Minehaha Walk (Fox Glacier)1.2km, 20min loop
This delightful short walk follows a
stream through the rainforest. It is a
great introduction to the forest for
children. Glow worms can be seen in the
forest after dark, remember to take a
torch.
4km, 1h 30min return via same track
An easy, short side trip off the main Fox
Glacier South Side walkway/cycleway
through lush rainforest takes you over
ancient glacial moraines. Continue up the
main cycleway for views of Fox Glacier.
4.4km, 1h 30min loop (viewpoint 45min return)
One of NZ’s best short walks. An easy
track through the forest leads to
spectacular mountain views which are
often reflected in Lake Matheson. Dawn
and dusk offer the best chance to capture
photographs of the reflections.
1.1km, 25mins return and,
Sentinel Rock 900m, 20min return (Franz Josef)
Peters Pool provides amazing reflective
views of the Franz Josef Glacier valley and
mountains. It is a short, easy walk on a
wide track, a great option for children.
The short climb to Sentinel Rock,
provides impressive views of the glacial
valley and Waiho River.
5.2km, 1h 20min return via same track
The crystal clear, blue waters of Callery
Gorge make this a must do walk for
photographers. Impressive views of the
gorge await those who reach the bridge
at the end. This is an easy walk starting
from the town centre of Franz Josef.
3.8km, 1h 30min return via same track
This short, easy walk on a fern-lined track
leads through lush rainforest to the idyllic
Lake Wombat – it is a perfect option for
families with children. This walk offers
good opportunities for bird watching if
you stop quietly along the way.
4.2km, 1h 30min return via same track
This walk is a must do for photographers!
The panorama of the Southern Alps
including Aoraki Mount Cook is probably
the best in NZ, taking in views of
Westland Tai Poutini National Park from
the mountains across extensive rainforest
to the lagoons and beaches of the coast.
9.8km, 3h 30min loop
This lovely half day walk includes a diverse variety of landscapes from native forest to wetlands. If tides allow, a section also follows the rugged coastline. A side trip to the
viewpoint at the Ōkārito Trig is highly recommended for panoramic views of the Southern Alps.
Note: Walking along the beach to or from the Three Mile Lagoon is only recommended at low tide. Check tide times at the car park.
8km, 3hours
Another great walk for photographers. This newly built track climbs gently through ancient podocarp forest and provides panoramic views of Aoraki Mount Cook and the Southern Alps which, on a clear and calm day, are perfectly mirrored in Lake Gault. Early morning is best for the reflected views.
Various: 500m to 6.8km, 5mins to 3h 30min
A visit to Gillespies Beach offers a scenic drive, lovely views of the Southern Alps, historic mining remnants and coastal walks. The Galway Beach Tramping Track (6.8km return) follows the Miners Tunnel Track through the forest and
leads to a remote beach. In winter, there is a seal colony at Galway Beach.
11km or 12.3km, 5h – 5h 30min, return via same track This is one of the region’s best day walks with spectacular views of Franz Josef Glacier surrounded by sheer rock walls,
waterfalls and mountain peaks. The track also includes a series of impressive swing bridges and an exciting cantilevered walkaway around a cliff face. The track is well marked and maintained but is steep in places and very
slippery when wet.
17.2km, 8hours return via the same track
The track to Alex Knob climbs steadily from lowland forest through sub-alpine scrub to alpine meadows and herb fields, providing superb views of glaciers, mountains and
coastal landscapes at various viewpoints along the way.
It is recommended for experienced trampers only.
18km, 7hours one way (overnight tramp) Return via the same track.
The hike along the Copland valley to Welcome Flat Hut is a popular overnight return trip for visitors to Glacier Country.
The track lets you experience Westland Tai Poutini National Park’s spectacular forest, river and mountain scenery. The natural hot pools at Welcome Flat are an added attraction for weary trampers. Bookings are required for Welcome Flat Hut.
