Westland Tai Poutini National Park — Attraction in South Island

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 1,320 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...

The hike up Alex Knob was delightful, yet strenuous. Accomplishable in 4.5 hours round trip when proceeding at a decent clip, yet well worth settling into some bushes for a couple hours at the top for cover from the wind to watch the clouds roll by with occasional glimpses at the incredible glacier.

My Toms were feeling their misuse by the end of this hike as the South Island terrain is testing them, yet I remain resolute and proud to continue to push their limits and enjoy the mocassin-like hiking which gives me a sense of connection and way to pay respects to native hikers of centuries past especially with the North American tribes that showed so much respect to the land and animals...

I chose to hike up till the glaciers as my heli-hike was cancelled. I walked all the way from my YHA hostel and took me 2 hours to reach all the last point. The walk itself is absolutely peaceful as you walk thought some of the native forests. I visited this place in early April, that particular day was super windy and I have never experienced such strong winds in my life! I was literally blown away! It was while hiking I really thanked god that the heli-hike was cancelled! Try to get here really early in the morning to avoid large crowds. With good fitness levels, you can hike up this place and be back in 1.5 hours (45...