Wooded surroundings and a dynamic glacier landscape define the area around Fox Glacier. This landscape is accessible by car and on foot from the State Highway. In the Westland District, discoveries range from glacier valleys and rainforest to quiet lakes, lagoons and places with a history of their own.
Glacier Landscapes and Walking Trails
In Fox Glacier Valley, walks and cycle rides offer different views of the glacial valley. Those interested in exploring the landscape on foot will also find trails with very different characteristics: the Lake Gault Track follows a historic walking route through an ancient rimu forest and offers panoramic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. By contrast, the Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Walk is a short stroll through rainforest with views of the Franz Josef Glacier valley.
At the more challenging end of the spectrum is the Roberts Point Track, a demanding day hike with views of the Franz Josef Glacier and the surrounding mountains. The shorter Peters Pool Walk leads through rainforest to a small cirque lake; the trail is described as short, easy and fully accessible. Reflections of the glacial valley and mountains are part of the scenery there. This gives you a choice between a short walk and a day hike, without suggesting that they offer the same kind of outing.
At Lake Matheson, too, the experience depends on conditions: on calm, clear days, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman are reflected in the still water. The lake has an easy loop walk. This combination of a trail and the possibility of seeing the reflections makes a visit especially appealing to anyone who wants to experience the landscape on foot, not just from a viewpoint.
Another short walking option is the Hokitika Gorge Walk. From the car park to a viewing platform, a wheelchair-accessible path runs for 150 metres one way and takes about four minutes. Access details may change after weather events or track work, so check before your visit.
Lagoons, Birdlife and 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 to observe the birds and landscape are available there. As operators and availability may change, it is worth checking tour options before your trip. Night tours are also offered in Ōkārito, giving visitors the chance to observe rowi (Okarito brown kiwi) in their natural habitat. More than 200 rowi live in Ōkārito; for these tours, too, check availability in advance.
Season matters in Whataroa: during the summer months, the settlement serves as a base for guided nature tours. The only breeding colony of kōtuku (white herons) in New Zealand is located on the banks of the Waitangiroto River. Tours also visit an exposed section of the Alpine Fault. On the Whataroa River, meanwhile, you can enjoy a one-day white-water experience through three gorges. The range of activities shows how much nature watching, geology and river experiences differ in focus.
Lake Kaniere offers opportunities for water sports; its calm water and proximity to the State Highway are cited as reasons. If you prefer travelling on two wheels, Kumara is part of the West Coast Wilderness Trail. The 136-kilometre cycle trail is described as a four-day ride and passes through Kumara, Hokitika and Ross. These places therefore also feature as part of a longer cycling route.
Local Stories and a Regional Perspective
In Ross, the Goldfields Information & Heritage Centre combines gold panning in the town centre with access to the DOC fossicking area at Jones Creek. Gold was first discovered there in 1865, and small flakes of gold are still occasionally found today. Booking and operating details may change, so checking before your visit is recommended.
Hokitika is also known for its annual Wildfoods Festival. Dates and programme details may change; if you plan to visit as part of the festival, check the latest event information. Alongside the landscape experiences and the history of gold mining, the festival offers another side of the destination.
In the wider West Coast destination, the Paparoa Track offers a distinct regional context: this multi-day route crosses remote alpine and coastal wilderness and is one of New Zealand’s ten Great Walks. It runs across alpine peaks, through limestone karst landscapes and lush rainforest. These landscapes describe the West Coast as a wider destination and should not be confused with the individual trails in the Westland District.
Discover more destinations: Fox Glacier, Whataroa, Haast, Hokitika, Franz Josef Glacier, Bruce Bay, Kokatahi, Kakapotahi, Otira, Okarito, Ross.
Back to the wider travel overview: West Coast.
