Westland District: Glacier Views, Lagoons and Walking Trails

In Westland District, forested glacier landscapes alternate with tranquil lakes, wetlands and places with a history of their own. Outdoor activities vary just as much: from short, accessible walks to challenging full-day hikes, and from peaceful nature watching to guided tours. This variety makes it easier to plan your trip around the experiences that matter to you.

Glacier Landscapes and Forest Trails

The area around the settlement of Fox Glacier provides access to a dynamic glacier landscape in a forested setting. It can be reached by car and on foot from the State Highway. In Fox Glacier Valley, walking and cycling invite you to experience the glacial valley from different perspectives.

The lakes also have their own distinctive appeal. At Lake Matheson, an easy loop track follows the tranquil water. On calm, clear days, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman are reflected in the lake. The Lake Gault Track combines a historic walking track with an ancient rimu forest and panoramic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Here, the views are part of a walk through the forest; at Lake Matheson, by contrast, the distinctive reflections depend explicitly on the conditions on the day.

The trails in the glacier region offer a range of durations and difficulty levels. The Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Walk is a short rainforest stroll with views into the Franz Josef Glacier valley. The Peters Pool Walk is also short and easy, fully accessible, and leads through rainforest to a small kettle lake with reflections of the glacial valley and mountains. If you are looking for a challenging full-day hike, the Roberts Point Track offers spectacular views of Franz Josef Glacier and the surrounding mountains.

The Terrace Walk is also a good option for families: after dark, you can see glow-worms in the rainforest of the glacier region, and the track is considered a good choice for children. At Hokitika Gorge Walk, the section from the car park to the viewing platform is wheelchair accessible, 150 metres long, and listed as a four-minute walk one way. As access information can change because of the weather or track work, it is worth checking before your visit.

Lagoons, Birds and Nature Tours

Ōkārito River Mouth Lagoon is the largest unmodified wetland on the West Coast and is home to a diverse range of birdlife. Kayak hire and guided tours are available, giving you the chance to observe the birds and landscape. Night tours in Ōkārito offer the chance to see rowi in their natural habitat; more than 200 of these birds live in the area. As operators and tour availability can change, check which tours are on offer before your trip.

Whataroa also offers a range of nature experiences. During the summer months, the settlement serves as a starting point for guided nature tours. New Zealand’s only breeding colony of kōtuku, or white herons, is located on the banks of the Waitangiroto River. Tours also visit an exposed section of the Alpine Fault. The Whataroa River offers a one-day white-water experience through three spectacular gorges. In Whataroa, nature watching and guided tours sit alongside a full day on the river.

Cycling, Water and Local History

The West Coast Wilderness Trail is a popular cycling attraction. The 136-kilometre route passes through Kumara, Hokitika and Ross and is designed as a four-day cycling trip. At Lake Kaniere, the calm water offers opportunities for water sports; its proximity to the State Highway is also cited as a reason to visit.

Hokitika hosts the annual Wildfoods Festival. The event offers a wide selection of native natural produce and unusual specialities. Dates and the programme may change, so check the event details if you are planning your stay around it.

In Ross, the Goldfields Information & Heritage Centre combines gold panning in the town centre with access to the DOC gold fossicking area at Jones Creek. Gold was first discovered there in 1865, and gold flakes are still found occasionally. Booking and operating details may change, so it is worth checking before a visit.

The West Coast as a Wider Travel Region

The West Coast is the western gateway to the Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. At this broader destination level, the Paparoa Track is also one of New Zealand’s ten Great Walks. This multi-day hiking route crosses alpine summits, limestone karst landscapes and lush rainforest—another kind of walking within the wider West Coast region.

Experiences to Guide Your Accommodation Search

In Westland District, options range from accessible short walks and challenging day hikes to guided nature experiences and activities on the water. This focus can help shape your daily plans, without suggesting that all places or trails promise the same kind of outing.

Discover More Destinations

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

Back to the main travel overview: West Coast.