helicopters touch down on the ice. Unfortunately you have to go back down the same way you came. You should allow around 5 hours for the hike (from the start of the Douglas Walk).
- Certainly the most demanding hiking trail is the Alex Knob Track. The hiking trail climbs 1000 meters on the south side of the valley through several vegetation zones up to the Alex Knob. From there you have a panoramic view of the glacier and the surrounding mountains. You should start early in the morning, as clouds often fall on the glacier in the afternoon. The route is 12 kilometers long and takes about 8 hours.
- On the Fox Glacier
- The Chalet Lookout is a historical vantage point of the lower part of the glacier and the surrounding mountains. A hiking trail slowly climbs up from the end of Glacier View Road. The path is 4 km long and you should plan about an hour and a half.
- It is much more demanding Mount Fox Track. The trail begins on SH6, a short distance south after the turnoff to Glacier View Road. It goes steeply uphill past the tree line. Again and again there are fantastic views over the coast, the glacier and the New Zealand Alps. You should start early, as in the afternoon clouds often block the view of the glacier and the mountains. You should plan 8 hours for the hike.
- Sightseeing flights in a helicopter over the glacier
- Guided tours over the glacier
shop
kitchen
accommodation
Franz Josef
- YHA, 2-4 Cron Street. Tel.: 64 (0)3 752 0754. Good and cheap accommodation with a large cozy lounge. Double rooms and dorms, facilities for the disabled.
- Glow Worm Cottages, 27 Cron Street. Tel.: (0)800 151 027. Inexpensive, small and cozy backpacker with 6, 4 and 2-bed rooms, some with their own bathroom.
- Montrose Lodge, 9 Cron Street. Tel.: 64 (0)3 752 0750. Cheap hostel with dorms and double rooms. Large lounge, internet, spa.
security
Information about current dangers and the condition of the hiking trails can be obtained from the DOC's visitor offices in Franz Josef or on the Fox Glacier.
trips
south
- over Haast to Wanaka and Queenstown
north
