Things to do in Westland Tai Poutini National Park
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Heli Hiking Franz Josef
by Viator
Combine a scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier with a two-hour guided walk amongst the ice caves, pinnacles and seracs of New Zealand's South Islan…Not LP reviewed
from USD$300.72 -
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Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Small group walks with experienced guides (boots, jackets and equipment supplied) are offered by Franz Josef Glacier Guides. Half-/full-day walks are $105/160 per adult (slightly cheaper for children). Full-day trips have around six hours on the ice, half-day trips up to two hours. Full-day ice-climbing trips ($250 including training) and three-hour helihikes with two hours on the ice ($390) are also available. Helihikes take you further up the glacier to explore blue-ice caves, seracs and pristine ice formations.
reviewed
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Across Country Quad Bikes
Fast-paced (and certainly noisy) are the four-wheeled outings from Across Country Quad Bikes. Rockin’ and rollin’ rainforest quad-bike trips (two hours, adult/child $150/75) are joined by off-road adventures on 8WD Argo amphibious vehicles (one hour, $60). Heliquad adventures (2½ hours, $395) traverse the mountains and coastline by air before taking on a remote West Coast beach.
reviewed
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Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight departing Franz Josef
by Viator
Fly over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers on this 30-minute helicopter flight.
Marvel at the mantle of pure white snow as you land at the head of either…Not LP reviewed
from USD$216.98 -
Franz Josef Mountain Scenic Helicopter Flight
by Viator
Experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier s…Not LP reviewed
from USD$300.72 -
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Skydive Glacier Country
With Fox Glacier’s backdrop of Southern Alps, rainforest and ocean, it’s hard to imagine a better place to jump out of a plane. Skydive Glacier Country is a professional outfit that challenges Isaac Newton with thrilling leaps from 12,000ft ($295) or 9000ft ($245). Digitise your terror with a DVD/photograph package ($180/35). Smile as you scream.
reviewed
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Priya’s
If you’re in dire need of a curry fix this is your best option in town. The atmosphere leaves much to be desired – harsh overhead fluorescent lights and a mini-bar with all the ambience of a takeaway-shop waiting area. The food on the other hand is full of flavour. Mouth- (and eye-) watering curries are the house speciality and they don’t disappoint.
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Glacier Hot Pools
Glacier Hot Pools is a welcome addition to town, setting a new standard for outdoor thermal bathing. Carved from the rainforest, this series of hot pools is the perfect après-hike or rainy-day activity. There are private pools ($40 per 45 minutes) and massages ($80 per half-hour) on offer if you want to really indulge.
reviewed
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Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight
by Viator
Depart Fox Glacier Village, fly over the legendary Fox Glacier and snowfields and watch the crevasses and ice forms race by below you. Land in the snow above th…Not LP reviewed
from USD$216.98 -
Franz Josef Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight
by Viator
The perfect opportunity to get up close to the glacier and touch snow. You'll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over Fox Glacier and experience the s…Not LP reviewed
from USD$163.68 Advertisement
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Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight departing Fox Glacier
by Viator
Fly over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers and marvel at the mantle of pure white snow as you land at the head of either the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.…Not LP reviewed
from USD$216.98 -
Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk
by Viator
This relaxing, interpretive walk to the glacier is the perfect opportunity to learn the role of the Franz Josef Glacier in shaping this remarkable landscape. Wi…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$50.63 -
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Plateau Café & Bar
Buzzy and sophisticated (for the West Coast anyway), Plateau combines snappy service with an eclectic menu, boutique Kiwi beers and an excellent wine list. Chill out on the wisteria-covered deck, or if the sky is grey, enjoy the lovely warm atmosphere inside.
reviewed
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Fox Glacier Mountain Scenic Helicopter Flight
by Viator
This premier 40-minute helicopter tour lets you experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps.
Discover the gigant…Not LP reviewed
from USD$300.72 -
Fox Glacier Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight
by Viator
The perfect opportunity to get up close to the glacier and touch snow. You'll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over Fox Glacier and experience the s…Not LP reviewed
from USD$163.68 -
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Alice May
At this rustic Nordic-style lodge transplanted from somewhere near the Arctic Circle there’s no smorgasbord on offer, but plenty of meaty meals like pork ribs and venison stew. Park yourself on a rustic barstool for happy hour (4pm to 7pm).
reviewed
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High Peaks Bar & Restaurant
Angled towards Mt Cook, High Peaks combines eating and drinking. Forget the calories, this is enjoyment food: steaks, pastas, fish and chips, roasts, chunky soups and stews. Have another Monteith’s and wait for the clouds to part.
reviewed
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Café Nevé
Smart choices on the menu include pizza and award-winning ways with beef and lamb, and there’s home-baked cookies and cakes available throughout the day. If you’re going for a wander grab one of the takeaway focaccia sandwiches.
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Full of Beans
This cruisy cafe offers superlative coffee – the best in town – and tasty homemade cakes from go to whoa. Good-value lunch offerings include burgers, Thai curry and chicken pies that are a particular favourite among locals.
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Guzzi’s
Choose your own toppings – including plenty of vegie options – at this bright yellow and purple pizza and takeaway shack with a matching cute-as-a-button delivery van. Plan to take away; Guzzi’s is sans seats.
reviewed
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Matheson Café
Near the shores of Lake Matheson, this cafe does everything right: slick interior design, inspiring mountain views, strong coffee and upmarket Kiwi fare. Get your sketchpad out and while away the afternoon.
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Small-Group Franz Josef Glacier Walk
by Viator
Be astounded by the natural beauty of the Franz Josef Glacier on a small-group glacier walk. Travel by helicopter to the pinnacles area of the glacier to explor…Not LP reviewed
from USD$201.75 -
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Cook Saddle Cafe & Saloon
The menu trots out every cowboy cliché – anyone for Lone Ranger Lamb? – but later at night it’s a more than an OK corral for locals and travellers.
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South Westland Horse Treks
Located 5km south of town, South Westland Horse Treks runs one- to six-hour equine excursions across farmland and remote beaches.
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Glacier Country Lake Tours
Join Glacier Country Lake Tours on placid Lake Mapourika. Fishing and ecotour excursions (1½ hours, $98) are both available.
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