Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Suggestions that the snowfields and glaciers of the region should be added to Aoraki/Mt
Cook National Park united West Coast support for its own national park. Westland Tai Pou-
tini National Park was subsequently gazetted on 29 March 1960.
During the 1970s the focus of conservation shifted to the lowland forests of the West
Coast, resulting in the 1982 addition of the southern part of Okarito State Forest and
Waikukupa State Forest. The park was further extended in 1983 to incorporate the complete
catchment of the Upper Karangarua Valley, thus establishing more natural boundaries and
securing an area with distinctive ecological and scenic values. Other additions were made to
the park in 2002, namely North Okarito and Saltwater State Forests.
Environment
Westland Tai Poutini has a very wet climate, the prevailing westerly pushing storms laden
with huge amounts of moisture across the Tasman Sea, and when they hit the high peaks of
the Southern Alps the resulting storms and rainfall can be impressive. The result is plenty of
snow and ice near the tops. In all, the park contains 60 named glaciers, two of which - Franz
Josef and Fox - are among the West Coast's best-known tourist attractions.
The lowlands are covered in dense rainforest, while nearer the coast are scenic lakes, wet-
lands and wide river mouths. Wading birds and other water-loving creatures thrive among
the wetlands. The threatened kamana (crested grebe) can be found on Lake Mapourika, and
Okarito Lagoon is famous for the stunning kotuku (white heron). In the heart of lowland
forest lives the only population of the endangered rowi - NZ's rarest kiwi. Kea are common
throughout the park, and the forest is filled with bird life.
8
Planning
INFORMATION SOURCES
The national park is attended by two DOC offices, the biggest of which is Westland Tai Pou-
tini National Park Visitor Centre & i-SITE (
Click here
)
, located in Franz Josef, the larger of
the two glacier towns. The other is South Westland Weheka Area Office (
Click here
) in Fox
Glacier. Both stock maps and brochures, assist with hut bookings, and hold current weather
forecasts. The former doubles as an i-SITE, and so offers a broader range of general travel
services.
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