Westland Tai Poutini National Park, West Coast Region, New Zealand

Westland Tai Poutini National Park is located on the western coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Established in 1960, the centenary of the European settlement of Westland District, it covers 1,175 km², and extends from the highest peaks of the Southern Alps to a wild and remote coastline. It borders the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park along the Main Divide.

Included in the park are glaciers, scenic lakes, and dense temperate rainforest, as well as remains of old gold mining towns along the coast. Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier are two popular tourist attractions within Westland Tai Poutini National Park. The park offers hunting opportunities for red deer, chamois, and tahr, while helicopters allow hunters to access the rugged, mountainous areas. The popular Copland Track runs upstream from the Karangarua River bridge. Along with the mountain scenery visible from the track, there are hot springs at Welcome Flat Hut.

In 2010, over 4,400 ha were added to the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, consisting of a number of areas scattered throughout the park, the majority being to the east of Okarito Lagoon.

User reviewed online profile of Westland Tai Poutini National Park: West Coast region, New Zealand. Plan your adventure holiday to Westland Tai Poutini National Park armed with information and reviews provided by experts and by users. Find out about when to go, how to get there, what to do, best season to visit, its wildlife, habitat and much more…

What to do in Westland Tai Poutini National Park:

Wild Life: Red Deer, Chamois, Tahr, Tui, Bellbird, Fantail and White Heron
Adventure: Mountaineering, Ski Touring, Scenic Flights, Backcountry Walks, Tramping, Kayaking, Fishing, Hunting, Bird watching

Where is Westland Tai Poutini National Park:

Region: The Park extends from the highest peaks of Ka Tiritiri o te Moana / Southern Alps to the remote beaches of the wild West Coast.
Location: West Coast district, West Coast region, New Zealand

When & how to get to Westland Tai Poutini National Park:

Best Time to Visit: to
Getting There: The Park is about half way down the South Island on the West Coast. State Highway 6, between Hokitika and Haast, is the only road down the coast and to the park. The small centres of Weheka / Fox Glacier and Waiau / Franz Josef are right on the park boundary. The nearest town is Hokitika to the north; and the closest airport. Regular bus services operate along the coast.
Nearest Town: Hokitika
Nearest Airport: Hokitika
Nearest Railway Station: Hokitika

Where to stay (Lodges / Guest Houses / Camps / Resorts / Hotels):

Accommodation: The towns of Weheka/Fox Glacier and Waiau/Franz Josef have a full range of accommodation options and facilities like cafes, shops, company ticketing offices. Okarito Township also has limited services. Rest areas, toilets and picnic tables are provided at most park road ends, and boat ramps at the main lakes. Five huts in the park cater specifically for mountaineers and ski-tourers, and six backcountry huts cater for walkers.

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Climate & Weather conditions in Westland Tai Poutini National Park:

Temp: 4 c to 19 c
Rainfall: 4700 cm
Altitude: m

Other details about Westland Tai Poutini National Park:

Established: 1960
Area: 1,275 sq km
Language: English and Maori