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Glacier Country on the West Coast is the perfect destination for a family holiday. It’s a place where the outdoors becomes your playground and a place to put down the devices and let nature become the ultimate entertainer. From glaciers and mountains to rainforest, beaches and beyond, this UNESCO World Heritage area is packed with incredible adventures.

Among the many highlights are the numerous family-friendly walks available. With over 30 different tracks in Glacier Country we’ve picked out the best family-friendly walks in and around Franz Josef Glacier that are sure to delight kids and adults alike! Lace up your walking shoes, pack some snacks and hit the trails!

 

Tatare Tunnels Walk, Franz Josef Glacier, NZ

 

1. Tartare Tunnels Walk

Duration: 1 hr 20 min

Distance: 3.6km return via same track

 

This is a walk with a touch of history and splash of adventure! Starting in the Franz Josef Township with a gentle climb that reveals the scenic Tatare Gorge, the track then becomes a little steeper and narrower for the short climb up to the tunnels. The tunnels were created by pioneer miners who brought water from the Tatare River to sluice the gold laden terraces of the Waiho River.

Be sure to take a torch so you can explore the tunnels and once inside turn your torch off and you’ll spot the glow worms. Be prepared for water in the tunnels (ankle deep at worst) but that’s all part of the fun and adventure!

 

Franz Josef Cycleway

2. Te Ara a Waiau Walkway / Cycleway

Duration: 2 hr

Distance: 8.7km return via same track

 

You can walk or cycle along this track from the Franz Josef Township to the Franz Josef Glacier Carpark. The track starts at the South side of the Waiho Bridge, walking is approximately a 2 hour return trip and cycling takes around 1 hour. Along the way listen for native bird calls and read the information boards about the area. With beautiful river and mountain views it’s a great walk or bike ride through the rainforest.

If cycling there is a bike park at the end of the track as bikes aren’t allowed further on the walks. There is a crossing across the Glacier Valley Access Road so please take care when crossing and give way to traffic.

 

Family Friendly Walks, Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast, NZ

3. Sentinel Rock Walk

Duration: 20 min

Distance: 900m return via same track

 

This short walk is a family favourite. The track is a short steady climb up a now bush-covered ice-scraped rock to a landing up the top. At the top you will find views of the Franz Josef Glacier, surrounding valley and Waiho River. For the explorers who want to learn more about the glaciers there are information panels showing the history of the glacier.

 

Family Walk Peters Pool, Franz Josef Glacier, NZ

4. Peter’s Pool Walk

Duration: 25 min

Distance: 1.1km return via same track

 

This is a short easy walk perfect for little legs and suitable for buggy’s/push chairs too. The track starts at the Glacier carpark and winds through the rainforest to Peters Pool – a small reflective kettle lake. The lake was formed by a huge block of ice left behind during the glaciers withdrawal. Enjoy the reflective views of the glacier valley and there is a bench to sit if you need a snack! If the kids still have energy to burn continue on from here on the Douglas Walk (1 hour loop track, see below).

 

Douglas Bridge, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef

5. Douglas Walk

Duration: 1 hr

Distance: 3.9km return via same track

 

This is an easy bush walk that continues on from the Peter’s Pool walk. It crosses over glacial landforms that are over three and a half thousand years old. It will take you through a succession of vegetation types each representing a different stage of re-growth behind retreating ice. Be sure to stop off at the historic Douglas Suspension Bridge.

You can return via the same track or cross the glacier access road to the Te Ara a Waiau trail which will lead you back to the carpark.

 

Canavans Knob Walk, Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast, NZ

6. Canavans Knob Walk

Duration: 1 hr return

Distance: 3.2km return via same track

 

This track is a local favourite and great for kids with energy to burn. The first 800 metres of the track is along the Waiho River Bank before a climb up to the top of Canavans Knob. The views are worth the effort offering a mix of sea, lowlands, glacier and Southern Alps vistas. For an extended walk (approximate 1 hour 40 minutes) you can begin from the Franz Josef Township and follow the markers along the Waiho River.

 

Family Friendly Walks, Franz Josef Glacier, South Island, NZ

7. Lake Wombat Walk

Duration: 1 hr 30 min

Distance: 3.8km return via same track

 

Set off on a steady climb through beautiful rainforest to reach Lake Wombat, a hidden kettle lake nestled in the bush. Sorry kids despite the name there are no wombats here! The lake is named after Wombat Jack who sluiced for gold in the area in the 1800’s. There is a bench by the lake where you can take a break and spot the native birdlife, it’s a great place for a family picnic too.

 

Blacks Rail Tractor Pakihi Walk Okarito

8. Pakihi Walk

Duration: 30 min

Distance: 1km return via same track

 

This area is home to the Rowi (Okarito Brown Kiwi, the rarest of the five species of Kiwi) and part of the Predator Free South Westland Project so be sure to lookout for native birds and stop to hear the birdsong. The track crosses Pakihi swamp before climbing gently through a forest of kamahi and rimu to a lookout where you can see the Southern Alps including Mount Cook and out through surrounding rainforest to the Okarito Lagoon and coast. Before starting this walk, check out Black’s Rail Tractor on display at the track’s entrance – its a hit with the kids!

 

Family friendly walks, Franz Josef Glacier, NZ

9. Okarito Wetland Walk

Duration: 30 min

Distance: 1km return via same track

 

This gentle walk takes you across an estuary on a beautiful boardwalk to a viewpoint overlooking the wetland, this area is also part of Predator Free South Westland and is flourishing in birdlife so keep an eye and ear out! For those keen on more adventure continue on up to the Okarito Trig.

 

Okarito Trig, West Coast, NZ

10. Okarito Trig Walk

Duration: 1 hr 30 min

Distance: 4.2 km

 

For families that want more of a challenge this walk to the Trig is the one for you. The walk starts following the Wetland walk before veering off to the left and winding gently uphill on a well-graded track. On a clear day the view is unbeatable overlooking Westland Tai Poutini National Park you can see Mount Cook & Mount Tasman, the Southern Alps across the extensive native forest to the lagoons and beaches of the coast.

 

Explore these tracks with your family and create unforgettable memories in Franz Josef. Find more information on these walks here and for family-friendly activities in Glacier Country, click here.

Before you go please remember to:

  • Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Visitor Centrebefore 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.

 

Happy exploring!